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Science News for August 21, 2017


In Neptune, it's raining diamonds

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf simulated the conditions inside Neptune and found diamonds forming in real time using an ultra-strong X-ray laser. The study provides insights into the planet's chemical makeup and has potential applications for electronic instruments, medical procedures, and industrial production.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 21, 2017

Our brains do change from early to mid-adulthood

Researchers found significant microstructural changes in brain structure from early to mid-adulthood, allowing for accurate age estimation. These changes were associated with cognitive decline and disease, but the link to old-age cognitive decline is unclear.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 21, 2017

Dino-killing asteroid could have thrust Earth into 2 years of darkness

Scientists estimate that a massive asteroid impact could have triggered 2 years of darkness on Earth, shutting down photosynthesis and drastically cooling the planet. The research found that soot in the atmosphere would have blocked sunlight, causing a steep decline in average temperatures.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Hidden river once flowed beneath Antarctic ice

A Rice University study reveals that flowing liquid water below the Antarctic ice appears to play a pivotal role in determining the fate of Antarctic ice streams. The research used sediment cores and precise seafloor maps to uncover an extensive, uncovered, water-carved channel connected to subglacial lakes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 21, 2017

CHEO researchers identify practices leading to safer outcomes in procedural sedation for children

Researchers at CHEO identified sedation medications and practices associated with the best clinical outcomes, making ketamine-alone a logical choice for providing procedural sedation to children. The study found that choice of sedation medication had the biggest impact on the incidence of adverse events.

Post-whaling recovery of Southern Hemisphere

Researchers use complex ecosystem model to predict whale numbers by 2100, finding some species will not recover, while others like humpbacks are expected to make full recovery. Southern Hemisphere whaling has led to slow growth rates and reduced populations in several species.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateAug 21, 2017

McLean researchers uncover security issues with health apps for dementia patients

A recent study by McLean Hospital researchers highlights the need for better security and privacy measures in health apps designed for dementia patients. The paper found that many apps collect user-generated content without adequate protection, posing a risk to patients' sensitive information. Clinicians are urged to educate themselves...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2017

Link between cells associated with aging and bone loss

Researchers discovered a causal link between senescent cells and age-related bone loss in mice. Targeting these cells increased bone mass and strength. The study's findings suggest that senolytic drugs may have widespread application in treating multiple chronic diseases, including osteoporosis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

A holodeck for flies, fish and mice

Researchers develop a virtual reality system that decouples movement from perception in animals, allowing for the study of spatial cognition. The system is used to test various behaviors, including navigation, fear response and collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

Evolutionary arms 'chase'

A recent study challenged the conventional view of coevolution between plants and herbivores, suggesting that plants' defensive traits, rather than their genetic relationships, are key factors in determining which species herbivores target. This new paradigm proposes that herbivores may 'chase' or switch hosts based on the plant's defe...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Into the wild for plant genetics

Researchers at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew detail for the first time the opportunities for plant sciences with portable real-time DNA sequencing. By sequencing random pieces of the genome in the field, accurate species identification is possible within a few hours of collecting a specimen.

SourceRoyal Botanic Gardens Kew·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2017

When fish swim in the holodeck

Scientists have developed a system called FreemoVR, which immerses freely-moving animals in a reactive, three-dimensional world controlled by a computer. This allows researchers to study complex interactions of neurons in different brain regions while maintaining natural sensory input and feedback.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 21, 2017

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may fight infectious disease

Duke scientists discovered a gene variant linked to susceptibility to typhoid fever and found that cholesterol-lowering drug ezetimibe protected zebrafish against Salmonella Typhi. The study provides insight into human susceptibility to infectious disease and potential avenues for protection.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Harvard-Osher integrative medicine's mind-body partnership with JACM

The Harvard-Osher Center for Integrative Medicine has partnered with The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) to showcase cutting-edge mind-body research. Recent studies explored the impact on telomere length, group-based clinical interventions, and electronic apps for veterans' mental health.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateAug 21, 2017

Racial stereotypes influence perception of NFL quarterbacks

Recent research by University of Colorado Boulder professor Patrick Ferrucci reveals that racial stereotypes continue to shape public perception of NFL quarterbacks, with black players often being described in terms of physical strength and natural ability. The studies found that social identity theory and implicit racial bias contribu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalHoward Journal of Communications·DateAug 21, 2017

Virus reprograms ocean plankton

Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered a virus that can reprogram ocean plankton to absorb certain nutrients, potentially affecting carbon storage in the ocean. The study found that infected phytoplankton cells become more competitive and grow faster before being killed by the virus.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2017

Systematically studying slippery surfaces

Japanese researchers investigated the effects of charged group spacer length on hydration state in polymer brushes, revealing a clearer picture of the relationship between structure and properties. The results show that hydration states are independent of chain spacer length, with water uptake not affected by this parameter.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 21, 2017

Why tiger snakes are on a winner

Researchers have discovered that Australian tiger snake venom is highly conserved across species, making the corresponding antivenom effective against many other snake bites. This finding has significant human medical benefits and upends a long-held theory on venom evolution.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology·DateAug 21, 2017

Overcoming the last line of antibiotic resistance against bacterial infections

Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria causing severe infections, has developed mechanisms to evade the human immune system. Researchers have identified various tactics used by S. aureus to slow down neutrophil migration, impede priming, and even kill neutrophils. Understanding these strategies can lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 21, 2017

Sedentary behavior increases risk of death for frail, inactive adults

A new study published in CMAJ found that sedentary time increases the risk of death for middle-aged and older people who are frail and inactive. However, this association was not observed among nonfrail adults who were inactive. The study suggests that physicians should stress the harms of inactivity with patients to encourage movement.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 21, 2017