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Science News for August 3, 2017


Two sides to this energy story

Researchers at Rice University have developed a catalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a potential solution for renewable energy. The catalyst uses laser-induced graphene, a low-cost material, to produce large bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen simultaneously.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2017

Cognitive hearing aid filters out the noise

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have made a breakthrough in auditory attention decoding (AAD) methods, bringing cognitively controlled hearing aids closer to reality. The new system can automatically separate individual speakers from a mixture, determine which speaker the user is listening t...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateAug 3, 2017

Study finds climate plays role in decline of one of Asia's most critical water resources

A Kansas State University researcher found that climate variability, not the Three Gorges Dam, is the primary cause of a water supply decline in East Asia's largest floodplain lake system. The study found that 80% of the observed lake decline is due to simultaneous climate variability closely related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.

SourceKansas State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 3, 2017

NIH awards grant for research to advance emergency care

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a grant to advance emergency care in Southern California. The Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN), led by LA BioMed, aims to conduct large-scale clinical trials to improve patient outcomes for cardiac arrest, trauma, and other medical emergencies.

Carbon conversion

A Caltech team has identified a new additive that selectively converts CO2 into fuels containing multiple carbon atoms, including ethylene, ethanol, and propanol. The reaction resulted in an 80% conversion rate, with only 20% going into hydrogen and methane.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalDNA Research·DateAug 3, 2017

SNMMI publishes appropriate use criteria for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in abdominal pain

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for hepatobiliary scintigraphy in abdominal pain. The new guidelines aim to ensure cost-effective and appropriate utilization of advanced diagnostic imaging services, helping referring physicians make informed decisions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

Arts engagement can help counter divisions in society

A new study by psychologists at the University of Kent shows that arts engagement predicts 'prosociality' and volunteering. The research found that people's greater engagement in the arts was more strongly associated with charitable giving and volunteering than demographic variables such as age, education, or income.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Current threats to our oceans are revealed

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals current threats to ocean health, including climate change, marine plastic pollution, and conservation efforts. The research also highlights the importance of integrated coastal zone management and marine protected areas in mitigating these issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Swearing is a sign of the times

A recent study by San Diego State University researchers found that the use of swear words in books has increased significantly over time, reflecting a growing value on individual freedom. The study analyzed tens of thousands of books published between 1950 and 2008 and discovered a steadily rising trend of taboo words being used.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSAGE Open·DateAug 3, 2017

Prediciting TB's behavior

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that molecular tests detecting genetic mutations rendering TB resistant to drugs may be equally reliable as traditional culture-based tests in predicting treatment outcomes. The research, led by Harvard Medical School scientists, used cough secretion samples from 171 patients ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 3, 2017

Man versus (synthesis) machine

Researchers used active machine learning to discover new conditions for synthesizing gigantic polyoxometalate molecules. The algorithm outperformed human experimenters, covering a broader range of the 'crystallization space' and discovering unexpected crystals.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 3, 2017

Countering atopic dermatitis immune reactions

Researchers from Hokkaido University successfully treated mice with atopic dermatitis using HLA-G1, a protein that inhibits immune responses. The treatment showed marked improvement in skin lesions and reduced immune response compared to untreated mice.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateAug 3, 2017

The biology of color

A new study synthesizes advances in animal coloration research, including digital imaging and large-scale comparative analyses, revealing the complex biological trait's function and patterns of evolution. Key findings include understanding how animals perceive and produce color, as well as its integration with other sensory information.

The biology of color

New research reveals coloration's significance in individual survival and reproduction, influencing camouflage, mate choice, and social signaling. The study also explores the evolution of color production and perception across species.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017

Gaining weight between pregnancies boosts diabetes risk

A Norwegian study found that increasing Body Mass Index above one unit from first to second pregnancy drastically increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with BMI less than 25 in first pregnancy showed a strongest risk associated with weight gain, while overweight women who reduced their BMI by more ...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 3, 2017

New injectable antiretroviral treatment proved to be as effective as standard oral therapy

A Phase II clinical trial found that an injectable antiretroviral treatment was as effective as standard oral therapy in suppressing viral loads in HIV patients. The treatment, which involves a combination of carbotegravir and rilpivirine injected every 4 or 8 weeks, showed improved adherence rates and quality of life for patients.