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Science News for August 9, 2017


The ethics of animal research

A new review examines the evolution of animal experimentation ethics, providing strategies for teaching and alternatives like tissue cultures and computer modeling. Practical approaches are offered to improve ethical practices in animal research.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateAug 9, 2017

1 in 12 doctors accepts payment from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids

A new study found that nearly one in five family medicine physicians accepted payments from pharmaceutical companies related to opioids, while anesthesiologists received the most total annual payments. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may have a stronger hold on how doctors prescribe opioids than previously known.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 9, 2017

A battery-inspired strategy for carbon fixation

Researchers in Japan and China create a way to isolate solid carbon dust from gaseous carbon dioxide, yielding a promising approach to fix carbon in a stable form. The method also shows potential for treating atmospheric CO2 and scrubbing other harmful gases.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 9, 2017

The color of people's clothing affects lizard escape behavior

A study found that western fence lizards preferentially flee from dark blue T-shirts over other colors, suggesting they respond to the color itself rather than its detectability. The researchers suggest that this could have implications for animal conservation and ecotourism, where human clothing color may affect animal behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Researchers examine contaminants in hunted wildlife

A recent study analyzed feral pigs, gray squirrels, and waterfowl from uncontaminated and contaminated habitats to assess environmental contamination. Many waterfowl tissues exceeded safe consumption levels, posing health concerns for both birds and humans.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateAug 9, 2017

Increased risk of suicide, mental health conditions linked to sexual assault victimization

A meta-analysis of nearly 200 studies involving over 230,000 adults found a significant association between sexual assault and increased risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study suggests that sexual assault survivors are at higher risk of mental health problems regardle...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateAug 9, 2017

Men, not women, may be having fewer strokes

A recent study suggests that men may be experiencing a decline in stroke rates, with the rate decreasing by 31% for men compared to no change for women. The study, published in Neurology, analyzed data from 1.3 million adults and found that overall stroke rates declined significantly for men, but not for women.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 9, 2017

Environmental policy, pollution and economic growth

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that environmental regulations can reduce pollution emissions from urbanization without hindering economic growth. The study used annual data on air quality and economic indicators to assess the impact of stricter pollution standards, finding no negative effect on GDP.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 9, 2017

Landscapes give latitude to 2-D material designers

Rice University researchers have developed a method to control defects in 2-D materials, which can enhance their electronic, magnetic and optical properties. By growing atomic-thin sheets on curved substrates, they can manipulate the appearance of grain boundaries, which are critical in determining material behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 9, 2017

Older adults may need better follow-up after ER screenings for suicide

A study of older adults seen in emergency departments found that nearly half had visited an ED before their death, yet many did not receive mental health evaluation or treatment. The researchers concluded that improving responses to suicide risk detection and treatment for older adults are crucial to reducing deaths from suicide among ...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 9, 2017

Study shows universal vaccination has wiped out hepatitis B and associated liver cancer in Alaska's young people

A study shows that Alaska's universal hepatitis B vaccination programme has wiped out hepatitis B infection and liver cancer cases in the state's young people. The program, introduced in the 1980s, led to a significant decrease in acute symptomatic HBV infection and liver cancer cases among Alaskan Native children, with no reported cas...

Spider peptides battle superbugs and cancer

Researchers have improved the properties of an AMP from a spider, making it more effective against bacteria and cancer cells. The modified peptide was found to be 10 times better at killing most bacteria than the previous cyclic form, while also selectively targeting certain types of cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateAug 9, 2017

Identifying a new type of liver tumor

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have successfully defined a rare pediatric malignant liver disease, HEMNOS, which showed positive treatment outcomes when treated like hepatoblastoma. The study found that all patients survived and achieved remission despite being considered high risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalHistopathology·DateAug 9, 2017

Mapping the brain

Neurobiologists have reconstructed nerve cells and synapses in a larval brain, revealing new circuit connection patterns that will aid future research on brain function. The project represents a significant contribution to the creation of a complete wiring diagram of the Drosophila larvae's brain.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Study compares treatment and outcomes in asthma patients in 2 countries

A study of over 3000 asthma patients in Australia and New Zealand found that while more expensive medication was used in Australia, similar treatment outcomes were achieved despite better adherence to medication in the cheaper-medicine country. The findings suggest that policy differences play a significant role in asthma management.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateAug 9, 2017

Transforming skin cells to insulin

Researchers at the University of Bergen have successfully transformed skin puncture cells from diabetes patients into insulin-producing cells. The goal is to transplant these cells under the skin, potentially replacing insulin shots and blood sugar measurements.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2017

What it takes to recover from drought

A study found that drought recovery depends on post-drought weather conditions and location. In general, most areas recover in under six months, while high-latitude regions need up to two years. Climate models predict more frequent droughts, which could lead to a double whammy effect if ecosystems are hit before they recover.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2017

Weight loss surgery's effects on bone marrow fat and bone mass

Increases in bone marrow fat are associated with a decline in bone density after gastric bypass surgery, while improvements in blood sugar control are linked to reduced marrow fat levels. The study suggests that weight loss and blood sugar metabolism may influence bone health through changes in bone marrow fat.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 9, 2017

Analysis highlights failings in US's advanced nuclear program

A new study reveals the US Office of Nuclear Energy's budget history, showing a lack of effective allocation of resources and failure to support innovative research. The researchers recommend a new approach with stricter programmatic discipline and transparent evaluation processes to identify promising reactor concepts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 9, 2017

Supporting women's autonomy in prenatal testing

The Hastings Center recommends adopting reimbursement policies and guidelines to support clinicians in providing informed consent for prenatal genetic testing. The authors also suggest funding education and counseling approaches to help patients make decisions about testing.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2017

Managers can help prevent employees from working while sick

A new study reveals that managerial support can help workaholics avoid attending work when sick and address work-family conflict. By recognizing the harm of presenteeism, managers can train themselves to develop protective factors against this phenomenon.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology·DateAug 9, 2017