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Science News for December 13, 2017


Doing without dark energy

Three mathematicians argue that Einstein's General Relativity theory predicts cosmic acceleration due to an instability, contradicting the need for dark energy. The unstable Friedmann space-time exhibits accelerating local space-times with similar cosmic accelerations as dark energy theories.

Study reveals high relationship quality in same-sex couples

A new study of 25,348 individuals in the UK and 9,206 in Australia found similar levels of relationship quality among gay/lesbian couples as heterosexual counterparts. The study provides evidence against common misconceptions about same-sex relationships being conflictual or unhappy.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 13, 2017

Healthy eating linked to kids' happiness

A study published in BMC Public Health found that healthy eating is associated with better self-esteem and fewer emotional problems in children, regardless of body weight. The study analyzed data from over 7,600 children in eight European countries and found that adherence to healthy dietary guidelines was linked to improved wellbeing.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateDec 13, 2017

Catching radical molecules before they disappear

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

A lithium-ion battery inspired by safety glass

Researchers have modified lithium-ion batteries to include slits along the electrodes, potentially mitigating battery failure during automobile accidents. The prototype improved energy density and reduced housing material costs, offering a safer alternative for electric vehicles.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateDec 13, 2017

Father's rejection may increase child's social anxiety, loneliness

Researchers found that father rejection predicted increases in social anxiety, which in turn led to more loneliness in adolescents. Forming good relationships with parents is essential for an adolescent's well-being, with thriving friendships associated with better psychological health and academic performance.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateDec 13, 2017

Racial, political identities influence how people view cause of deadly police encounters

A recent study by University of Kansas researchers found that people's racial and political identities strongly influence how they view the causes of deadly police encounters. African Americans, liberals, and Democrats generally attribute fatal encounters to broader problems in policing. The researchers recommend that police department...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateDec 13, 2017

Synchrony of waves

Endocytic waves initiated by clathrin emerge in some cell populations and are temporally related to downstream waves of F-BAR and other actin regulating proteins. This study reveals the link between endocytosis and generation of cortical actin waves, providing insight into how cells maintain plasma membrane composition.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 13, 2017

Researchers induced a form of synesthesia with hypnosis

Researchers from University of Turku successfully induced a functional analogue of synaesthesia in the brain using hypnosis. The study confirms previous results and shows that hypnosis can rapidly trigger visual hallucinations and induce a form of synaesthesia, offering new insights into cognitive neuroscience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2017

Crowding in the skin

Researchers found that local stress induced by crowding leads to differentiation, triggering the movement of stem cells upwards in the tissue. This mechanism helps maintain balanced numbers of stem and differentiated cells, ensuring proper skin function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 13, 2017

How do bacteria adapt?

Researchers developed a model that explains how bacteria adapt to environmental changes, such as temperature and nutrient availability. The study found that the adaptation mechanism is based on a global strategy for redistributing resources, which allows bacteria to survive in fluctuating environments.

Scientists develop new artificial ovary prototype

Belgian researchers have created a new artificial ovary prototype that resembles human ovarian tissue in terms of architecture and rigidity. The fibrin-based design could be used for ovary transplant, providing alternatives for women with infertility or cancer patients unable to conceive after treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateDec 13, 2017

Microbes help turn Greek yogurt waste into fuel

Researchers use bacteria to convert leftover sugars and acids from Greek yogurt into molecules that can be used in biofuels or safe feedstock additives. The process produces valuable chemicals, including green antimicrobials and potential drop-in biofuels for jet fuel.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateDec 13, 2017

That feeling in your bones

Researchers analyzed millions of doctor visits to find no correlation between rainfall and painful joints or sore backs. Despite the lack of evidence, many people still believe that certain symptoms are forecasted by weather conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2017

Small increases in complications when knee replacement done as outpatient procedure

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that outpatient total knee replacement surgery is associated with a higher risk of certain complications, including infections, repeat surgery, and blood clots. Patients undergoing outpatient TKA were more likely to experience joint-related complications and medical ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 13, 2017

Research letter examines firefighters and skin cancer risk

A recent study examined the skin cancer history and habits of active Florida firefighters. The research found that 4.5% of participants had skin cancer, with a significantly higher frequency of melanoma (0.7%) compared to the general U.S. population. Non-work-related sun exposure may be contributing to this increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 13, 2017

Voices and emotions: The forehead is the key

Researchers at the University of Geneva discovered the brain regions used to categorize emotions communicated vocally, highlighting the crucial role of the frontal lobe. The study found that the inferior frontal cortex is activated when categorizing and discriminating emotions from voices.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 13, 2017

Checklist and coaching program in India markedly improved childbirth care but did not reduce death rate

A new study in India found that a checklist and coaching intervention significantly improved the quality of care during labor and delivery, with major gains in proper administration of oxytocin, initiation of breastfeeding, and skin-to-skin contact. However, despite these improvements, death rates remained unchanged.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 13, 2017

How well can digital assistants answer questions on sex?

A recent study found that digital assistants on smartphones are less effective than laptop-based Google searches in providing quality sexual health advice. The researchers tested Siri and Google Assistant with 50 questions and compared their answers to laptop-based Google searches, finding that Google performed better in most cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2017

Owning a pet does not seem to influence signs of aging

A recent study published in The BMJ found no evidence that pet ownership is linked to improved physical or psychological functioning in older adults. In fact, researchers analyzed data from over 8,700 adults and found no association between pet ownership and biomarkers of healthy aging.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2017

'The mountains can drive us to madness'

Researchers at Eurac Research and Medical University of Innsbruck have identified a new medical entity: isolated high-altitude psychosis. The condition is characterized by psychotic episodes in extreme altitudes, often accompanied by hallucinations and disorientation.

SourceEurac Research·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 13, 2017

Habitat counts when predators lurk

Researchers found individual prey had a roughly 40% likelihood of being consumed regardless of habitat complexity, but predators preferred certain prey in open environments. Habitat complexity dampened selection and equalized predation risk among active and sedentary prey.

SourceRice University·JournalEthology·DateDec 13, 2017

Coffee physics

Princeton researchers studied the formation of layers in cafe lattes, discovering that double-diffusive convection is the primary mechanism behind this phenomenon. The study's findings have implications for industrial flows and mixing procedures, as well as understanding heat- and salinity-dependent flows in oceans.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2017

Malignant mitochondria as a target

A metallopeptide has been synthesized to target and disrupt mitochondrial function in breast cancer stem cells, inducing apoptosis. The peptide effectively delivers ROS and impairs mitochondrial metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

New active ingredients from the toolbox

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have successfully designed non-ribosomal peptide synthetases to produce completely new natural products. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel therapeutics and peptides with improved yields and modified structures, offering new avenues for biotechnology and drug development.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 13, 2017