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Science News for December 14, 2017


Insight into how infants learn to walk

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 10-week-old babies who practiced 'reflex walking' showed a stronger brain response when watching humans walk compared to those who didn't. The study suggests that experience can refine the perception of biological motion in early infancy.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 14, 2017

Clearing the air

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding the Criegee intermediate, a key chemical able to break down sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The research improves models for atmospheric chemistry and validates a major theory for predicting chemical reactivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Finding a lethal parasite's vulnerabilities

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a molecule that can suppress the lethal form of infection in a mouse model of Strongyloides stercoralis. By using this molecule, they were able to prevent the formation of larvae that trigger a persistent cycle of infection in the host.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Suicidal thoughts rapidly reduced with ketamine, finds study

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a sedative in reducing suicidal thoughts in depressed patients, with improvements occurring within hours. The treatment showed promise as a rapidly acting treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with depression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2017

MIT scientists prove tailgating doesn't get you there faster

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL team show that keeping an equal distance between cars reduces traffic jams, enabling drivers to reach their destinations almost twice as quickly. The approach, known as bilateral control, could be achieved through software and hardware updates, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateDec 14, 2017

Revealing the best-kept secrets of proteins

Scientists at Salk Institute develop novel approach to discover critical contacts on proteins, uncovering new functions for well-studied proteins. The technique has significant implications for therapeutic drug development, which relies heavily on physical interaction with cellular targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenetics·DateDec 14, 2017

Drinking hot tea every day linked to lower glaucoma risk

A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that drinking hot tea at least once a day is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing glaucoma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 US adults and found that hot tea-drinkers were 74% less likely to have glaucoma compared to non-tea drinkers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateDec 14, 2017

Conserving the forests

A new study estimates that sustainability certification significantly reduced deforestation in Indonesian plantations, saving 21 square kilometers of forests from destruction. However, the actual area conserved was surprisingly small, and more robust protection is necessary to effectively conserve tropical forests.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Autism traits increase thoughts of suicide in people with psychosis

Research led by Professor Stephen Wood at Orygen found that individuals with autism traits and psychosis are at a greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. The study suggests that identifying autism traits can help identify those most at risk of suicide, highlighting the need for better training and assessments.

SourceOrygen·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateDec 14, 2017

Bioluminescent succinate detection monitors dioxygenases and JMJC demethylases

A new homogeneous assay detects succinate using luminescence, enabling the investigation of a large number of structurally conserved enzymes belonging to the Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily. This method has significant applications in dioxygenase research and has the potential to impact human diseases.

Behavior of millions still shaped by Industrial Revolution

Researchers found that people living in former industrial heartlands are more prone to negative emotions, impulsive behaviors, and struggle with planning and self-motivation. This psychological adversity is thought to be the result of selective migrations during mass industrialization and its social effects on work and living conditions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 14, 2017

Mild traumatic brain injury causes long-term damage in mice

Researchers found that mild traumatic brain injury can lead to lifelong degenerative changes, including learning and working memory impairment. Studies on mice revealed ongoing neuroinflammation and neuron projection degeneration after a single or repetitive TBI, with some animals showing motor deficits.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 14, 2017

Climate scientists study the odds of a US megadrought

Researchers developed a statistical model to understand the frequency and severity of megadroughts in the western US. They analyzed tree ring evidence from 800 to 1300 A.D. and found that megadroughts occur naturally, with some events potentially linked to solar activity or other non-climatic factors.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateDec 14, 2017

Music streaming sites benefit indie singers at the expense of top 100 artists

A new study reveals that Spotify significantly increases exposure and access to lesser-known indie artists while decreasing consumption of top 100 artists. The study monitored the music consumption habits of over 5,000 users for 2.5 years, finding a 62% increase in unique artists listened to within two weeks of joining Spotify.

New research linking cancer-inhibiting proteins to cell antennae

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer-inhibiting proteins regulate signaling molecules. The study found that primary cilia, or cellular antennae, play a crucial role in balancing PDGFRα signaling, preventing excessive receptor activation that can lead to brain and gastrointestinal t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 2017

Clinical trial does not support the use of bortezomib for kidney transplant recipients

A randomized clinical trial of bortezomib in late antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection found no improvement in transplanted kidney function or prevention of immunologic tissue injury. The treatment was also linked with adverse effects, ruling out its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 14, 2017

Baylor study: Bosses who 'phone snub' their employees risk losing trust, engagement

A new study from Baylor University finds that supervisors who constantly check their phones while meeting with employees lose their trust and lead to decreased employee engagement. The research reveals that this behavior can lead to a 5% decrease in employee engagement and lower levels of psychological meaningfulness, availability, and...

SourceBaylor University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 14, 2017

Intervention offered in school readiness program boosts children's self-regulation skills

A daily self-regulation intervention added to a summer kindergarten readiness program significantly improved children's self-regulation skills and early academic skills. The intervention, co-developed by OSU researcher Megan McClelland, uses music and games to help preschoolers learn and practice self-regulation skills.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2017

Do bullies have more sex?

A study by Provenzano found that adolescents with lower 'Honesty-Humility' scores tend to use bullying tactics to pursue more sexual partners. They may strategically manipulate others to display traits like strength and dominance, attracting the opposite sex and gaining an advantage in intra-sexual competition.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateDec 14, 2017

High success rate reported for diabetic Charcot foot surgery

A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateDec 14, 2017