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Science News for February 15, 2017


Emotions are cognitive, not innate, researchers conclude

New York University researchers LeDoux and Brown argue that emotions arise from a general cortical network of cognition, similar to conscious experiences. They propose a higher-order theory of emotional consciousness, challenging existing theories that consider emotions as innately programmed in the brain.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2017

Flat-footed fighters

A University of Utah study found that heel-down posture in great apes and humans is beneficial for fighting due to increased swinging force. This stance allows for more efficient application of rotational force, enabling physical competition to be costly and demanding peak performance from the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiology Open·DateFeb 15, 2017

Radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer increases the risk of second primary lung cancer

A new study has found that radiotherapy for invasive breast cancer increases the risk of developing second primary lung cancer. The research, conducted in Taiwan, involved analyzing data from over 986,000 patients with breast cancer between 2000 and 2010. The results showed a significant increase in lung cancer incidence among women wh...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 15, 2017

How depression can muddle thinking

People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateFeb 15, 2017

Study of over 700,000 births shows increased risk of poor outcomes, including death, for babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of preterm birth, Caesarean section, and cardiac malformations. The study also revealed an increased risk of death for newborns born to mothers with insulin-treated gestational diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 15, 2017

Researchers pinpoint watery past on Mars

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have identified a Martian valley with evidence of recent flooding, indicating water may have been present near Mars' equator in the not-too-distant past. This finding makes this location a potential geological target for detecting past life forms on the Red Planet.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

GM foods: Why presenting 'just the facts' won't work

A new study from the University of Adelaide found that women's attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) foods are influenced by multiple factors, including science background and values. Women with scientific backgrounds used evidence to support their stance, but others saw 'unknown' risks, leading to a lack of trust in science.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew Genetics and Society·DateFeb 15, 2017

Researchers find autism biomarkers in infancy

A study published in Nature found that brain imaging biomarkers at 6 and 12 months can accurately predict which infants will develop autism spectrum disorder by 24 months. The predictive power of the findings may inform the development of a diagnostic tool for ASD, potentially intervening earlier to improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·DateFeb 15, 2017

New method uses heat flow to levitate variety of objects

Researchers used a temperature gradient to levitate ceramic, polyethylene spheres, glass bubbles, ice particles, lint strands and thistle seeds in a vacuum chamber for over an hour. The method achieved radial and vertical stability, expanding possibilities for particle dynamics and interactions in microgravity environments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

Is a stretchable smart tablet in our future?

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a stretchable integrated circuit made entirely using an inkjet printer, enabling the potential for inexpensive mass production of smart fabric. The material can be produced on a standard printer and has applications in wearable electronics and soft robotics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 15, 2017

Illuminating the contacts

Researchers used super-resolution imaging to map the organization of cadherin-based adhesions in cells. The study revealed a multi-layered structure with compartments separated by an interface layer containing vinculin, which plays a key role in fine-tuning mechanical properties.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 15, 2017

Patient-centered health systems network holds promise for translational research

The Learning Health System Network (LHSNet) has outlined its approach to improving patient-centered clinical care through translational research. The network, involving nine health organizations and nearly 10 million patients, focuses on integrating stakeholders to inform research that aligns with patients' priorities.

SourceMedica Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateFeb 15, 2017

Bursting pods

Researchers design a pod-like casing with liquid-crystal elastomers and molecular switches, demonstrating the ability to produce powerful movement at the molecular level. The device uses light-triggered re-arrangement of molecular switches to drive twisting helices in opposing directions, resulting in the bursting of the casing.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 15, 2017

A cultural catch

A UCSB scholar examines the evolution of wooden halibut hooks carved by native people of the Northwest Coast, tracing their design and dimensions over time. The study reveals that the hooks' transformation from utilitarian tool to expression of cultural heritage has driven changes in materials, dimension, and meaning.

Fasting mimicking diet reduces risk factors for aging and multiple age-related disease

A randomized Phase II clinical trial demonstrated that ProLon targets the aging process, reducing risk factors for age-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease in humans. The study found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, total body fat, and inflammation, while increasing relative lean body mass.

SourceCrier Communications, Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2017

Good vibrations help reveal molecular details

Rice University researchers have developed a new method to analyze molecules in biomembranes, called SABERS. It uses plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to extract structural details from unlabeled molecules. The technique was tested on three structures and found the surfactant layer tilted by 25 degrees.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

Study: Experimental malaria vaccine plus chloroquine protects against controlled infection

An experimental malaria vaccine strategy, PfSPZ-CVac, combined with antimalarial medication protected all nine clinical trial volunteers given three high-dose vaccinations. The vaccine induced a response from T cells and identified 22 malaria parasite proteins that could be the targets of protective immune responses.

A new spin on electronics

Researchers at TUM and Kyoto University demonstrated the transport of spin information in a unique boundary layer between lanthanum-aluminate and strontium-titanate materials. This breakthrough enables the potential for novel functionality in spin electronic components, overcoming limitations in traditional semiconductor technology.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 15, 2017

Laissez-faire is not good enough for reforestation

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that tropical tree species rely on bird dispersal for seed spread, but this process is limited to short distances. As a result, reforestation efforts may require active planting of these species to achieve successful restoration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 15, 2017

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute identified autophagy as a key process linking mild stress to improved survival and reduced protein aggregation. The study provides new avenues for treatments of neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2017

Deep reefs unlikely to save shallow coral reefs

A new study suggests that deep coral reefs are unlikely to 'reseed' shallow reefs, contradicting previous hopes for their recovery. The research found that the genetic similarity between coral populations varies greatly between species on a reef, making it difficult for deep reefs to aid shallow reefs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 15, 2017

Survival rate may be improving for extremely preterm infants

Researchers found that survival rates increased from 30% to 36% among over 4,000 extremely preterm infants born between 2000 and 2011. Additionally, the proportion of survivors without neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. The authors attribute these improvements to advances in prenatal care and antenatal steroids.

Scheme's success at stopping mums-to-be smoking

A new study found that pregnant women who were supported to quit smoking through the 'BabyClear' programme had heavier, healthier babies. The programme, which screens all pregnant women for smoking using carbon monoxide monitoring, led to a doubling of the number of women who quit smoking during pregnancy.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalTobacco Control·DateFeb 15, 2017

Size matters when it comes to keeping blood sugar levels in check

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that changes in the size of mitochondria in a small subset of brain cells play a crucial role in maintaining safe blood sugar levels. The researchers discovered that these mitochondrial changes are critical for activating counter-regulatory responses to hypoglycemia, which can help prevent...

SourceYale University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 15, 2017

Bioinvasion on the rise

A recent study found that 37% of all recorded alien species have been introduced globally over the past few decades, with new introductions increasing at an alarming rate. Climate change is expected to lead to further invasions as non-native plants adapt to new environments.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2017

When does a man say 'I'm the father'?

A study analyzing 5.4 million births found that men are more likely to acknowledge paternity when the mother has good health, education, and private insurance. This can lead to better birth outcomes for children, including higher Apgar scores and lower rates of complications.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateFeb 15, 2017