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Science News for January 3, 2017


Maternal depression across the first years of life impacts children's neural basis of empathy

A study found that maternal depression in early childhood increases children's susceptibility to psychopathology and social-emotional problems. Mother-child interaction patterns also play a crucial role in this effect. Improving mother-child interactions may help reduce the effects of maternal depression on children's development.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2017

Not all Europeans receive the same care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers found substantial inequities in care practices for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients across seven European countries. The standard of care for DMD typically includes corticosteroid medication, physiotherapy, regular echocardiograms, and regular check-ups, but adherence to guidelines was low, particularly among non-...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateJan 3, 2017

Rice U probes ways to turn cement's weakness to strength

Researchers at Rice University have made breakthroughs in understanding how concrete responds to stress at the atomic level. By studying the internal structure of tobermorite, they found that defects can lead to increased strength and toughness by allowing layers to glide past each other.

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

Deeper than obesity: A majority of people is now overfat

Researchers estimate that up to 76 percent of the world's population is overfat, including normal-weight individuals with increased risk factors for chronic disease. The study suggests a new pandemic has quietly overtaken the world, and argues for a change in global health efforts against chronic and metabolic diseases.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJan 3, 2017

New research examines trends in radiology journal publications relating to patient-centered care

Recent years have seen a substantial increase in articles within radiology journals addressing patient-centered care, with only a limited number of journals publishing multiple original research articles. The study identified four journals that had published more than one original research article on the topic.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJan 3, 2017

Random access memory on a low energy diet

Researchers from Dresden and Basel have developed a novel memory chip concept that can store data magnetically without continuous refreshing, reducing energy consumption and heat generation. The breakthrough uses an electrical voltage instead of current to activate the magnetic material, enabling more efficient data storage.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2017

Economics made simple with physics models

Researchers have applied physics models to understand economic systems, but results show that universal features may be the exception rather than the rule. Econophysics has led to discoveries like the inverse cubic law describing stock price fluctuations.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Techniques and Instrumentation·DateJan 3, 2017

Nanowire 'inks' enable paper-based printable electronics

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method for printing conductive films using silver nanowire inks, eliminating the need for heat. The resulting printed electronics can be used in various applications such as solar cells, displays, and implantable bio-electronic devices.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 3, 2017

Study shows new global evidence of the role of humans, urbanization in rapid evolution

A recent study examining 1,600 instances of phenotypic change worldwide shows that urbanization is affecting the genetic makeup of species crucial to ecosystem health. The research highlights the importance of understanding human-induced trait changes and their implications for ecological and human well-being.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2017

Will climate change leave tropical birds hung out to dry?

A University of Illinois study found that 19 out of 20 tropical bird species in Panama may experience significantly fewer birds if conditions become drier, due to longer dry seasons and more intense seasonal droughts. The scaly-throated leaftosser is the only species that tends to increase with dryer conditions.

New study finds EPA and DHA omega-3s lower risk of coronary heart disease

A new study has found that increasing intake of EPA and DHA omega-3s can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly among populations with high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from 93,000 and 732,000 subjects across 18 randomized controlled trials and 16 prospective cohort studies.

SourceGOED·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 3, 2017

Medicare bundled-payments model cut joint replacement costs by more than 20 percent

The study found that bundled payment models can reduce healthcare costs without compromising quality, with a 20.8% decrease in average cost for joint replacements and improved post-acute care spending. The hospital system's use of evidence-based data and incentivizing physicians also played a key role in achieving these savings.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 3, 2017

The beating heart of solar energy

Researchers found that small solar cells under the skin can generate enough power to fully charge pacemakers or extend their lifespan. This technology has the potential to reduce device replacements and size, saving patients discomfort and stress.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 3, 2017

Inflammation halts fat-burning

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that inflammation in abdominal fat blocks fat-burning by inhibiting cGMP signaling. Administering cGMP-stimulating active ingredients may be a possible starting point for treating obesity and preventing related complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 3, 2017

Childhood poverty can rob adults of psychological health

A study by Cornell University researcher Gary Evans found that children from poor backgrounds are more likely to develop antisocial behavior, helplessness, and chronic physiological stress as adults. Early intervention and increasing poor families' incomes can help mitigate these issues.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2017

The researchers created a tiny laser using nanoparticles

Researchers at Aalto University developed a plasmonic nanolaser that operates at visible light frequencies and uses dark lattice modes, allowing for ultrafast and tiny coherent light sources. The nanolaser uses silver nanoparticles arranged in a periodic array, which radiate in unison to produce high-intensity laser light.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2017