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Science News for July 10, 2017


Heart of an exploded star observed in 3-D

Researchers use ALMA to capture intricate 3-D rendering of newly formed molecules inside the supernova remnant, revealing previously undetected molecules such as formyl cation and sulfur monoxide. The study provides new insights into the physical instabilities inside a supernova and its impact on the surrounding interstellar space.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2017

Spontaneous system follows rules of equilibrium

A team led by Northwestern University's Erik Luijten and Steve Granick discovered a non-equilibrium system that quantitatively behaves like an equilibrium system. The finding could lead to a set of rules making it possible to predict the properties of non-equilibrium systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Not every sperm is sacred: Longer-lived sperm produce healthier offspring

Scientists found that selecting longer-lived sperm increases the survival prospects and quality of offspring. The study used zebrafish to demonstrate that this selection can also carry over to the next generation. Longer-lived sperm produced offspring with higher fitness, including increased survival rates and faster swimming speeds.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Breakthrough in spintronics

A team of Würzburg physicists has developed a new concept for topological insulators that can process data at room temperature, eliminating the need for extreme cooling. This breakthrough could lead to efficient information technology and advances in spintronics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2017

Age and obesity conspire to damage the tiny blood vessels that feed the heart, causing heart failure

A study found that age and obesity create a perfect storm that damages the tiny blood vessels that directly feed the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart failure. The inflammation caused by both factors thickens the walls of these microvasculature, making them less able to dilate and sustain the heart.

Scientists make 'squarest' ice crystals ever

Researchers at Ohio State University have created ice crystals with near-perfect cubic arrangement of water molecules, a form of ice that may exist in high-altitude clouds. The ability to study cubic ice in the lab could improve computer models of climate change and enhance our understanding of water.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 10, 2017

Study reveals an elevated cancer risk in Holocaust survivors

A new study indicates that Holocaust survivors have a small but consistent increase in cancer risk, linked to extreme population-level tragedies. Survivors exposed to starvation, overcrowding, and psychological stress had higher risks of developing certain types of cancer, including colorectal and lung cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 10, 2017

Study finds 'sexism' in sexual assault research, but this time men are the target

A new study challenges a sociological theory that explains how men respond to sexual assault with anger and criminal activity, while women are more likely to respond with depression and sadness. Researchers found that male victims of sexual assault have higher depression scores than individuals who have not been sexually assaulted.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWomen & Criminal Justice·DateJul 10, 2017

Equity doesn't mean equal in heart health care

A new review paper emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to address unique health needs of women, particularly minority populations. The paper highlights the importance of sex and gender science, personalized care, and public reporting of data to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 10, 2017

The Ottawa hospital emergency surgery study

A study by The Ottawa Hospital found that delayed emergency surgeries are associated with a higher mortality risk, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. The researchers also identified reasons for delays, including lack of operating room or staff availability.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 10, 2017

Prelude to global extinction

A new study finds over 30% of vertebrate species are declining in population size and range, with tropical regions hit hardest. The research suggests that the disappearance of species tells only part of the story of human impact on Earth's animals.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Phosphorus rubber

Scientists have introduced a new, phosphorus-containing rubber analogue with similar properties to natural rubber. The polymerization of this compound offers prospects for further derivatization and crosslinking, enabling unique architectures and properties in commercial rubbers.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 10, 2017

Big fish in a small pond?

A meta-analysis of 25 years of research reveals that perceived overqualification leads to negative job attitudes, psychological strain, and deviant behaviors. Younger, overeducated, and narcissistic individuals are more likely to report higher levels of perceived overqualification.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateJul 10, 2017

World's first demonstration of space quantum communication using a microsatellite

Scientists successfully demonstrated quantum communication between a satellite and a ground station, enabling the development of future satellite constellations. The technology uses lasers for high power efficiency and smaller terminals, facilitating the adoption of quantum key distribution for secure information transmission.

Malaria drug protects fetal mice from Zika virus, NIH-funded study finds

A malaria drug approved for treating certain autoimmune diseases during pregnancy may also reduce the transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus. The study found that inhibiting autophagy with hydroxychloroquine limited Zika infection in fetal head and led to a larger body size, suggesting potential benefits.

Type 1 diabetes risk linked to intestinal viruses

A new study suggests that certain viruses in the intestines may affect a person's chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. Children with less diverse gut viral communities are more likely to generate self-destructive antibodies, while those carrying a specific circovirus group are less likely to develop the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Marshall School of Medicine team publishes longitudinal work on pneumonia

Researchers at Marshall University found that patients who recover from invasive pneumococcal pneumonia have a significantly shortened lifespan compared to life expectancy tables. The study suggests that pneumococcal vaccination is crucial for all adults over 65 and younger adults with chronic diseases.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Aphasia recovery via speech therapy related to structural plasticity of the ventral stream

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found a significant correlation between microstructural white matter changes and aphasia recovery after speech therapy. The study supports the dual-stream language model and highlights the importance of structural plasticity in semantic skills, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 10, 2017

Microbe study highlights Greenland ice sheet toxicity

A Danish-led study found that microbes in Greenland's ice sheet can resist and degrade globally-emitted pollutants like mercury, lead, and PAHs. The research highlights the need for more attention to the release of anthropogenic contaminants as climate change melts the ice sheets.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2017

Rural physicians report significant barriers in treating opioid use disorder

A national survey of rural physicians found significant barriers to prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, including time constraints and lack of mental health support services. The study calls for tailored strategies to address these barriers and support physicians in providing Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

How do you build a metal nanoparticle?

A novel theory explains how metal nanoparticles form, revealing a balance between bond strength and ligand binding. This understanding enables the creation of more efficient and sustainable nanoparticle production processes for applications like biolabeling and targeted drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2017

Two large studies link higher coffee consumption to reduced risk for death

Two large studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for death, particularly among whites and non-white populations. The studies found that moderate to high coffee intake was linked to reduced mortality rates for diseases such as digestive tract disorders and ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

Houston team one step closer to growing capillaries

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have demonstrated a key step in generating implantable tissues with functioning capillaries. They used human endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells to initiate tubulogenesis, crucial for blood-transporting capillary formation.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateJul 10, 2017

Nature-inspired material uses liquid reinforcement

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new material that combines flexibility and stiffness by infusing it with tiny pockets of liquid gallium. The composite exhibits higher energy absorption characteristics than traditional materials, making it suitable for applications such as shock absorbers and biomimetic structures.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 10, 2017

Insured patients have limited access to behavioral health care

Research reveals that insured patients struggle to secure appointments with psychiatrists, highlighting the challenges of accessing behavioral health care. The study estimates that a patient may need to call seven to ten psychiatrists to find an available appointment, underscoring the need for improved access to mental health services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Farm work may improve veterans' mental health

A recent study found that care farming significantly improved veterans' mental well-being by increasing life satisfaction in three participants and optimism about future life satisfaction in two. The program also reduced perceived loneliness in two participants.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Humanistic Counseling·DateJul 10, 2017

Working the (immune) system

Aging individuals with implants face unique challenges due to immunosenescence and delayed immune responses. The study investigates the impact of aging on macrophage activity and white blood cell function, seeking ways to optimize implant success and minimize negative effects.

Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017

New Berkeley lab algorithms extract biological structure from limited data

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory develop Multi-Tiered Iterative Phasing (M-TIP) algorithm to determine molecular structure from sparse and noisy single-particle diffraction data. This approach reduces the amount of required information, enabling the extraction of more features from limited experiments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Sleep, Alzheimer's link explained

A study found that disrupting one night of sleep in healthy adults causes an increase in amyloid beta, a brain protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. A week of poor sleep also leads to an increase in tau protein, which has been linked to brain damage in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain·DateJul 10, 2017

Cosmic 'dust factory' reveals clues to how stars are born

Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered new molecules, including formylium and sulphur monoxide, within the remnants of Supernova 1987A. This suggests that supernovae can create clouds of molecules and dust at extremely cold temperatures, similar to those in stellar nurseries where stars are born.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 10, 2017

Malaria drug protects fetuses from Zika infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine effectively blocks viral transmission to the fetus, protecting it from Zika infection. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that suppressing autophagy promotes Zika virus survival and infection in the placenta.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Decoding ants' coat of many odors

Researchers have characterized the function of ant receptors that identify odorant blends, revealing a more complex system than previously thought. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into ant social structure and communication, as well as effective methods for controlling insect populations.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Oil spill impacts may perturb entire food webs

A new study reveals oil spills can alter the structure of aquatic food webs, leading to increased fish populations like menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico. The research found that the loss of top predators reduced predation on forage fish, resulting in a surge in their abundance after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon blowout.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJul 10, 2017

Patients whose emergency surgery is delayed are at higher risk of death

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients experiencing delayed emergency surgery are at a higher risk of death and have longer hospital stays. The delays were primarily caused by staff and operating room unavailability, highlighting the need for spare capacity to ensure timely access to care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 10, 2017