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Science News for July 31, 2017


Among gun owners, culturally tailored suicide prevention messages work best

A study by Oregon State University found that gun owners are more likely to engage in gun safety behaviors when given culturally tailored suicide prevention messages. The research suggests that messaging should respect the values and rights of gun owners, rather than using language that may inadvertently promote anti-firearm bias. Cult...

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateJul 31, 2017

People find it difficult to judge how good their intuitions are

A study by psychologists at the University of Kent found that people's confidence in their intuitions does not necessarily reflect their actual ability to perform well in tasks that require intuitive thinking. Despite claiming to be intuitive, participants did not exhibit superior performance or grasp of underlying rules.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJul 31, 2017

Metal instability achieves energy-efficient nanotechnology

Scientists at Osaka University and Italian researchers have created freestanding nanowires that can convert small levels of electrical power into mechanical oscillations at high frequencies. The design achieves unprecedented low power consumption, making it a significant step towards energy-efficient technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 31, 2017

Glaciers may have helped warm Earth

A new study suggests that glaciers may have played a role in releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially warming the planet. The research found that glacial weathering increased the rate of carbon dioxide release, with oscillating glaciers changing atmospheric levels by up to 25 parts per million over 10,000 years.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

What does trophy hunting contribute to wild lion conservation?

The article highlights significant 'unknowns' about trophy hunting's contribution to lion conservation, including the causes of lion mortality and the extent to which hunting affects land use. Innovative funding methods are needed to reverse species loss due to the income shortfall from hunting compared to other forms of tourism.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJul 31, 2017

New MRI contrast agent tested on big animals

Researchers developed a new non-toxic contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), surpassing gadolinium's limitations. The agent, PEG-IONCs, demonstrated high biocompatibility in rabbits, beagle dogs, and macaque monkeys, showing promise as a next-generation diagnostic tool.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 31, 2017

Bold new approaches needed to shrink Gulf of Mexico dead zone and meet elusive goals

A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Stanford researchers identify biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified biomarkers associated with chronic fatigue syndrome severity by analyzing 17 immune-system signaling proteins. These findings suggest that inflammation is a powerful driver of the disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Internet searches for suicide after '13 Reasons Why'

Researchers found that internet search volumes for suicide increased by 19% after the series release, with 17 of 20 common queries showing higher-than-expected increases. Searches focused on suicidal ideation, such as 'how to commit suicide,' were particularly concerning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 31, 2017

How camouflaged birds decide where to blend in

A recent study by Exeter and Cambridge universities found that individual wild birds adjust their nest choices based on their specific markings. These adjustments enhance the birds' camouflage in relation to their predators, highlighting the link between behavior and appearance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 31, 2017

Picture perfect

A new system called Computational Zoom enables photographers to compose images post-capture by controlling object positions and sizes. This allows for novel image compositions, including automatically combining wide-angle and telephoto perspectives into a single multi-perspective image.

Study finds promise in new tactic to curb obesity: Address physician bias

A new educational initiative at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine has significantly reduced medical students' negative attitudes toward people with obesity. The program emphasizes the complexities of obesity and focuses on attaining health instead of weight loss, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 31, 2017

Materials emitted by water pipe-repair method may pose health risks

A recently conducted study revealed that the cured-in-place pipe repair (CIPP) method can emit hazardous chemicals into the air, posing potential health hazards to workers and the public. The research found a complex mixture of organic vapor, water vapor, and liquid droplets of water, which can cause short- and long-term health impacts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 31, 2017

Taboo around vaginal bleeding endangering women's health

The authors emphasize the need for a life course approach to address vaginal bleeding needs of girls and women across their lives. The lack of open discussion and access to clean water, sanitation, and factual information hinder effective management of bleeding, leading to anaemia and other health issues.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateJul 31, 2017

Alcohol intake may increase risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers

A recent analysis of published studies found that higher alcohol intake increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma by 7% and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by 11% for every 10 gram increase per day. The study suggests that limiting alcohol consumption may help reduce skin cancer risk.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateJul 31, 2017

The Gulf of Mexico before the spill

The Gulf of Mexico's unique flora and fauna are detailed in two open-access books compiled by editor C.H. Ward, covering topics such as water quality, oil seepage, and commercial fisheries. These studies provide an extensive baseline assessment of the Gulf's state and health before the devastating 2010 spill.

Bacterial biofilms, begone

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new biomaterial that effectively prevents the formation of biofilms by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a virulent superbug. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of antibacterial surfaces for wound dressings and other medical applications.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 31, 2017

Researchers develop technology to make aged cells younger

Scientists at Houston Methodist have developed a technology that can rejuvenate human cells by lengthening telomeres, the timekeepers of chromosomes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve cell function and extend lifespan in individuals with progeria, a rare condition marked by rapid aging.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 31, 2017

Bubbles help new catalysts self-optimize

Scientists at Rice University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new two-dimensional electrocatalysts that extract hydrogen from water with high efficiency and low cost. The catalysts were created by forming bubbles between layers, which breaks them apart and increases the number of active sites.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 31, 2017

LSUHealthNO research finds home-based kit would increase HIV testing

A study by LSUHealthNO found that 86% of high-risk heterosexuals in New Orleans would use a home-based test kit, leading to increased HIV testing and treatment rates. The study suggests that this self-administered alternative may reach individuals who are under-recognized as at risk, promoting timely treatment.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 31, 2017

Rice University chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood

Researchers at Rice University have successfully turned wood into an electrical conductor by creating laser-induced graphene, a form of the atom-thin carbon material. The process involves heating a thin film pattern onto a block of pine using a standard industrial laser, producing high-quality graphene foam bound to the wood surface.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 31, 2017

Towards a safe and scalable cell therapy for type 1 diabetes by simplifying beta cell differentiation

Scientists have identified a molecular handle to purify cells destined to become insulin-producing cells, enabling a streamlined and cost-efficient process for generating glucose-responsive beta cells. The discovery aims to address safety and end product consistency challenges in cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.

New system could remove two water pollutants from ag fields

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.

New and novel technologies successfully demonstrated in soilborne disease study

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 31, 2017

Public trust in science spiked after media coverage of Zika vaccine trial

A survey found that public trust in science increased after the launch of the first human trial of a Zika vaccine, with people showing greater trust in science and paying more attention to news about the Zika virus. The study suggests that regularized communication about scientific advances could bolster confidence in science.

Study links violence exposure, obesity in teens

A new study by Duke researchers found that teenagers who were exposed to violence consumed more unhealthy foods and beverages, including increased soda consumption, which is a strong predictor of weight gain. The study also revealed that adolescents took more steps on days they were exposed to violence, contrary to expectations.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 31, 2017

The undertaker's census

Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute used carrion flies to survey tropical forest mammals, detecting 20 species that were not found by traditional methods. The method was more effective than camera traps and transect counts, but had limitations, such as failing to detect certain species that produce small droppings.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateJul 31, 2017