Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 15, 2017


Volcanic crystals give a new view of magma

Scientists have found that magma reservoirs are less liquid and more crystalline than previously thought, with most crystals retaining their structure for tens of thousands of years before being exposed to molten magma. This discovery could help predict when volcanoes pose the greatest risk by identifying those with mobile magma.

How to educate future therapists more effectively

A Concordia study identifies conflicting demands of education and therapy in the classroom, causing emotional stress among students. The study recommends increased transparency between teachers and students, clearer policies on affective material, and discussions on ethical practices to enhance the student experience.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 15, 2017

Raucous crystals

Scientists have discovered that organic crystals send out acoustic signals when their crystal structure changes, providing insight into the phenomenon. The crystals' rapid transformation of heat into movement is potentially useful for developing artificial muscles or microscale robotic arms.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 15, 2017

Biological DMARD guidelines associated with a reduced need for knee and hip replacements in RA

A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

8 in 10 Indonesian children has been infected with dengue

A new study reveals that nearly all Indonesian children in urban areas are infected with the dengue virus by childhood. The researchers found that 69.4% of children tested positive for dengue antibodies, with infection rates increasing from 33.8% of 1-4 year olds to 89.0% of 15-18 year olds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Massachusetts General researchers explore why those with autism avoid eye contact

A team of investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience overactivation in subcortical brain structures when viewing eye contact, leading to an aversion to direct gaze. This finding supports the hypothesis of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling n...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2017

Penn engineers show key feature for modeling how cells spread in fibrous environments

A team of engineers at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new model that better simulates how cells interact with their environment and form focal adhesions. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and combating cancer, as it reveals the importance of dynamic processes in cellular behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2017

Early stress confers lifelong vulnerability causing alterations in a specific brain region

Researchers identify early stress as a molecular basis for lifelong depression susceptibility, revealing a critical role for the developmental transcription factor Otx2. Mice stressed in early life exhibit suppressed Otx2 levels and increased depression-like behavior in adulthood, highlighting a sensitive period for brain development.

Taking circular economy to the next level

A growing number of businesses and governments have adopted the circular economy framework, aiming to keep resources in use for longer. The Journal of Industrial Ecology special issue explores the concept's complexities and opportunities, including product design methods, social forces, and challenges of implementing circularity efforts.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 15, 2017

Jerusalem tower younger than thought

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science used advanced radiocarbon dating methods to determine the age of a massive stone tower in Jerusalem. The new date, around 800-900 BCE, is nearly 1,000 years younger than the previously assigned date of 1700 BCE and moves the construction of the tower to the Iron Age.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalRadiocarbon·DateJun 15, 2017

Modeling the brain with 'Lego bricks'

A new computational method uses data from medical imaging to create a color-coded 'digital lego brain' model that predicts organ deformation under surgical action. This allows surgeons to virtually rehearse operations and anticipate potential complications.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 15, 2017

New blood test detects stroke and heart attack risk in lupus patients with no CVD symptoms

Researchers have identified a biomarker that can detect increased risk of stroke and heart attack in lupus patients without CVD symptoms. A study found that lupus patients with high levels of High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T (HS-cTnT) are eight times more likely to develop fatty deposits in their carotid arteries.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Transgender actors effective in teaching new doctors to provide respectful care

A study published in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education found that transgender actors can effectively teach new doctors to provide sensitive care. The researchers used standardized patients, including a transgender actress, to assess residents' communication skills and patient satisfaction. The results showed that the training a...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Graduate Medical Education·DateJun 15, 2017