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Science News for June 21, 2017


In organizations, bullying begets whining, study finds

Researchers at Northern Illinois University found a significant correlation between bullying and whining in teams, negatively affecting group dynamics. The 'poor-pitiful-me' routine can disrupt decision-making groups, while both behaviors should be considered aggressive tactics that can derail meetings and lead to suboptimal decisions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Communication·DateJun 21, 2017

Oral storytelling skills impact reading differently for African-American boys and girls

Research from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that African-American preschoolers' storytelling skills affect reading achievement in complex ways. Girls' storytelling skills appear crucial for early reading development, while boys' skills have a stronger impact on rapid reading score increases over time.

A new virtual approach to science in space

Researchers suggest using telepresence technology to reduce communication delays in space research, enabling scientists to conduct scientific investigations more quickly. This approach could expand the number of destinations where humans can do great science, including those currently inaccessible due to safety concerns.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 21, 2017

HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus likelier to pass virus that causes AIDS to infant

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are more likely to transmit the virus to their infants, increasing the risk of congenital CMV infection. The study also found a significant association between gonorrhea and CMV transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 21, 2017

New catalyst paves way for carbon neutral fuel

Researchers have developed an efficient catalyst that converts CO2 from the air into synthetic natural gas in a 'clean' process using solar energy. The catalyst produces almost pure methane without side products and operates at mild temperatures, making it viable for industrial activities.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 21, 2017

Neurons that regenerate, neurons that die

A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Perceptions about body image linked to increased alcohol, tobacco use for teens

Researchers found that negative body image is associated with increased substance use in teenagers, including girls who believe they are very good-looking being more likely to binge drink. This study suggests that improving body image awareness through education and prevention programs can help reduce unhealthy behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateJun 21, 2017

Marriage makes men fatter, shows new research

A new study from the University of Bath's School of Management shows that marriage is associated with weight gain in men, adding approximately three pounds to their BMI. The early days of fatherhood also contribute to this effect, while a decrease in male BMI is observed during the period just before and after divorce.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Screen time or story time?

A new study found that electronic books captivated toddlers' attention, encouraging more engagement and participation during reading sessions. Compared to traditional print books, toddlers showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and correct animal identification when reading electronic books.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Common water treatments could damage DNA

A study by the University of East Anglia warns that common water treatments containing colloidal silver may cause genotoxicity, damaging DNA. This can lead to reproductive issues and harm to future generations. The World Health Organization advises against its use as a primary water treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 21, 2017

The curious case of the warped Kuiper Belt

A new study has found evidence of a yet-to-be-discovered planetary body with a mass between Mars and Earth, warping the orbital planes of Kuiper Belt objects. The object's presence is suggested by its control over the tilt angles of KBOs' orbital planes, indicating a gravitational influence comparable to that of Mars.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 21, 2017

New statistical method finds shared ancestral gene variants involved in autism's cause

A new mathematical method identifies ancient genetic variations contributing to autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a small effect of each variant. The approach uses discordant siblings to find a clear signal of these shared variants, which are common among individuals with autism in both affected and unaffected populations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Reconstruction of ancient chromosomes offers insight into mammalian evolution

Researchers computationally recreated ancient chromosomes of the first eutherian mammal, revealing chromosomal changes that occurred over 105 million years. The study provides a detailed picture of evolutionary breakpoints and their role in forming new species and contributing to human diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Algae: The final frontier

Scientists have long known algae are crucial to human life and ecology, but a new review reveals they hold secrets to biofuels, therapeutic compounds, and climate change resilience. Advances in molecular techniques are unlocking major genetic processes shaping algal evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 21, 2017

Active 24/7 and doing great

Researchers found that foraging honeybees and nurse bees have synchronized circadian clocks, despite their constant activity. The study reveals that a functional clock is crucial for these animals, even in environments without day-night cycles.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateJun 21, 2017

Temple study: Extra-virgin olive oil preserves memory & protects brain against Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that extra-virgin olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates autophagy, preserving synaptic integrity and reducing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This may provide a potential prevention or treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 21, 2017

Warming temperatures threaten sea turtles

A new Swansea University study suggests that rising temperatures associated with climate change could drive sea turtle populations to extinction. The research found that warmer incubation temperatures can lead to higher numbers of female sea turtles and increased nest failure, threatening the long-term survival of certain species.

SourceSwansea University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 21, 2017

New 3-D display takes the eye fatigue out of virtual reality

A new type of 3D display, mimicking the depth cues our eyes are accustomed to in the real-world, improves viewing comfort in VR headsets and AR glasses. The innovative display module, measuring only 1 x 2 inches, produces depth cues that create a unified 3D image, eliminating vergence-accommodation conflict.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

Prior knowledge may influence how adults view van Goghs

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults rely more on top-down processing when viewing Van Gogh's paintings, focusing on less noticeable features after hearing descriptions. In contrast, children initially focus on standout features before being influenced by prior knowledge, making their attention shift to more subtle details.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 2017

Feeling stressed? Bike to work

A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateJun 21, 2017

Provider's preference for pain therapy can affect patient's results, UF researchers find

Researchers at the University of Florida found that a healthcare provider's strong belief in their treatment can significantly impact patient results. Participants who received treatment from providers with a strong preference experienced better pain relief, suggesting that self-efficacy plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Rice U. chemists create 3-D printed graphene foam

Researchers from Rice University and China's Tianjin University have successfully created centimeter-sized objects of atomically thin graphene using 3D laser printing. The new method eliminates the need for high-temperature chemical vapor deposition treatment, enabling mass production of bulk graphene with controlled pore size.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 2017

Addressing refugee and immigrant women's stress

A new study explores ways to build resilience among refugee and immigrant women experiencing unique stress following migration. Counselors can play a crucial role in creating community-based support systems and offering culture-centered mental health services.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJun 21, 2017

Drip by drip

Researchers from University of Konstanz have observed non-classical growth of crystals, where liquid preliminary stages accelerate growth rates. This finding has implications for basic research and practical applications, including faster-dissolving medicines.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

What percentage of ALS is genetic?

A study published in Neurology found that approximately 17% of ALS cases are caused by gene mutations, with rare and likely harmful variants being more common in those with the disease. The research highlights the importance of genetic factors in ALS development and suggests a larger percentage of sporadic cases may be linked to genetics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 21, 2017

The (extra) eyes have it

A team of UCSB researchers found that aggregating individual responses from multiple observers improves visual search performance, especially when the object is hard to detect. This approach leverages the high confidence of individuals who directly gaze at the target.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Trash-picking seagulls poop tons of nutrients

A new study by Duke University estimates that seagulls feeding at landfills transport and deposit over 240 tons of nitrogen and 39 tons of phosphorus into nearby lakes or reservoirs each year. This nutrient overload contributes to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological and economic impacts.

SourceDuke University·JournalWater Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Bat biodiversity is in danger on islands worldwide

A new study reveals vast knowledge gaps in island-restricted bat species, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts for these vulnerable habitats. The research identifies areas with high levels of endemic bat species and underscores the urgent need to protect their islands and populations.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 21, 2017

CPAP improves respiratory and survival rates in children in Ghana

A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to children with respiratory distress significantly decreased mortality rates and improved respiratory rates. The treatment was safely and effectively administered by nurses in district-level hospitals, offering a lifesav...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 21, 2017

Drowsy dormice doze into decline

The UK's hazel dormouse population has declined by 72% over the past two decades, with conservation efforts proving insufficient to stem the decline. The research team is now calling for an urgent review of dormouse conservation to protect this beloved woodland mammal.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMammal Review·DateJun 21, 2017

Forgetting can make you smarter

Researchers propose that forgetting is crucial for efficient memory, allowing us to adapt to new situations and generalize past events. By controlling what information we retain and forget, our brains optimize decision-making and prioritize core knowledge.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

This week from AGU: Remarkable 2016 storms caused massive Antarctic sea ice loss

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters finds that a series of unprecedented storms over the Southern Ocean likely caused the most dramatic decline in Antarctic sea ice seen to date. The extreme weather event led to significant losses of sea ice, with researchers suggesting that the storms' impact was exacerbated by climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

No mercury accumulation in fish after fire

A study by researchers from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota found that controlled burns did not lead to increased mercury levels in yellow perch, contradicting previous mixed results. The research also showed no significant disruption to watershed food webs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 21, 2017

Identified brain circuitry bridges neural and behavioral roles in PTSD

A comprehensive review of rapidly changing data identified four neural-behavioral models associated with PTSD, pinpointing specific circuits in the brain that mediate between chemical changes and behavioral expressions. The study provides detailed tables to help healthcare providers recognize signs and symptoms of PTSD for diagnosis.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms

A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed fish at least 2 times a week had lower disease activity compared to those who ate fish less than once a month. The study, which assessed 176 patients, suggests that fish consumption may lower inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 21, 2017

The world's largest canary

The São Tomé grosbeak is the world's largest canary, measuring 20 cm long and possessing a flat head and large beak. It is found only on the island of São Tomé in the West African Gulf of Guinea and is 50% larger than the runner-up species.

SourceLund University·JournalIbis·DateJun 21, 2017

Clear view on stem cell development

Researchers developed an algorithm to correct images and make hitherto hidden development steps visible, allowing for more accurate detection of regulatory proteins active during stem cell development. The 'BaSiC' software can correct changes in the background of time-lapse videos, making it a valuable tool for stem cell researchers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

Researchers recommend specific diabetes medications to protect bone health

A comprehensive review highlights the most effective treatment options for co-managing type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Researchers suggest using medications like Metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors to protect bone health. Meanwhile, insulin therapy is recommended for achieving glycemic control in patients with T2D and fractures.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 21, 2017