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Science News for June 28, 2017


Biofuel from waste

Researchers at TUM have created a new process to convert organic waste into fuel, utilizing zeolite catalysts that reduce temperatures and energy requirements. The process takes place in confined spaces inside zeolite crystals, increasing reaction rates by up to 100 times.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2017

Predicting eruptions using satellites and math

Researchers are developing a method to forecast volcanic eruptions by analyzing satellite measurements and ground deformation data. By applying data assimilation techniques, they aim to improve predictions of magma movement and pressure buildup beneath volcanoes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateJun 28, 2017

Health insurance expansion linked to fewer sudden cardiac arrests

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that health insurance expansion through the Affordable Care Act significantly reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among middle-aged adults who were previously uninsured. The study analyzed emergency medical services data from an urban Oregon coun...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 28, 2017

Higher IQ in childhood is linked to a longer life

A large study found that higher childhood intelligence is associated with a lower lifetime risk of death from various causes, including respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The study of over 65,000 individuals suggests that lifestyle factors like tobacco smoking play a significant role in this relationship.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 28, 2017

EASL releases editorial response to Cochrane Review of DAAs in HCV

The EASL Editorial raises concerns about the Cochrane Review's conclusions on Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), citing a lack of understanding of the disease and its long natural history. Recent studies have shown improvement in quality of life with DAA therapy, highlighting the need for more comprehensive ...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 28, 2017

Does religion protect against suicide?

New research by Michigan State University scholar Ning Hsieh finds that religious participation is related to higher suicide rates in Southern Europe, Western Europe, and East Asia. In contrast, countries in the English-speaking region, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe have seen protective effects of religious partici...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 28, 2017

It's kind of a drag

Researchers have identified a key reason why super hydrophobic surfaces are unreliable: tiny trace amounts of surfactants can cause an imbalance in water flow, resulting in increased drag. The scientists propose changing the patterning of SHS to accumulate surfactant buildup farther down the interface, reducing drag.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2017

New technology aims to provide peace and positive stimulation to dementia patients

A new technology called Ambient Activity aims to treat the cause of dementia behaviors rather than just symptoms. The device uses personalized content such as photos, games, music, and more to engage patients and promote meaningful physical, mental, and social engagement.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalProceedings of the International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care·DateJun 28, 2017

Trials show unique stem cells a potential asthma treatment

A new therapy developed through stem cell technology has shown promise in treating chronic asthma by reducing inflammation and reversing airway remodeling. The study, led by Monash University scientists, found that induced pluripotent stem cells could effectively treat fibrosis and lung dysfunction associated with asthma.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 28, 2017

Engineers examine chemo-mechanics of heart defect

Scientists discovered that changes in mechanical behavior and gene signaling play a crucial role in the development of heart defects, with LOX-deficient mice exhibiting protection against aneurysms. The research provides new insights into the chemo-mechanics of heart defects and its potential applications for disease prevention.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology·DateJun 28, 2017

Ruthenium rules for new fuel cells

Researchers at Rice University have created a new catalyst for fuel cells that is as effective as platinum but cheaper. The catalyst uses single ruthenium atoms attached to graphene and has shown excellent performance in tests.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 28, 2017

Designed proteins to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers have designed two proteins that stabilize the cell scaffolding, restoring muscle structure and function in animal models of congenital muscular dystrophy. The study demonstrates significant improvements in muscle force, body weight, and lifespan, providing a potential gene therapy treatment for this rare disease.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2017

No detectable limit to how long people can live

A new study by McGill University biologists Bryan G. Hughes and Siegfried Hekimi found no evidence for a limit to human lifespan, challenging previous research that suggested an upper age limit of around 115 years. The study analyzed the lifespan of centenarians from various countries since 1968 and extended trend lines to predict pote...

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJun 28, 2017

Hoarding symptoms moderately stable during adolescence

A study found that hoarding symptoms are heritable and moderately stable between 15-18 years old, suggesting genetic effects play a significant role. The findings could help inform treatments development for young people experiencing hoarding symptoms, preventing potential progression into Hoarding Disorder as adults.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2017

How 'The Gruffalo' helped academics boost youngsters' motor skills and language ability

A six-week study found that pre-school children who took part in a combination of movement and language activities showed significant improvements in their motor skills and vocabulary, outperforming other groups. The researchers believe physical activity can enhance academic performance by increasing oxygen circulation in the brain.

SourceCoventry University·JournalEuropean Physical Education Review·DateJun 28, 2017

Nanostructures taste the rainbow

Researchers created nanostructures with varying widths that absorb different wavelengths of light, generating an electric current corresponding to the absorbed wavelength. The new detectors operate faster and detect a wider range of electromagnetic spectrum than traditional devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 28, 2017

The value of nature

Researchers developed a modeling framework that quantifies the economic value of nature's ecosystem services, such as clean air and water, food, and paper. The framework helps determine how to protect biodiversity by managing ecosystem services, balancing current costs with future risks of losing critical species.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 28, 2017

Ancient antiviral defense system could revolutionize a new class of RNA-based medicine

Researchers discovered an ancient antiviral defense system in human cells that could be used to deliver targeted therapies using engineered viruses or simple self-replicating RNAs. This system, which dates back billions of years, was originally designed to defend against viral infection and may hold the key to new treatments for diseases.

Now or later: How taste and sound affect when you buy

New research finds that advertisements highlighting more proximal sensory experiences (touch/taste) lead to earlier purchases, while those emphasizing distal sensory experiences (sight/sound) delay them. This study, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, suggests new ways for marketers to differentiate their products and services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 28, 2017

Discovering, counting, cataloguing proteins

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have discovered over 900 mitochondrial proteins in baker's yeast using quantitative mass spectrometry and bioinformatics methods. This extensive dataset provides a foundation for understanding the biology of mitochondria in various organisms, from yeast to humans.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 28, 2017

E-cigarettes increase risk of cigarette smoking in youth

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies found strong evidence that e-cigarette use increases the risk of subsequent cigarette smoking among adolescents and young adults. E-cigarettes may mimic smoking behavior through similar hand-to-mouth movements and contain nicotine, potentially enhancing addiction.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 28, 2017