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Science News for March 8, 2017


Aboriginal hair shows 50,000 years connection to country

A study published in Nature found that Aboriginal populations have been continuously present in the same regions for up to 50,000 years, supporting their cultural connection to country. The research analyzed mitochondrial DNA from hair samples collected during anthropological expeditions across Australia and revealed a single founding ...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

Increasing minimum wage would reduce teen pregnancies

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that increasing the minimum wage would likely reduce the US adolescent birth rate by about 2%. This translates to approximately 5,000 fewer births annually. Higher wages can motivate teens to work and delay childbearing or prioritize leisure time over parenthood.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 8, 2017

Iota Orionis: Pulsating beacon of a constellation

Researchers have discovered a repeating one-per-cent spike in the light of Iota Orionis, a binary star system with a mass 35 times that of the Sun. The unusual variation is caused by the gravitational interaction between the two stars, triggering quakes that allow astronomers to probe the star's inner workings.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 8, 2017

Tooth loss linked to an increased risk of dementia

A study of 1566 community-dwelling Japanese elderly found elevated dementia risks in individuals with fewer remaining teeth. Individuals with 10-19 and no teeth had significantly higher risks compared to those with more teeth.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 8, 2017

Researchers observe reduction in sexual violence among high school students

A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers found a 12-13% lower rate of sexual violence victimization in schools that implemented the Green Dot program, resulting in 120 fewer sexually violent events. The five-year program, funded by CDC and partnering with local organizations, was shown to be cost-effective and culturally im...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Uncovering new relationships and organizational principles in protein interaction networks

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research used topological data analysis to identify new insights into the organization of complicated protein interaction networks. The study revealed topological network modules composed of proteins with shared properties, providing insight into biological functions and disease mechanisms.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2017

Why do shorter men go bald more often?

A study by the University of Bonn found that shorter men have an increased risk of becoming bald prematurely, linked to genetic alterations in the human genome. The research identified 63 genes that increase the risk of premature hair loss, often accompanied by other characteristics and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

Super-sized memory is trainable and long lasting

After 40 days of daily training using a strategic memory improvement technique, individuals with typical memory skills more than doubled their memory capacity. Brain scans showed altered brain functions and similar connectivity patterns as those of world champion memory athletes. Four months later, recall performance remained high.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 8, 2017

Chinese famine data show no long-term health effects except for schizophrenia

A systematic re-analysis of Chinese famine studies found no increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions among famine births, except for schizophrenia. The findings highlight an unrecognized flaw in common famine reports and suggest better indicators of famine exposure are needed.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2017

Don't be distracted: The real issues in autism are threats to funding, services

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health warn that renewed focus on debunked autism-vaccine links diverts attention from growing threats to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are under attack, posing a serious risk to essential protections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Ionization mechanisms of captive atoms struck by light matter

Physicists have developed a methodology to solve the Schrödinger equation describing the behavior of an atom interacting with an external light pulse, yielding a theoretical description of how external light rays affect the energy levels of hydrogen atoms trapped inside fullerenes. The study reveals key aspects of the ionization proces...

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 8, 2017

Molecule shown to repair damaged axons

Researchers have discovered a natural molecule that can repair damaged axons, the thread-like projections carrying electrical signals between cells. The molecule, fusicoccin-A, harnesses 14-3-3 activity to stimulate axon growth, offering a promising strategy for treating brain and spinal cord injuries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 8, 2017

New material regrows bone

A team of researchers developed a new material that regrows quality bone in the affected area without developing scar tissue. The breakthrough could potentially treat patients with severe skull or facial injuries, making painful bone grafting obsolete.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 8, 2017

Student team competition provides real-world experience for O.R. and analytics students

Eight student teams from around the world competed in the inaugural INFORMS O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition, tasked with solving a challenging problem using an O.R. and analytics approach. The finalists were selected based on their use of the full analytics process, from framing the problem to quantitative analysis.

Ancient stardust sheds light on the first stars

Astronomers have discovered the youngest and most distant galaxy ever seen, containing an abundance of interstellar dust formed by earlier star deaths. This discovery provides new information on when the first supernovae exploded and sheds light on the early Universe.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 8, 2017

Dental plaque DNA shows Neandertals used 'aspirin'

A team of international researchers analyzed dental plaque from four Neandertals, revealing a complex picture of their behavior, diet, and evolutionary history. The study found that Neandertals had a good knowledge of medicinal plants and used them to self-medicate, including the use of poplar trees for pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

Mayo Clinic researchers identify therapy

Researchers discovered an experimental drug, LCL161, that stimulates the immune system and causes tumor shrinkage in patients with multiple myeloma. The study highlights the importance of studying drug interactions with the tumor microenvironment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Sound waves boost older adult' memory, deep sleep

A new study from Northwestern University finds that sound wave stimulation synchronized to brain waves triples memory scores in older adults and enhances deep sleep. The technique, which uses real-time brain wave analysis, shows promise as a non-meditation approach to improving brain health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2017

In-home occupational therapy curbs depression in visually impaired patients

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that in-home occupational therapy significantly reduces the severity of depression in patients with central vision loss. The therapy, which includes training on daily activities like cooking and reading, is more effective than supportive therapy in improving mental health outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 8, 2017

Don't relax drug approval process, experts warn

Three experts from the University of Sydney argue that deregulating the FDA's regulatory system will subject patients to potentially toxic drugs. They highlight examples of successful drugs that were identified through well-controlled studies, and contrast these with unregulated markets that struggle to sift out ineffective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

The protective layer of prehistoric land plants

Researchers discovered a critical biochemical pathway in mosses that protects them from water loss and enables their adaptation to terrestrial environments. This finding suggests the prehistoric moss cuticle may have originated before lignin evolution in seed plants, influencing the development of complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

The secrets of vibration-enhanced conductivity in graphene

Researchers have discovered a systematic approach to inducing large-amplitude vibrations in graphene models, leading to increased conductivity. The findings offer a valuable theoretical basis for future experimental work, opening up new avenues for smart materials and all-optical networks.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 8, 2017

How your neighborhood may impact your health

A study by Adriana Zuniga-Teran found that traditional neighborhoods encourage more walking, while suburban developments with green spaces contribute to improved mental well-being. Cluster housing communities also foster social interaction among residents. In contrast, enclosed gated communities do not improve feelings of safety.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2017

New England Journal of Medicine publishes long-term results of Gleevec®

A nearly 11-year follow-up study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows an estimated overall survival rate of 83.3% among 1,106 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with Gleevec. The treatment has been proven effective against multiple forms of cancer, including pediatric CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Violent video games found not to affect empathy

Researchers found that gamers had similar neural responses to emotionally provocative images as non-gamers, suggesting no long-term effects on empathy. The study used fMRI and a psychological questionnaire to compare gamers' and non-gamers' brain activity and emotional responses.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 8, 2017

A bright 'glow stick' marker for cells

Researchers have developed a brighter and more biocompatible chemiluminescent probe that can be used in water and detect various cell activities. The new probe enables the detection of several biologically relevant chemicals, enzyme activity, and imaging cells using microscopy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 8, 2017

Women at high risk for breast cancer more likely to get MRI when informed directly

A study published in Health Communications shows that women at high risk for breast cancer who received a letter informing them of their options for additional imaging with contrast-enhanced MRI were more likely to return for additional screening. The researchers found that direct communication increased follow-up screening rates among...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 8, 2017

Phonon nanoengineering: Vibrations of nanoislands dissipate heat more effectively

Scientists discovered a new type of vibration in europium silicide nanoislands that dissipates heat more effectively. The study used nuclear inelastic scattering to measure the energy spectrum of atomic vibrations and found that the vibrations of atoms in the crystal lattice can be tailored for specific thermal properties.

Parental concerns reduce uptake of child flu vaccine

A recent study found that UK parents' concerns about the child flu vaccine's safety and side effects reduce its uptake. The researchers recommend reinforcing public health messages to address these concerns, focusing on the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing flu and highlighting serious complications of the illness.

SourceKing's College London·JournalVaccine·DateMar 8, 2017

Sub-second system seizures

Researcher Neil Johnson studied sub-second delays in electronic stock exchange data, finding that natural delays already exist in these systems, which can become correlated and cause unexpected behaviors. Introducing more delays could be disastrous, as humans wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2017

Atomic resolution of muscle contraction

The study reveals unexpectedly large conformational changes in the myosin molecule during the pull, generating force and a paradigm for nanomachine construction. Myosin converts ATP energy into mechanical work through hydrolysis, with a previously unobserved conformational change providing new perspectives on its function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

Testing for hepatitis C virus remains low among baby boomers

A recent study found that only a small percentage of baby boomers have been tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, despite the availability of treatments. The study suggests that increased awareness and innovative strategies, such as state-mandated testing, are needed to improve HCV testing rates among this demographic.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017