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Science News for November 16, 2017


'Wooden shoe' rather wear sneakers?

Western University researchers have found a high prevalence of bone lesions in the feet of 19th-Century Dutch farmers who wore wooden shoes, also known as klompen. The study suggests that these shoes were partly to blame for the injuries and trauma suffered by the farmers.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalInternational Journal of Paleopathology·DateNov 16, 2017

Production timings could stem illegal wildlife laundering

Researchers have developed a method to flag up potentially illegal wildlife trade by analyzing the growth rates of certain species. A study published in Biological Conservation has found that understanding these growth rates can help identify when an item is not yet legally available for sale, allowing authorities to act earlier.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 16, 2017

New painkillers reduce overdose risk

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed new opioid pain relievers that are as potent as morphine but do not slow or stop breathing, reducing the risk of overdose. The compounds show a spectrum of bias between signaling pathways, providing an opportunity to expand the therapeutic window and administer drugs safely.

'Ion billiards' cue novel material synthesis method

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel material synthesis method that utilizes protons to introduce ions into host materials. This liquid-free process enables the homogenous introduction of various ions, such as lithium and sodium, into tantalum sulfide, maintaining its crystallinity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 2017

Math gets real in strong, lightweight structures

Rice researchers successfully printed complex schwarzite structures with computer algorithms and 3-D printers, showcasing their strength, lightness, and durability. The discovery may lead to high-load-bearing components for buildings, cars, and aircraft, as well as nanoscale electronic devices and battery components.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2017

Tooth cavities can be fought 'naturally'

Galla Chinensis has been identified as a strong potential agent in preventing dental caries due to its antibacterial capacity and tooth mineralization benefit. The main active ingredient of Galla Chinensis is unknown, but medium molecular weight gallotannins have been shown to be most effective.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Dentistry Journal·DateNov 16, 2017

Unlocking the secrets of Ebola

Scientists have identified two biomarkers that accurately predict patient survival in Ebola cases. The study analyzed blood samples from survivors and fatal cases, revealing distinct metabolic responses and immune-related molecules. These findings could improve treatment allocation and patient outcomes.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 16, 2017

Reversing opioid overdose: Concentrated naloxone nasal spray as good as injection

A recent study published in Addiction has found that a concentrated 2mg intranasal naloxone spray delivers naloxone as effectively as the standard 0.4mg intramuscular injection over the critical first 15 minutes. The nasal spray maintains blood levels of naloxone more than twice as high as the IM levels for two hours after administration.

Study: For older women, every movement matters

A UB-led study of over 6,000 older women found that those who engaged in 30 minutes of light physical activity per day had a 12% lower risk of death. Moderate to vigorous activities also showed significant mortality benefits, extending to women with high and low functional ability.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 16, 2017

Workplace sexual harassment 'a chronic problem,' says APA president

Research suggests that workplace sexual harassment is primarily aimed at women but can affect men as well. Women tend to report more adverse effects than men, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Organizational climate and hierarchical power dynamics are key predictors of workplace sexual harassment.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateNov 16, 2017

Genomic study explores evolution of gentle 'killer bees' in Puerto Rico

Africanized honey bees, which are more docile than other so-called 'killer bees', retain most of their African heritage but have shifted genetic traits towards European honey bees. This rapid evolution likely occurred due to living on a densely populated island where humans eradicated aggressive bees, favoring the gentler counterparts.

Discovery of a promising medication for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using the medication pimozide, which was found to stabilize progression and alleviate symptoms in animal models. A limited clinical trial on human subjects suggests that pimozide may be effective in improving patients' quality of life.

Why do employees cheat? Too much pressure

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that high-performance pressure in the workplace leads to cheating behavior among employees. The study suggests that managers can help prevent this by coaching employees on viewing pressure as non-threatening and focusing on ethical performance standards.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 16, 2017

To trim away a protein

Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017

Additive manufacturing and sustainability: The environmental implications of 3-D printing

A new special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology investigates the environmental, energy, and health impacts of additive manufacturing. The research reveals that while 3D printing offers local production and zero-waste potential, its environmental performance depends on machine usage patterns and material configurations.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateNov 16, 2017

Naturally occurring molecule may help prevent and treat atherosclerosis and gum disease

Researchers found that topical application of Resolvin E1 on gum tissues prevented and treated gum disease, while also reducing the likelihood of advanced arterial plaque rupture. The study suggests effective preventive and therapeutic treatments for heart disease and gum disease without unwanted side effects.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·DateNov 16, 2017

Springer launches new interdisciplinary psychology journal

Human Arenas will publish a mix of theoretical and empirical studies on higher psychological functions in human phenomena, focusing on analysis and critical discussion of crucial data. The journal encourages exploration of ideas and productive thinking through novel forms of scientific enquiry and writing.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Arenas·DateNov 16, 2017

Renaissance of the iron-air battery

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich observe deposits forming on iron electrodes during operation, revealing a key to improving battery performance. The findings enhance energy density and capacity, paving the way for widespread adoption in mobile applications.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNano Energy·DateNov 16, 2017

A new window into electron behavior

Physicists at MIT and Princeton University have developed a new technique to map the energy and momentum of electrons beneath a material's surface. By using momentum and energy resolved tunneling spectroscopy, researchers can visualize the band structure of materials, which determines their electrical and optical properties.

When vegetables are closer in price to chips, people eat healthier, Drexel study finds

A recent Drexel University study discovered that when vegetables and dairy products are pricier than unhealthy snacks like chips, people's dietary quality suffers significantly. The researchers found a strong link between the price gap and lower odds of having a healthy diet, particularly among middle-income groups.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 16, 2017

Why are minorities underrepresented in genetic cancer studies?

A study published in Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that motivation to provide samples for genetic tests depends on oncologist engagement or religion, rather than race. Women with better access to healthcare and a greater sense of well-being were more likely to participate in genetic research.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateNov 16, 2017

Study raises possibility of naturally acquired immunity against Zika virus

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered that some women who develop symptom-free Zika infections may acquire immunity that protects them from future infections and their offspring. This finding suggests the possibility of developing diagnostic tests to identify naturally immune women, which could help pr...

Secrets of succulents' water-wise ways revealed

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered the molecular processes behind crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis in succulents. They found that the PPCK enzyme is essential for optimizing CO2 capture and storage, and that alterations in the circadian clock can affect CAM function.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 16, 2017

NIST scientists discover how to switch liver cancer cell growth from 2-D to 3-D structures

Scientists at NIST have discovered a way to make tiny colonies of cells grow in three-dimensional structures inside petri dishes, paving the way for more realistic biological environments for testing pharmaceuticals. The method could help bridge the gap between lab and living creature testing, speeding up drug development.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 16, 2017

Finding Majoranas

Researchers at UCSB have made a breakthrough in generating Majorana quasiparticles, which are essential for topological quantum computing. By using 'hashtag'-shaped nanowires, the team has successfully coaxed these exotic states into existence, paving the way for braiding and potentially revolutionizing quantum information processing.

Sight-saving imaging technology secures funding

The University of Liverpool's Ultra-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (Ultra-OCT) system is developing a state-of-the-art imaging technology to revolutionise the detection, diagnosis, and management of corneal eye conditions. The system boasts a resolution of 2 micrometres and can scan 1,000 times faster than existing OCT machines.

Species in the north are more vulnerable to climate change

New research challenges common perception that polar species are best at adapting to changing temperatures. Acclimation is most effective at temperate latitudes, with slow seasonal changes allowing for optimal adaptation. This could alter our understanding of which species are most vulnerable to climate change.

SourceLund University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateNov 16, 2017