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Science News for November 20, 2017


Now you like it, now you don't

Brain stimulation reveals that fronto-striatal circuits are essential for enjoying music. Researchers used TMS to manipulate these circuits, increasing or decreasing participants' liking of music and motivation to listen again.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 20, 2017

Study: Non-fearful social withdrawal linked positively to creativity

A new study by University at Buffalo psychologist Julie Bowker suggests that unsociability, a form of non-fearful social withdrawal, is linked positively to creativity. The research findings indicate that individuals who enjoy spending time alone and engaging in solo activities may have the potential for enhanced creative thinking and ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 20, 2017

A curious quirk brings organic diode lasers one step closer

Scientists have successfully created the first continuous-wave lasing in an organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite semiconductor, which could be a crucial step towards developing electrically driven devices. By adjusting the material's temperature, they avoided a phenomenon known as lasing death and achieved over an hour of lasing.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 20, 2017

Breast milk found to protect against food allergy

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital suggests that eating allergenic foods during pregnancy can protect children from food allergies when breastfed. The research found that antibodies in breast milk transferred to offspring helped induce food tolerance, and the findings support recent guidelines rejecting advice to avoid highly ...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

'Unparalleled access' in surface science

The NSF grant will enable Lehigh to acquire an E-XPS instrument, giving researchers unparalleled access to surface elemental composition and chemical state information. This capability will overcome limitations of traditional XPS instrumentation, advancing the fundamental science and design of advanced functional materials.

Filling the gap: High-latitude volcanic eruptions also have global impact

A recent study reveals that high-latitude volcanic eruptions can transport sulfate aerosols into the tropical stratosphere, influencing both hemispheres' climates. The research found that favorable atmospheric conditions can enable such long-distance transport, making these eruptions a global concern.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateNov 20, 2017

Use of Prostate Health Index test reduces unnecessary biopsies

The Prostate Health Index test influences physician decisions to perform biopsies, with only 36% of men receiving biopsies when phi testing was included in the assessment compared to 60% before its availability. The study also found a reduction in low-grade prostate cancers detected.

SourceSpringer·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·DateNov 20, 2017

Artificial photosynthesis gets big boost from new catalyst

Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new catalyst that increases the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis to 64%, converting electrical energy into chemical energy. This innovation addresses two major challenges in renewable energy production, capturing carbon emissions and storing energy from solar or wind power.

ACP and CDC issue recommendations for hepatitis B screening, vaccination, and care

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise physicians to vaccinate all unvaccinated adults against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and screen high-risk persons. This can help reduce chronic HBV infections, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and premature death.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

Optimal gout treatment requires ongoing monitoring for urate lowering therapy

A new study found a positive association between allopurol initiation and recurring doctor visits for gout, highlighting the need for regular chronic disease reviews to evaluate patients' preferences and eligibility for treatment. The study suggests that more frequent monitoring could reduce barriers to successfully treating gout.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

Benzodiazepines increase mortality in persons with Alzheimer's disease

A new study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that benzodiazepine use is associated with a 40% increased risk of death among persons with Alzheimer's disease. The study, which included over 10,380 participants, suggests that these drugs may contribute to adverse events such as falls, pneumonia, and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 20, 2017

Added Arctic data shows global warming didn't pause

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that the Arctic warmed more than six times the global average during the 'global warming hiatus' from 1998 to 2012. The research uses improved datasets and methods to estimate average global temperatures, showing that the rate of global warming continued to rise at 0.112C per decade.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 20, 2017

Light green plants save nitrogen without sacrificing photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers found that reducing chlorophyll content in plant leaves can save significant amounts of nitrogen, which can be reinvested to improve light use efficiency and increase yield. This strategy has the potential to enhance photosynthetic efficiency without sacrificing carbon gain.

New oral anticoagulant drugs associated with lower kidney risks

Researchers found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with reduced risk of adverse kidney outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, showed that about 1 in 4 patients taking these medications experienced significant kidney functi...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2017

Realistic rodent model of drug addiction

A new rat model of drug addiction, requiring daily puzzle-solving for cocaine reward, still produced substance use disorder symptoms. In contrast to traditional models, the rats relied on flexible problem-solving to maintain their addiction, contradicting the widely-held view that habit is necessary.

Borophene shines alone as 2-D plasmonic material

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that borophene, a two-dimensional boron material, can emit visible and near-infrared light by activating its plasmons. This property makes it a promising candidate for plasmonic and photonic devices such as biomolecule sensors, waveguides, nanoscale light harvesters, and nanoantennas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 2017

Righty blue whales sometimes act like lefties, study finds

Researchers found that individual blue whales prefer to roll to the right most of the time, but shift to left-side rolls in shallow water to hunt small prey. This study provides the first evidence of handedness in blue whales and highlights their adaptability when it comes to feeding behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2017

Many cancer survivors are living with PTSD

A recent study found that approximately one-fifth of cancer patients develop PTSD several months after diagnosis. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification and treatment to improve psychological well-being and quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 20, 2017

Sleeve gastrectomy, common weight-loss surgery, lowers women's tolerance to alcohol

A study found that women who underwent sleeve gastrectomy may need to limit their alcohol consumption due to faster absorption rates. The surgery speeds up the transfer of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to higher blood alcohol levels and increased risk of binge drinking and associated health issues.

Patient-centered medical home model improves chronic disease management

A patient-centered medical home model implemented in over 800 Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics showed significant improvements in chronic disease outcomes, including better blood pressure and cholesterol control for up to 1-5% of patients. The model, known as Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), provided multidisciplin...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 20, 2017

Protein intentionally terminates own synthesis by destabilizing synthesis machinery -- the ribosome

Researchers found that proteins with specific sequences can trigger the degradation of their own synthetic ribosomes, leading to aborted translation. However, living organisms also possess a mechanism to counteract this phenomenon, allowing for precise regulation of protein expression in response to environmental changes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 20, 2017

Chimp females who leave home postpone parenthood

Female chimpanzees who leave their family and friends behind take longer to become mothers, around three years on average, due to social integration challenges. In contrast, those with supportive networks start reproducing earlier, raising questions about the factors influencing this behavior.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateNov 20, 2017

Glass microparticles enhance solar cells efficiency

Scientists from ITMO University devised a novel way to address issues with solar cells, including reduced light reflection and overheating. By incorporating glass microparticles into the top electrode, they improved solar cell efficiency by 20%, making it more attractive for industrial applications.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 20, 2017

Smoking study personalizes treatment

A new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center uses a blood test to personalize treatment for smokers. The study found that patients who are 'normal' metabolizers of nicotine respond better to varenicline (Chantix), while those who are 'slow' metabolizers do as well with a nicotine patch.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 20, 2017

Reusing waste energy with 2-D electron gas

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel approach to improve thermoelectric material performance by harnessing high mobility two-dimensional electron gas. This enables efficient heat-to-electricity conversion, overcoming current limitations in industrial applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 20, 2017