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Science News for October 11, 2017


Rice U. lab surprised by ultraflat magnets

Researchers at Rice University created ultraflat magnets with magnetic properties by adding rhenium to two-dimensional materials, expanding possibilities for spintronic devices. The discovery was made using chemical vapor deposition and doping techniques.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 11, 2017

Omega-6 fats may help prevent type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that a diet rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats may significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that individuals with higher levels of linoleic acid, the major omega-6 fat, had a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 11, 2017

An engineer's guide to the embryo

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are studying the mechanics of morphogenesis in frog embryos to better understand human development, birth defects, and cancer. By applying structural analysis principles, they aim to develop a tool that provides bioengineers with greater control over tissue self-assembly.

Watching wildfires

A University of Missouri team created a Physical Chemical Fire Frequency Model to understand how climate influences wildfire frequency. The model uses temperature and precipitation variables to predict wildfire patterns across different regions. By analyzing global wildfire data, the researchers have identified predictable patterns in ...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2017

The making of medieval bling

Researchers discovered medieval artisans used an ancient method to coat silver threads with gold, revealing a technique that endured for centuries. The study employed lab techniques to characterize the chemistry of the threads and strips, showing the gold coating was applied using heat and hammering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 11, 2017

Grazing horses on better pastures

A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that warm-season annual grasses have good potential for use in horse pastures. These grasses provide horses with more summer grazing options and offer improved nutritional profiles compared to cool-season grasses.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 11, 2017

Scientists eavesdrop on little-known beaked whales to learn how deeply they dive

Researchers from the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center used a towed linear hydrophone array to document dive depths for Gervais' and True's beaked whales, two of the least known species. The study provides new insights into their behavior, revealing that they dive as deep as 870 meters in search of food.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 11, 2017

Study casts doubt on warming implications of brown carbon aerosol from wildfires

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 11, 2017

Autism prevalence and socioeconomic status: What's the connection?

A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 11, 2017

Aging slows perception of falls

Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling, increasing their risk for serious injury. The study's findings will help shape wearable fall prevention technology and aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalGait & Posture·DateOct 11, 2017

Women seen as younger when eyes, lips and eyebrows stand out

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that women's facial contrast, including eyes, lips, and eyebrows, decreases with age across different ethnic groups. Observers perceive women with increased facial contrast as younger, suggesting facial contrast is a cross-cultural cue to age perception.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 11, 2017

Resolving tension on the surface of polymer mixes

Physicists Pendar Mahmoudi and Mark Matsen found a simple mathematical formula to describe the interfacial tension between immiscible short- and long-chain polymers. The molecular weight affects segregation levels, leading to universal dependences on polymer distribution.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 11, 2017

In mice, C-section births linked to less developed microbiota and weight gain

A new study reveals that C-section births in mice result in less developed gut microbiota and significant weight gain. Vaginal-born mice demonstrated a leaner body type and normal microbiome maturity, while C-section born mice showed no major changes in microbiome structure but gained 33% more weight after weaning.

Traumatic events take toll on the heart

A new study finds that traumatic experiences can affect vascular health and increase the risk of heart disease in women, particularly during the menopause transition. Researchers analyzed data from 272 peri- and postmenopausal nonsmoking women and found a link between higher lifetime traumatic experiences and poorer endothelial function.

Pumas found to exhibit behaviors like social animals

A new Panthera study reveals complex social strategies in solitary carnivores, challenging long-held assumptions about puma behavior. Pumas were found to share food, recall past interactions, and form networks of individuals with whom they co-fed, indicating a level of tolerance and cooperation.

SourcePanthera·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 11, 2017

Mice delivered by C-section gain more weight than those delivered naturally

A study published in Science Advances found that mice born by C-section gained an average of 33% more weight than those born vaginally over the course of 15 weeks after weaning. The researchers also discovered significant differences in bacterial species in their guts, with mice born by C-section having a less mature microbiome structure.

New conservation method empowers indigenous peoples

A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology and Society·DateOct 11, 2017

Wither heavy storms

Researchers created a model, STORM, to simulate watershed rainfall under various climate change scenarios. They found that while overall rainfall is increasing, individual storms are becoming less intense and delivering less water, leading to declining runoff and affecting regional water resources. This study provides insights into the...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 11, 2017

Deciphering biological meaning from an atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types

A new study published in Nature and Nature Genetics describes a comprehensive atlas of gene expression across 42 tissue types, providing insights into the molecular origins of human disease. The study's findings allow researchers to identify genetic factors that cause changes in gene expression and relate them to human disease risk.

The secret to improving liquid crystal's mechanical performance

Researchers found that adding nanoparticles to liquid crystals improves their mechanical performance by increasing their lubricating properties. The study used a formula to approximate mobility of dislocations and performed numerical simulations to understand how Cottrell clouds erode when dislocations move at high speed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateOct 11, 2017

Unraveling the genetics of disc disease in dogs

A genetic mutation has been identified as a key factor in the development of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds and French bulldogs. The discovery provides a valuable tool for owners, breeders, and veterinarians to mitigate the risk of IVDD and related spinal cord disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2017

'Killer' toothaches likely cause misery for captive orca

Researchers found that every captive orca examined had damaged teeth, with over 65% displaying moderate to extreme tooth wear. The study suggests that daily flushing of chemicals can lead to chronic antibiotic therapy compromising the whale's immune system. The findings raise serious concerns for the health and welfare of captive orcas.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalArchives of Oral Biology·DateOct 11, 2017

Research letter examines evolving standards of beauty

A new study compares celebrities from People magazine's World's Most Beautiful lists in 1990 and 2017, revealing increased representation of darker skin types and older age groups. The researchers found that traditional beauty standards are evolving as people become more exposed to diverse cultures and media influences.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateOct 11, 2017

Training managers can improve workers' mental health

A world-first study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that basic mental health training for managers can significantly improve workers' mental wellbeing. The study found a 18% decrease in work-related sickness absence amongst those whose manager received the training, with a return on investment of $9.98 for each dollar spent.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 11, 2017

Obamacare helps reverse the decline in US trust

Recent research finds that Obamacare has reversed the trend of declining social trust in the US, as worsening health no longer negatively impacts citizens' generalized trust. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, is based on two consecutive panel studies from the US General Social Survey.

SourceUmea University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 11, 2017

Major cities concentrate less scientific production

Global scientific articles are being produced in fewer major cities, while emerging countries like China and India are gaining impact. The share of top global cities in citations has decreased, while new hubs are emerging with high-quality research.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientometrics·DateOct 11, 2017

Pumas living near human development expend more energy

A study found that pumas in developed areas are more active at night, expending 10-11% more energy daily. This increased activity affects their ability to hunt and feed their young, highlighting the importance of conservation strategies in human-dominated landscapes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2017