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Science News for September 22, 2017


Stimuli fading away en route to consciousness

A recent study by the University of Bonn investigates how some signals dissipate along the processing path to conscious perception. The researchers found that the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing follows significantly further down the processing stream than many researchers have been suspecting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2017

Assembly of nanoparticles proceeds like a zipper

Researchers from Aalto University Finland have developed a method to assemble metal-protein superlattice wires using viruses and nanoparticles. The study demonstrates that combining native Tobacco Mosaic Virus with gold nanoparticles can lead to high-aspect-ratio superlattice wires with controlled optical properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

Chronic migraine cases are amplified by jawbone disorder, according to research

Researchers found that chronic migraine patients are three times as likely to suffer from severe temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes difficulty chewing and joint tension. The study suggests that TMD may increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but it does not directly cause the condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics·DateSep 22, 2017

Rainbow colors reveal cell history

Researchers developed a method to trace the history of beta-cells in zebrafish, revealing dynamic sub-populations with different developmental histories. These findings have implications for understanding diabetes progression and developing effective strategies for beta-cell regeneration and protection.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

Highest-energy cosmic rays have extragalactic origin

Research detects 30,000 high-energy particles with energies a million times greater than the LHC, finding that flux from certain regions of the sky is approximately 6% higher than uniform, indicating an extragalactic origin. The Pierre Auger Observatory detects these particles and analyzes their arrival directions.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 2017

Why do people in new democracies stop voting?

A comprehensive study of legislative elections in 91 democracies found that half experienced substantial voter decline. Factors contributing to low turnout differ by country and regime change context. The study suggests exposure to democratic practice is not the main reason for decreased participation.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateSep 22, 2017

Usher syndrome: Gene therapy restores hearing and balance

Researchers at Institut Pasteur successfully restored hearing and balance in a mouse model of USH1G syndrome using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of hereditary deafness. The study demonstrates that inner ear defects caused by mutations in the USH1G gene can be reversed even after birth with durable efficacy.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2017

Families of survivors of ECMO for heart conditions report favorable quality of life

A large study found that families of children treated with ECMO for heart conditions report positive outcomes regarding health and physical limitations. However, a higher rate of medical and behavioral issues were revealed through more detailed questioning, including learning disabilities in over 50% of patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 22, 2017

From galaxies far far away!

The Pierre Auger Collaboration reports that cosmic rays with energies a million times greater than the protons accelerated in the Large Hadron Collider come from much further away. The study discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of over 30,000 cosmic particles, indicating an extragalactic origin.

Tackling air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa

The University of Portsmouth's AIR Network aims to address the significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings. By engaging with local communities through arts, theatre, and other methods, researchers will explore co-creating viable interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Are you happy you voted -- or didn't?

A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalParty Politics·DateSep 22, 2017