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Science News for April 10, 2018


Scientists discover a link between superconductivity and the periodic table

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and Skoltech have discovered a general principle for calculating the superconductivity of hydrides based on the periodic table. High-temperature superconductivity is achieved in substances containing metal atoms that come close to populating a new electronic subshell, resulting ...

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 10, 2018

Large-scale study links PCOS to mental health disorders

A large-scale study finds that women with PCOS are prone to mental health disorders and their children have a greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. The study suggests that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders to improve their quality of life.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 10, 2018

New study shows invasive Chinese privet can be well controlled with lower concentrations of herbicide

Researchers have developed an alternative approach to controlling invasive Chinese privet, achieving great control with much less herbicide than typically used. The study found that a 25% concentration of glyphosate or triclopyr is sufficient for effective control, and timing also plays a crucial role in the process.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateApr 10, 2018

Impact of Medicare annual wellness visit on detection of cognitive impairment is minimal

A nationwide study found that Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit has only a minimal effect on early identification of cognitive impairment and subsequent care. The visit did lead to increased use of laboratory tests for thyroid dysfunction and vitamin B deficiency, which may be related to reversible causes of cognitive impairment.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 10, 2018

Even short travel can spread colistin-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Osaka University found that short trips to developing countries significantly increase the appearance of colistin-resistant bacteria in Japanese travelers. The study tracked 19 participants who traveled for less than 2 weeks and discovered nearly 90% of travel events resulted in resistant strains.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInfection and Drug Resistance·DateApr 10, 2018

Springer launches Journal for STEM Education Research

The Journal for STEM Education Research is a subscription-based, open-access journal focusing on students' cognitive and non-cognitive development in STEM education. It explores learning environments and pedagogies to facilitate student learning and development.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal for STEM Education Research·DateApr 10, 2018

When enemies come to help

Crab spiders aid buckler-mustard plants by eliminating plant-eating insects and their larvae. This unexpected alliance benefits the plant, as it increases the production of floral volatile that attracts beneficial spiders.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2018

Birds migrate away from diseases

Researchers at Lund University found that migratory birds have a less variable immune system than sedentary birds, possibly due to the reduced diversity of pathogens in their breeding grounds. This adaptation could provide a survival advantage, as dealing with multiple pathogens is often difficult for birds when they first encounter them.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 10, 2018

Bugs, microbes and death can inform the living

A study from Michigan State University reveals the postmortem microbiome provides crucial insights into public health, with consistent patterns regardless of factors like sex or ethnicity. The research also suggests that the microbiome can be used to assess health conditions, such as heart disease, in living populations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 10, 2018

Weight loss is an important predictor of cancer

Research analysis found unintended weight loss to be the second-highest risk factor for some forms of cancer. The study of 11.5 million patients revealed significant associations with colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and renal cancers, emphasizing the need for streamlined services to investigate non-specific symptoms like weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateApr 10, 2018

School-based yoga can help children better manage stress and anxiety

A new study published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management found that school-based yoga can help children better manage stress and anxiety. Third-graders who participated in small group yoga/mindfulness activities for eight weeks showed improved psychosocial and emotional quality of life scores compared to their peers who rec...

SourceTulane University·JournalPsychology Research and Behavior Management·DateApr 10, 2018

Deciphering the 'mosaic' of the brain

Researchers have found that nitric oxide regulates neuron function by modulating a signalling step at the synapse, changing the position of the complexin protein within a synapse. This regulation can help understand neurological conditions and potentially lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 10, 2018

Review examines everything we know about Internet gaming disorder

Internet gaming disorder has a complex background of personal, familial, and environmental factors that increase risk for certain individuals. The review notes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a good starting point for diagnosing IGD.

SourceWiley·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateApr 10, 2018

How cheetahs outsmart lions and hyenas

A new study reveals that cheetahs modify their eating strategies depending on the presence of top predators like lions and hyenas. Mothers with cubs prioritize vigilance over speed, while single females and males focus on quick consumption to avoid prey theft.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 10, 2018

Thin engineered material perfectly redirects and reflects sound

Researchers at Duke University have designed a thin material that can control sound waves with almost perfect efficiency, revolutionizing the manipulation of acoustic waves. The device uses a class of materials called metamaterials to redirect and reflect sound waves, offering significant improvements over previous devices.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2018

Digital penicillin production

Researchers at TU Wien have created a comprehensive mathematical model that accurately replicates the complex growth behavior of penicillin-producing organisms. This model is now helping Sandoz GmbH to optimize its production process, ensuring optimum quality by adjusting parameters such as nutrient supply in real-time.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalChemical Engineering Science·DateApr 10, 2018

Optimized perception in the twilight zone

Research at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that the human brain prepares for dawn and dusk by reducing resting activity in the visual cortex, allowing it to process weak visual stimuli more effectively during these times. This mechanism may have provided an evolutionary advantage in the pre-industrial era.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2018

Study says charisma trumped narcissism for voters in 2016 US presidential election

A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers suggests that perceived charisma can balance out the negative effects of a narcissistic personality on voters' perceptions of leaders. The study found that charisma and values alignment contributed to voter choice, while media coverage and social media amplify familiarity with cand...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 10, 2018

Hepatitis C: A novel point-of-care assay

A novel point-of-care Hepatitis C assay has been developed to diagnose chronic cases in asymptomatic patients, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The assay detects HCV RNA reliably, faster than existing methods, and can be used at the point of care, reducing the need for centralized laboratories.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalGut·DateApr 10, 2018

Higher risk of infectious disease with both high and low cholesterol

Research from the University of Copenhagen found a U-shaped relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and risk of infectious diseases. Individuals with both very low and very high HDL cholesterol had high risks of hospitalization and death from infectious diseases, including gastroenteritis and pneumonia.