Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 19, 2018


Scientific guidelines for using cannabis to treat stress, anxiety and depression

A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis can significantly reduce short-term levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Optimal strains and quantities include one puff high in CBD and low in THC for depression, two puffs of any type for anxiety, and 10 or more puffs high in CBD and high in THC for stress.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateApr 19, 2018

Want to be seen as cool? Just say, 'cheese!'

A study by University of Arizona researcher Caleb Warren found that people perceive those who smile as more genuine and likable. In contrast, being inexpressive can make someone appear cold rather than cool. The researchers tested this theory using advertisements featuring various endorsers, including James Dean.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 19, 2018

Social values of masculinity and honor fuel contact with mafia-type groups

A new study by University of Kent researchers suggests that young men in Southern Italy who prioritize masculine honour are more likely to engage with criminal organisation members. The research highlights the importance of addressing these values in education programmes aimed at preventing young people's involvement with such groups.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateApr 19, 2018

New 'brain health index' can predict how well patients will do after stroke

A new computer programme assesses whole brain deterioration and predicts cognitive function after stroke up to ten times more accurately than current methods. The 'brain health index' can quantify visible brain injury from cerebral small vessel disease and brain atrophy, giving early warning of risk of future cognitive decline.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·DateApr 19, 2018

Spider silk key to new bone-fixing composite

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateApr 19, 2018

Study provides video evidence of parental infanticide in a grassland bird species

A new study from the University of Illinois provides video evidence of parental infanticide in dickcissel birds, challenging existing assumptions about this phenomenon. The researchers observed a female parent removing her own chick from the nest, raising questions about the ecological and evolutionary implications.

The gender gap in science: When will women be equally represented?

A recent study reveals that women are underrepresented in STEMM fields, with some disciplines showing a significant gender gap. The research suggests that it may take decades or even centuries to close the gap in certain fields, highlighting the need for practical measures such as reforming academic publishing and peer review.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

Porous salts for fuel cells

Researchers have created a new class of crystalline porous organic salts with exceptional proton conductivity, potentially revolutionizing fuel cell technology. The salts' unique structure and strong ionic bonds enable stable pore systems, making them highly efficient electrolytes for fuel cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 19, 2018

In the surcharge blame game, companies tend to finish last

A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateApr 19, 2018

Study predicts 2018 flu vaccine will have 19 percent efficacy

A Rice University study predicts the 2018 flu vaccine will have limited efficacy against the dominant circulating strain of influenza A due to viral mutations related to egg production. The pEpitope method accurately predicted vaccine efficacy rates for over 40 years of flu records and suggests a more accurate predictor than ferret tests.

SourceRice University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Policy driver of soil organic carbon accumulation in Chinese croplands identified

Chinese croplands experienced drastic changes in management practices since the 1980s, leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The study found that economics and policy-driven organic inputs dominated SOC sequestration, particularly through crop straw/stover return policies.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Museum researchers rediscover animal not seen in 30 years

Researchers from the San Diego Natural History Museum have rediscovered the San Quintin kangaroo rat in Baja California, partnering with a conservation plan to protect the endangered species. The discovery was made using traditional field techniques and live traps, and the rat has been found to persist in the Valle Tranquilo Nature Res...

SourceSan Diego Natural History Museum·JournalBulletin Southern California Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Let's talk about sex chromosomes

Male and female cells behave differently after being reprogrammed into stem cells due to their number of X chromosomes. This affects DNA methylation, a process that changes DNA activity without changing its sequence.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 19, 2018

Weight-loss surgery improves lives and saves money

A new study found weight-loss surgery reduces average costs to the UK National Health Service by €2742, while gaining 0.8 life-years and 4.0 quality-adjusted life years compared to usual care. The procedure also has potential benefits in reducing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateApr 19, 2018

Bedside tests for syphilis and yaws tested in sub-Saharan Africa

Researchers tested Dual Path Platform (DPP-POCT) Syphilis Screens tests in rural clinics and a hospital in the Solomon Islands, showing high patient satisfaction and ease of use. The point-of-care test can provide results in under half an hour with no electricity or special equipment needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 19, 2018

Online ads help pregnant smokers quit

A new study found that commercial online advertising can engage large numbers of pregnant smokers earlier in their pregnancies, with an overall uptake rate of 3.4% among those who clicked on adverts. The ads were more effective than free-of-charge adverts on health websites and yielded a high user engagement rate.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 19, 2018

How can medical marijuana benefit older adults?

Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 2018

Remote-control shoots laser at nano-gold to turn on cancer-killing immune cells

Bioengineers have developed a remote control method to activate cancer-killing immune cells using a heat-sensitive switch, which can be precisely controlled to target tumors. The technique has shown promise in initial tests in mice with implanted tumors, and could potentially improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating cancer.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

How environmental pollutants and genetics work together in rheumatoid arthritis

A new mouse study reveals that environmental pollutants like dioxin and cigarette smoke interact with the HLA gene variant to cause more severe rheumatoid arthritis. The disease leads to excessive bone destruction through overactive osteoclasts, a process targeted by researchers for potential new treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2018

Toward a new water paradigm

A four-year grant will support the Program on Water, Health & Development (WHD) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia and Uganda. WHD aims to develop concrete plans for expanding water services to all residents within a target district, guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

A complete cell atlas and lineage tree of the immortal flatworm

Researchers from Max Delbrück Center have published a comprehensive study on the Schmidtea mediterranea flatworm, creating a detailed cell atlas and lineage tree. The work provides new insights into cellular regeneration processes and offers a powerful approach to studying stem cells and their lineages in multiple animals.

A novel way of creating gold nanoparticles in water

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new method for creating gold nanoparticles in water droplets, which could lead to more sustainable ways of producing these materials. The technique uses microdroplets as reactors and eliminates the need for potentially toxic reducing agents.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2018

Biofeedback relaxation app may help kids during medical procedures

A new study suggests that biofeedback-assisted relaxation using the BrightHearts app can effectively manage pain and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. The app's use was well-tolerated by patients, parents, and healthcare providers, with many indicating they would use it again during a procedure.

SourceWiley·JournalPain Practice·DateApr 19, 2018

Protein can slow intestinal tumor growth

Researchers at Stockholm University discovered a new mechanism regulating stem cells in the fruit fly's intestine and found that a specific protein can slow tumour growth. The study sheds light on how intestinal diseases occur and may contribute to the development of new medicine to prevent and cure them.

SourceStockholm University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 19, 2018

Which pain medication is safest for arthritis patients?

A recent study found that celecoxib, an NSAID, had better gastrointestinal safety than ibuprofen or naproxen when co-prescribed with esomeprazole. The medication was associated with infrequent gastrointestinal side effects in arthritis patients, making it a safer option for those taking these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2018

Study shows rapid rise in mass school shootings in the US

A new study reveals a rapid rise in mass school shootings in the US over the past 18 years, with 66 people killed and 81 injured since the start of the 21st century. The authors call for policy and legislative actions to address the alarming trend, including expanded background checks and mental health support.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateApr 19, 2018

Diamond-like carbon is formed differently to what was believed -- machine learning enables development of new model

A team of researchers has developed a new method for modeling the formation of diamond-like carbon at the atomic level, which challenges the prevailing understanding of the process. The approach uses machine learning to simulate thousands of atoms over long periods, revealing a more accurate picture of how the material forms.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 19, 2018

Scientists identify connection between dopamine and behavior related to pain and fear

Researchers discovered that dopamine drives animals to avoid unpleasant situations, including electric shocks. This finding expands the role of dopamine in aversively motivated behaviors and sheds light on brain disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. The study also highlights the potential benefits of i...

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 19, 2018

Atoms may hum a tune from grand cosmic symphony

Researchers have uncovered behavior in ultracold atoms that resembles the universe in microcosm, with potential implications for cosmology and the early universe's rapid expansion. The study reveals analogies to Hubble friction and provides new insights into energy conversion during inflation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 19, 2018

Study: Certain PTSD therapies prove effective long after patients stop treatment

A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that certain PTSD therapies can effectively reduce symptoms for civilians and military veterans long-term. The study analyzed 32 PTSD-related studies and found that patients displayed less intense symptoms up to two years after treatment ended compared to six months post-therapy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateApr 19, 2018

Skin cancers linked with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that individuals with malignant melanoma had a 61% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those without the condition. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas also showed significant reductions in AD risk, with correlations of 82% and 92%, respectively.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateApr 19, 2018

Study: Judges as susceptible to gender bias as laypeople -- and sometimes more so

A new study reveals that judges are just as likely as laypeople to discriminate in decisions involving child custody or workplace discrimination cases related to family caregiving duties. Judges' expertise in family law actually increased their tendency to engage in biased decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 19, 2018