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Science News for August 15, 2018


How gene hunting changed the culture of science

Researchers report cross-disciplinary work as key factor in HGP's success, leading to more successful careers and impactful publications. The consortium model, which incorporated collaboration between biologists, computer scientists, and other disciplines, changed science's cultural norms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 15, 2018

The origin of off-taste in onions

Scientists have discovered previously unknown sulfur compounds causing the bitter taste that develops after chopping onions. The compounds, dubbed allithiolanes, form spontaneously when the onion is damaged, affecting the flavor of resulting dishes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2018

Chips, light and coding moves the front line in beating bacteria

A multidisciplinary team of scientists from OIST has developed a novel tool to monitor biofilm growth, allowing for more efficient testing of replacement antibiotics. By using nanostructured chips and localized surface plasmon resonance, the researchers can observe bacterial cells growing without disrupting their test subjects.

Particles pull last drops of oil from well water

Rice University scientists have created a magnetic nanoparticle compound that efficiently separates crude oil droplets from produced water. The nanoparticles are attracted to the magnet and bind to the oil, allowing for easy separation. This solution could be valuable for industry and offshore oil rigs.

Male tobacco smokers have brain-wide reduction of CB1 receptors

A study found that frequent tobacco smokers had a nearly 20% decrease in CB1 receptors across the brain, similar to previous findings in cannabis and alcohol abuse. This reduction may be associated with addiction and could have negative effects on normal brain functions like memory and stress coping.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2018

Model way to protect trees

A new mathematical model suggests that balancing demand variability and costs can significantly reduce the risk of importing exotic forest pests and diseases. The research, published in The Journal of Applied Ecology, recommends longer-term grant schemes and higher import duties to help nurseries manage fluctuations.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 15, 2018

Weight gain after smoking cessation linked to increased short-term diabetes risk

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who gain weight after quitting smoking may face a temporary increase in type 2 diabetes risk, directly proportional to the weight gain. However, quitters can still reap significant health benefits, including lower cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 15, 2018

Should all babies have their genomes sequenced?

A new report recommends that targeted genomic sequencing be used to diagnose sick newborns, but genome-wide sequencing of all newborns should not be pursued. The report also advises against direct-to-consumer genetic testing for newborns due to potential anxiety and lack of adequate follow-up.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateAug 15, 2018

Mizzou program significantly reduces delay in autism diagnosis

A new study shows that a University of Missouri program significantly reduces diagnostic wait times for young children at highest risk for autism. The ECHO Autism program provides hands-on training, virtual discussions and practice to help primary care providers diagnose autism in young children, saving families an average of 172.7 mil...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 15, 2018

How forests improve kids' diets

A global study reveals that children living near forests have better nutrition due to increased dietary diversity from forest products and reduced micronutrient deficiencies. Forests promote health through multiple pathways, including access to a range of foods and income for food purchases.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 15, 2018

Password managers vulnerable to insider hacking

Researchers from Aalto University and the University of Helsinki discovered over ten computer security-critical applications, including password managers, are susceptible to insider attacks. These vulnerabilities arise from inadequate protection of internal communication channels, allowing malicious processes to access sensitive data.

Battery breakthrough: Doubling performance with lithium metal that doesn't catch fire

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new rechargeable battery technology using lithium metal that can double the output of current lithium ion cells. The ceramic electrolyte-based approach eliminates the historic issues of poor durability and short-circuiting, enabling faster charging rates and longer lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 15, 2018

Optimizing airport flight patterns take a toll on human health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 15, 2018

Our perceived birth status can affect our adult relationships

Research found that people who believe they were unwanted or unplanned pregnancies tend to have more insecure relationship styles as adults. This perceived birth status affects attachment styles, leading to increased anxiety and avoidance in relationships. The study suggests that revealing such information can increase insecurities and...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 15, 2018

Play-Doh helps plant research

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants emit scent cues when under attack by insects, recruiting birds to provide a food source while defending crops. The study used Play-Doh larvae and dispensers to replicate plant volatiles, finding that birds were attracted to these cues more strongly than to a control measure.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateAug 15, 2018

Better statistical methods to understand gene interactions leading to cancer development

Researchers have developed a novel statistical method called AA9int to evaluate gene-to-gene interactions associated with cancer and other complex diseases. This approach identifies combinations of genetic variants for predicting cancer risk and prognosis, increasing our understanding of the biological mechanisms of cancer development.

My counterpart determines my behavior

A social-psychological study at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that while social class influences behavior, the communication situation plays a more significant role in shaping behavior towards counterparts from different social classes. The study found that individuals exhibit solidarity with those from lower social classes and a...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 15, 2018

Study of greater Yellowstone pronghorn finds highway crossing structures a conservation success

A recent study found that installing wildlife crossing structures over highways has increased the success rate of pronghorn crossings, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 70 percent. Pronghorn adapted to using these structures within four years, increasing their crossing success rates and decreasing stress levels.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateAug 15, 2018

The secret behind cell revival revealed

Researchers have identified 85 genes essential for fission yeast cells to maintain their ability to divide after being starved of nitrogen. The study sheds light on the genetic network required for resting cells like cancer stem cells to reactivate and has potential applications in developing new therapies to treat cancer. This discove...

Mount Sinai researchers discover how to restore vision using retinal stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai have successfully restored vision in mice by activating retinal stem cells, which could lead to treatments for patients with blinding diseases. The study found that new rod photoreceptor cells were generated and integrated into the existing retinal structure, restoring function of the visual pathway.