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Science News for December 4, 2018


High lead levels found in some spices purchased abroad

A study by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that over half of spice samples had detectable lead concentrations, with higher levels detected in spices purchased abroad. The study highlights the importance of considering spices as a potential risk factor for lead exposure in high-risk populations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateDec 4, 2018

More diversity than before

Researchers found that hybridization during eutrophication led to an expansion in biodiversity of the European whitefish species once the ecosystem recovered. This rapid niche expansion was made possible by genetic variation, demonstrating functional variation can quickly recover after ecosystem restoration.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 4, 2018

Inactivating genes can boost crop genetic diversity

Researchers have discovered that inactivating the RECQ4 gene can treble recombination frequency, leading to increased chromosome shuffling and greater genetic diversity. This discovery is expected to improve crop breeding operations by allowing breeders to combine more genes in a single generation.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 4, 2018

Gene therapy for blood disorders

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel approach to gene therapy using microparticles that deliver gene-regulating material to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This technology could potentially treat inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia by altering the genetic defect in t...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2018

Yumanity Therapeutics announces publication of paper in Cell Reports

The company's discovery engine identified a series of compounds that shielded cells against alpha-synuclein-induced toxicity by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase. This finding suggests that inhibition of fatty acid desaturation could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson's disease and other synuclein-based disorders.

SourceW2O Group·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 4, 2018

Blast to the future

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing a machine learning-based framework called BLAST to accelerate and simplify materials modeling and simulation. This software will enable companies to quickly perform molecular dynamics simulations needed for new material vetting, with applications in polymers and steel alloys.

Nine honored by Society for Risk Analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis awarded six scholarly and service awards and named three new Fellows at its Annual Meeting. The recipients were selected for their expertise in regulatory impact analysis, training of new risk analysis experts, and substantial achievements in science or public policy relating to risk analysis.

Full of energy

Engineers are working on a $1.88 million grant to study the fundamental properties of gallium oxide for use in high-voltage power systems. The goal is to minimize energy losses and enhance performance in devices such as surveillance drones, all-electric airplanes, and electric vehicles.

Immune health in space

A new study reveals spaceflight has limited impact on B-cell immunity, a crucial part of the immune system. Astronauts living on the International Space Station for 6 months showed unaffected B-cell immune competency, suggesting in-flight vaccine-based countermeasures may be effective.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateDec 4, 2018

Microplastics found in all sea turtle species

A recent study has revealed that all seven species of sea turtles have ingested microplastics, with over 800 synthetic particles detected in just 102 turtles. The study's findings highlight the widespread presence of microplastics in marine ecosystems and raise concerns about their potential impact on turtle health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 4, 2018

Too much or too little sleep linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that both excessive and insufficient sleep are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research analyzed data from 116,632 adults aged between 35 and 70 years, revealing a significant association between sleep duration and cardiovascular health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 4, 2018

How becoming a manager can be a double-edged sword

A new study from Portland State University found that managers experience increased resource gains and losses when taking on the role, leading to higher levels of exhaustion. Companies are now re-examining their management strategies to prioritize employees' well-being and create work-life balance.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateDec 4, 2018

How microbial interactions shape our lives

Researchers have found that individual species in the gut microbiome account for only a quarter of the effect on fly lifespan, while interactions between species play a crucial role in determining fitness. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex microbiome interactions to better comprehend human health.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2018

How young women view men affects how they imagine their future selves

A study from the University of Arizona found that young women who believe men are becoming more involved in childcare imagine themselves as primary caregivers, while those who think men are less involved envision themselves as primary breadwinners. This perception affects their educational and career decisions years before they start f...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 4, 2018

Developing tools to combat 'fake news'

Researchers have developed new tools to help people identify fake news on social media, including a study that found structured introspection can aid in recognizing false climate change reports. Additionally, studies explored how terror attacks impact fear and anger levels on social media and the effects of media coverage on trust in s...

Smokers who roll their own less inclined to quit

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that smokers who mainly roll their own cigarettes are less motivated to quit compared to those who mainly smoke factory-made cigarettes. The main reason for this disparity is the relatively cheap cost of RYO products, with users spending around half as much on smoking each week.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 4, 2018

How parenting affects antisocial behaviors in children

Research by Dr. Rebecca Waller found that parenting style can predict the emergence of aggressive and antisocial behavior in children, with harsher treatment and less emotional warmth increasing the risk of developing such traits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2018

So cute you could crush it?

A recent study by Katherine Stavropoulos, an assistant professor at the University of California - Riverside, has confirmed a neural basis for cute aggression. The research found that the brain's reward system and emotion system are involved in the phenomenon, with participants experiencing higher levels of cute aggression towards cute...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateDec 4, 2018

Study shows low-income women in Texas are not getting contraception after childbirth

A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin found that two-thirds of low-income women in Texas did not receive their preferred form of contraception at their six-week postpartum visit. Women who wanted IUDs or implants faced significant difficulties accessing these highly effective methods, with only ten percent receiving the...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateDec 4, 2018

A step closer to fusion energy

Scientists from Swansea University and international partners use x-ray and neutron imaging to assess fusion component robustness, yielding valuable data for development. The research aims to harness nuclear fusion safely and efficiently, overcoming temperature challenges in extreme environments.

SourceSwansea University·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateDec 4, 2018

New catalyst achieves unprecedented activities

Researchers have developed a new efficient catalyst to synthesise aromatic amines, which are central building blocks in many drugs and pesticides. The system is more active than conventional catalysts, enabling faster and more efficient production of these compounds.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 4, 2018

Mathematical model offers new strategies for urban burglary prevention

A new mathematical model, inspired by age-dependent population models, analyzes urban burglary patterns and identifies key factors influencing repeat victimization. The model takes into account a burglar's age and a house's susceptibility to robbery based on its age, providing a flexible framework for prevention strategies.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateDec 4, 2018

A missed opportunity

Despite unmet need for treatment of substance use disorders, telemedicine use for this condition remains woefully underused. The study found that telehealth visits for substance use disorder accounted for only 1.4 percent of all telehealth visits, highlighting a significant gap in access to care.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 2018