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Science News for December 6, 2018


How do schools address self-harm in adolescents?

A study found that only 53% of UK schools have received staff training on self-harm, highlighting the need for comprehensive training to support students. Despite this, many schools see themselves as a site for prevention and intervention activities, indicating a positive approach to addressing adolescent self-harm.

SourceWiley·JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health·DateDec 6, 2018

Putting the brakes on tumor stealth

Scientists at Monash University have identified a new immune brake called CD96 that enables tumors to evade the immune system. Blocking this receptor may lead to more effective cancer treatments. The research has significant implications for cancer immunotherapy.

SourceMonash University·JournalStructure·DateDec 6, 2018

Fighting smog supports solar power

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that clean air would increase solar radiation nationwide, allowing for a one-tenth increase in electricity production. This could lead to additional electricity generation of 85-158 terawatt hours per year, generating significant revenue for the Chinese electricity industry.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 6, 2018

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2018

Simple steps to climate-proof farms have big potential upside for tropical farmers

A study in Central America, Africa, and Asia finds that implementing simple climate-resilient strategies can increase yields, benefit the environment, and increase farmer income. The research proposes site-specific techniques, such as crop rotation and organic fertilization, which have estimated rates of return ranging from 17% to 590%.

A major feat: room temperature electrochemical cycling of a fluoride-ion battery

Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.

New traffic rules in 'Graphene City'

Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

High-temperature electronics? That's hot

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new organic plastic material that can reliably conduct electricity in up to 220 degrees Celsius, stable across a wide temperature range. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve applications such as sensors and solar cells in extreme temperatures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Cardiac rehabilitation linked to improved sexual functioning and frequency

A systematic review of literature found that cardiac rehabilitation attendance is associated with improved sexual function and sexual frequency in patients with cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the effectiveness of sexual counseling interventions to improve sexual health outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2018

Silicosis is on the rise, but is there a therapeutic target?

A study published in Nature Communications identifies extracellular DNA degradation as a key mechanism of lung inflammation induced by silica exposure. Treatment with DNase I may prevent silica-induced lung inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for silicosis.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2018

Hysterectomy may be linked to brain function

A recent rat study published in the Endocrine Society's journal found that hysterectomy can cause short-term memory loss in rats. Removing the ovaries alongside the uterus did not result in a similar impairment, suggesting a unique negative effect of hysterectomy on brain function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018

Statins overprescribed for primary prevention

A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Obesity intervention needed before pregnancy

A large study found that taking metformin reduced weekly pregnancy weight gain, but did not improve other pregnancy outcomes. The research supports the need for pre-pregnancy dietary and lifestyle interventions to break the cycle of intergenerational obesity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 6, 2018

Watch how geckos run across water

Researchers discovered geckos' unique locomotion method, combining leg slapping, skin surface tension, and tail propulsion. The findings could inspire rapid swimming robots for search and rescue operations.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 6, 2018

Elevated hormone flags liver problems in mice with methylmalonic acidemia

Researchers have discovered a hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is extremely elevated in mice with liver disease mimicking methylmalonic acidemia. FGF21 levels can predict liver severity and inform treatment decisions. The study may also shed light on common disorders like fatty liver disease and obesity.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2018

An exoplanet inflated like a balloon

Researchers from UNIGE have detected helium in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, HAT-P-11b, which is swollen like a balloon due to stellar radiation. The discovery was made using the Carmenes spectrograph on a 4-metre telescope, and supported by numerical simulations that track the trajectory of helium atoms.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Drawing is better than writing for memory retention

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that drawing enhances memory retention in older adults more than traditional study methods. Drawing's unique combination of visual, spatial, verbal, semantic, and motoric representations led to better recall in both young people and senior citizens.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalExperimental Aging Research·DateDec 6, 2018

Pot withdrawal eased for dependent users

A new drug has been shown to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms and increase abstinence in those trying to quit, according to a Yale-led study. The medication works by inhibiting the enzyme that degrades anandamide, a brain chemical that acts on brain cannabis receptors.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateDec 6, 2018

Profiling a killer in warm blood

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a new method to sequence individual cells from patient blood or bone marrow, capturing specific gene programs active in each cell. This allows for more precise diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma by identifying unique genetic blueprints for each patient.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Axillary RT and lymph node surgery yielded comparable outcomes for patients with breast cancer

Patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy showed comparable 10-year recurrence and survival rates following axillary radiotherapy or axillary lymph node dissection. The study also found that axillary radiotherapy was associated with significantly less lymphedema, a common side effect of surgery.

Key to lifelong heart health is childhood intervention

A review paper highlights the importance of infusing heart-healthy behaviors into all aspects of children's lives, starting from early childhood. The authors suggest that modifiable risk factors in children can be prevented by educating on healthy habits early in life, leading to similar health outcomes as those who were never unhealthy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2018

What does expanded Medicaid mean for the health & work lives of enrollees? A lot

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of people covered by expanded Medicaid felt their physical health improved, while more than a third reported improvements in mental or dental health. Enrollees who were employed also reported better job performance and had easier times looking for jobs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Mom, I can't recognize your face from profile view!

Babies younger than 6 months fail to recognize their mothers' faces when watching mobile phones, but improve face recognition at around 5.5 months through increased brain activity in response to profile views. Longitudinal testing of 14 babies from 3-8 months old provided key insights into developmental changes in face recognition skills.

SourceChuo University·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 6, 2018

Visualizing vitals through video

A mobile application will register natural head and body movements, distinguish between different skin tones and lighting conditions, and capture vital signs such as pulse rate. The project aims to expand beyond a 'wellness app' classification by the FDA, to an FDA-approved tool that can be used globally.

'Hangxiety' higher in shy people

New research shows that shy individuals are more prone to 'hangxiety' - anxiety during a hangover - compared to extroverts. This study found a significant increase in anxiety levels among shy drinkers, suggesting a potential rebound effect after a night of drinking.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateDec 6, 2018