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Science News for January 29, 2018


Predicting influencers has just been made simpler

Researchers developed a new theory identifying key individuals spreading news and viruses in epidemics by analyzing message transmission dynamics. The study predicts the influence of spreaders in networks, enabling efficient immunization strategies and identifying influential actors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 29, 2018

Visualizing danger from songbird warning calls

A new study reveals that songbirds can 'see' reference to certain vocalizations, enabling them to perceive an inanimate object as a real snake. This cognitive ability allows birds to efficiently search out a predator regardless of its spatial position.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Scientists pinpoint how ocean acidification weakens coral skeletons

A new study identifies the details of how ocean acidification affects coral skeletons, allowing scientists to predict where corals will be more vulnerable. The research found that ocean acidification particularly impedes the thickening process, decreasing the skeletons' density and leaving them more vulnerable to breaking.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Graduates of early childhood program show greater educational gains as adults

A study funded by NIH found that graduates of a high-quality early childhood program showed higher attainment of college degrees compared to a similar group. The Child-Parent Centers (CPC) program, which provided intensive instruction and parental support, had a positive impact on adults' educational outcomes.

Reach out and feed someone: Automated system finds rapid honey bee communication networks

Researchers developed an automated system to monitor honey bee interactions, revealing a network structure that facilitates fast information spread. The study found that the bees' social network exhibited a 'bursty' pattern similar to human networks, but with rapid information spreading.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Walk in groups to keep exercise goals on track

A review of 18 studies found that group walking improves physical activity and quality of life. Walking in groups also boosts life satisfaction and social connectedness, helping individuals meet the World Health Organisation's recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity per week.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·DateJan 29, 2018

To improve self-control, call weight loss what it is: Difficult

Researchers at Drexel University found that telling people weight loss is difficult can actually motivate them to shed more weight in the short-term. However, this approach did not lead to long-term changes in unhealthy foods at home. The study suggests that modifying the home food environment, rather than just providing diet advice, i...

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2018

Sixty-four percent of women suffer from insomnia in late pregnancy

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology reveals that 64% of pregnant women experience insomnia in the third trimester, with symptoms worsening throughout pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of addressing this issue to prevent related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology·DateJan 29, 2018

Uncovering the early origins of Huntington's disease

Scientists at Rockefeller University discovered early abnormalities in human embryonic stem cells with Huntington's disease, suggesting the disorder originates much earlier than previously thought. The study implies that existing treatments may do more harm than good and necessitates a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalDevelopment·DateJan 29, 2018

NUS researchers develop wireless light switch for targeted cancer therapy

A team of scientists from the National University of Singapore has developed a way to wirelessly deliver light into deep regions of the body to activate light-sensitive drugs for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The technology enables PDT to be used on inner organs with fine control, potentially treating a wider range of cancers.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

Novel technologies reveal key information about depleted East Pacific green sea turtles

Researchers used novel techniques to analyze sea turtle bones and uncover previously unknown information about their habitats, including their age when they move into nearshore habitats and how they use offshore waters for feeding. The study provides strong applications to the conservation and management of this endangered population.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateJan 29, 2018

Getting to zero deforestation

A Stanford-led synthesis paper reveals strengths and weaknesses of corporate environmental pledges, suggesting a range of public-private policy solutions to boost their impact. The study recommends complementing regulation with endorsement and reinforcement of company standards, sharing information, and covering compliance costs for sm...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2018

More than 100,000 switches

A research team led by Dr. Ralf Gilsbach and Prof. Dr. Lutz Hein from the University of Freiburg has mapped out the gene regulators in the DNA of human cardiac muscle cells for the first time. They discovered over 100,000 gene switches that control gene activity, providing insight into mechanisms misdirected in heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Through the looking glass: New mirror-image molecules could lead to better medicines

Researchers at University of Toronto have developed technology for creating durable disease-fighting molecules that can last longer in the body, reducing frequent drug injections. Mirror-image versions of existing drugs, such as GLP1 and PTH, have been created using computational approach, showing longer-lasting effects on cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2018

'Chemical net' could be key to capturing pure hydrogen

Researchers have discovered that MXene nanosheets can be used to construct laminated membranes for efficient gas separation, outperforming top-of-the-line membrane materials in permeability and selectivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new gas separation applications and expand the use of membrane technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Outpatient clinic reduces no-shows by 34 percent amid 13 percent patient visit increase

A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that implementing a program to understand and address patient no-shows led to a significant decrease in no-show rates at Elmont Teaching Health Center. Patient visits increased by 13%, underscoring the effectiveness of the interventions.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJan 29, 2018