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Science News for July 18, 2018


Asian-Americans face barriers to healthy aging

A Rutgers study explores the wellbeing of aging Asian-Americans, finding that social activity, family connections, and cultural values are essential to improving health and lowering depression. The research challenges the 'model minority myth' and highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.

SourceRutgers University·JournalGerontology and Geriatric Medicine·DateJul 18, 2018

'Nowcasting' beach water quality

Researchers have identified simpler computer models that can accurately predict current beach conditions from past data, enabling faster and more reliable detection of fecal microbes. The new approach combines wavelet transform and artificial neural network analysis, requiring only bacterial data from the past, with no additional inputs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 2018

Barley heads east

A new study reveals the ancient migration routes of barley cultivation across Eurasia, with distinct routes for different types of barley populations. The research uses genetic analysis of living crops to track the spread of barley, which was domesticated around 10,500 years ago in the Near East.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 18, 2018

More category 5 hurricanes forecasted by scientists

Researchers at Chapman University found that African dust storms can contribute to the development of larger, more powerful hurricanes like Hurricane Sandy. The study, published in IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, aims to improve forecasting for extreme weather events.

SourceChapman University·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·DateJul 18, 2018

CT scans may increase the risk of brain cancer

A study found that CT scans may increase brain tumor risk in children, with dose-response relationships observed between radiation exposure and tumor incidence. The researchers caution that careful justification and optimization of pediatric CT scans are essential to minimize risks.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 18, 2018

In the ocean's twilight zone, tiny organisms may have giant effect on Earth's carbon cycle

A new study by Florida State University researchers has found that tiny phaeodarian organisms in the ocean's twilight zone are consuming up to 20% of sinking, carbon-rich particles before they reach the deep ocean. This discovery suggests a significant impact on Earth's carbon cycle and challenges current climate dynamics.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJul 18, 2018

Dry casks take the heat

Sandia National Laboratories has built a scaled test assembly to mimic a dry cask storage container for spent nuclear fuel. The team is providing new data on how fuel temperatures change during storage and affect the integrity of the metal cladding surrounding the spent fuel.

Identified RNA molecules that regulate action of male hormone in prostate cancer

A study has identified 600 novel long noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the effects of androgens and androgen receptors on gene expression in prostate tumors. These lncRNAs are powerful regulators of gene expression and interact with and magnify the effect of regulatory proteins, suggesting a new target for treatment.

AI technology could help protect water supplies

Researchers have developed an AI system that can identify and quantify cyanobacteria in water samples in about one to two hours, reducing the need for expensive lab tests. This tool could provide early warnings of problems, helping to ensure safe drinking water and preventing public health issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 18, 2018

Link found between bitter-taste sensitivity and cancer risk

Researchers found that older women with high bitter-taste sensitivity had a significantly higher cancer risk, despite not consuming fewer vegetables. The study suggests that the relationship between bitter-taste sensitivity and cancer may relate more to overall diet quality than just vegetable consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateJul 18, 2018

Prolonged opioid use before knee or hip replacement surgery increases risk of poor outcomes

A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients taking prescription opioids for more than 60 days before total knee or hip replacement surgery are at higher risk of hospital readmission and repeat joint-replacement surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of both adverse outcomes,...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 18, 2018

A safe and effective way to whiten teeth

Researchers have developed a new, less destructive teeth whitening method using blue light-activated nanoparticles. The treatment showed similar whitening levels to hydrogen peroxide-based agents without enamel damage or cytotoxicity. Additionally, the therapy demonstrated antibacterial activity against certain bacteria.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJul 18, 2018

Water may be key to understanding sweetness

A study by Maria Antonietta Ricci and colleagues found that fructose forms the shortest and strongest hydrogen bonds with water, allowing it to bind more snugly with protein receptors. This interaction enables greater stimulation and perception of sweetness. Mannose, on the other hand, forms longer and weaker hydrogen bonds with water.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 18, 2018

Doing school differently

The not-school movement is an alternative approach to education that recognizes individual learning needs and talents, providing options for students who struggle in traditional school environments. This movement emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and real-world experience in education.

Timing of dinner may affect breast and prostate cancer risk

A new study found that eating an early supper and having a long interval between the last meal and sleep are associated with lower breast and prostate cancer risks. Participants who had supper before 9pm or slept 2 or more hours after supper had a reduced risk of developing these cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJul 18, 2018

Lowering hospitals' Medicare costs proves difficult

A new study found that a bundled-payment system did not lower Medicare costs for patients hospitalized for serious medical conditions. Despite providing financial incentives, hospitals saw no significant reductions in costs, with average costs remaining largely unchanged.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2018

Neurons can carry more than one signal at a time

Researchers from Duke University found that single neurons can switch between encoding information for two different sounds, suggesting a potential explanation for how the brain processes complex information. The study's results may also shed light on perceptual and cognitive limitations.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2018

Traditional Tibetan medicine exposes people and environment to high mercury levels

Researchers have found that traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) contains high levels of mercury and methylmercury, with Tibetans exposed to 34-fold higher daily intake than in regions specializing in mercury mining. This exposure results in the release of significant amounts of total mercury into municipal sewage and the environment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 2018

'Greener' ways to color clothes

The textile industry is exploring alternative coloring methods that minimize environmental impact, with companies developing dyes that require less water and energy. Innovative approaches like inkjet printing and microbial fermentation are being tested to create more sustainable fashion.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 18, 2018

Solar thermal energy will help China cut costs of climate action

A recent study suggests that Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can be the key to China meeting its climate commitments. CSP can store energy relatively inexpensively and dispatch it day or night, making it a more cost-effective option than traditional renewable energy sources like wind power and PV. The study found that substituting CSP f...

SourceSolarPACES·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 18, 2018

Proteomics studies on the basic biology of Alzheimer's, cancer and listeriosis

Researchers used proteomics to study the basic biology of Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and listeriosis. They found that BACE1 inhibition increases amyloid precursor protein and other substrates in Alzheimer's, while butyrate activates mitochondrial oxidation and suppresses tumor growth in colorectal cancer cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateJul 18, 2018

Study reveals benefits of yoga for pregnant women

A new study reveals that practicing yoga during pregnancy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced stress levels. The research also found a decrease in alpha-amylase levels, indicating a reduction in stress response.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research·DateJul 18, 2018

Fish consumption may prolong life

A large study found that consuming fish was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from all causes, as well as specific chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's. Higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids also showed significant protective effects.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2018

Experts address ways to support latest science education standards

A new article in Journal of Research Science Teaching addresses ways to enact Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in diverse educational systems, particularly those with resource constraints. The Carbon TIME project is presented as a design-based implementation research approach that supports enactment of NGSS.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateJul 18, 2018