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Science News for July 25, 2018


Cannabidiol: Hope or hype?

Research on cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promising results in treating rare seizure disorders, with clinical trials halving the number of seizures in 40% of children and young adults. However, more studies are needed to determine its efficacy for other ailments, as some patients experienced side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 25, 2018

Blood plasma during emergency air transport saves lives

A national clinical trial found that prehospital plasma transfusion can reduce mortality in traumatically injured patients with severe bleeding. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 9.8% increase in survival rates among patients who received two units of plasma during air medical transport.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2018

Possible death of the universe scenario proposed

A new theory suggests that a dynamical system singularity may not be a physical reality, allowing the universe to evolve infinitely. The study, published in Physical Review D, proposes an alternate gravity model that includes quadratic scalar invariants and corresponds with Alexei Starobinsky's inflational theory.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJul 25, 2018

How number crunching can optimize crisp frying

A team of mathematicians from around the world collaborated to solve real-world problems faced by industry. By applying mathematical models to the manufacture of stackable fabricated potato chips, they aimed to predict cooking times, optimize chip position, and improve the overall efficiency of the process.

Greater market liquidity actually increases risk, according to Ben-Gurion University researchers

The study shows that increased liquidity leads to a more volatile appetite for risk in the market, causing all stocks to become more risky. This volatility affects the Sharpe ratio, which measures excess return for additional risk, ultimately making investors need compensation for taking on higher-risk assets.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Financial Markets·DateJul 25, 2018

A breath test for early-stage Parkinson's

Researchers developed a sensor to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease from patient breath, achieving 79% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The device detected differences in the exhaled breath of newly diagnosed patients, outperforming diagnostic smell tests and ultrasound scans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJul 25, 2018

Easy-Bake fossils

Researchers at Field Museum create 'Easy-Bake fossils' by simulating the fossilization process in a lab, allowing for more accurate interpretations of ancient organisms. The method enables scientists to study the preservation of soft tissues and biomolecules, shedding light on evolution and biology.

SourceField Museum·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 25, 2018

Multi-disease health fairs, 'test and treat' help E. African communities achieve HIV goals

Rural East African communities that hosted annual health fairs saw higher overall survival and viral suppression rates compared to standard care. Annual multi-disease health fairs delivered patient-centered, streamlined HIV care, resulting in fewer new HIV cases, better control of hypertension and diabetes, and lower TB rates.

Antibacterial glass ionomer cement with chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica

Researchers developed a novel antibacterial glass ionomer cement with chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica, which significantly enhances anti-biofilm ability and maintains mechanical properties. The study proposes a new strategy for preventing secondary caries by using this modified GIC.

Multiple pregnancies might make women's cells 'age' faster

A Northwestern University study suggests that multiple pregnancies can lead to accelerated biological aging in women, as measured by telomere length and epigenetic age. Women with more pregnancies showed signs of faster cellular aging, even when currently pregnant, which challenges the idea that pregnancy itself makes women look younger.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 2018

Next generation ALS drug silences inherited form of the disease in animal models

Researchers have discovered a second-generation drug that can silence the gene responsible for inherited ALS by injecting it into rodents. The new version of the drug is more effective at reducing SOD1 protein production and delaying disease progression. It may be ready for early-stage clinical trials.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2018

Homing pigeons use local natural odors to find their way

Researchers confirm that pigeons rely on familiar smells to find their way home, not artificial odors. A study published in Journal of Comparative Physiology A found that pigeons exposed to natural environmental odorants performed significantly better at homing.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology A·DateJul 25, 2018

Harvey samples saddled with antibiotic-resistant genes

Rice University researchers found widespread contamination by E. coli and high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in water and sediment samples collected after Hurricane Harvey. These findings highlight the need for caution when handling stagnant floodwaters, especially for immunocompromised individuals or those with open wounds.

Parkinson's treatments being developed could benefit most people with the disease

Researchers have discovered a new link between gene LLRK2 and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that therapies currently being developed for a small group of patients may benefit everyone with the disease. The study also found that LRRK2 plays a key role in clearing excess alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 25, 2018

An elastic puff of air

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new class of highly elastic aerogels with adjustable network density, allowing for tailored porosity. These materials exhibit excellent thermal insulation, surpassing conventional materials like polyurethane foam, and can be bent, rolled, twisted, and cut into desired shapes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 25, 2018

Soil bugs munch on plastics

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that soil microorganisms degrade films composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer. This discovery demonstrates the true biodegradation of a plastic material in soils, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2018

New diagnostic blood test helps rule out need for CT scans in patients with possible TBI

A new diagnostic blood test developed by Banyan Biomarkers Inc. has been validated to correctly identify 99.6% of patients without traumatic brain injury (TBI) on head CT scans. The test reduces unnecessary head CT scans, radiation exposure and healthcare costs associated with TBI treatment.

Something fishy on the high seas

New studies track transshipment of fish catch worldwide, revealing key findings on vessel types, fisheries involved and seafood supply chains. The research provides a complete, global view of transshipment and demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address critical challenges.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2018

Light device is effective ulcer treatment

A new light device has been developed by the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Trust, showing an average 83% improvement rate in treating finger ulcers caused by systemic sclerosis. The therapy combines infrared, red, and ultraviolet light and can be administered at home, offering a potential game-changer for ulcer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Dermatological Treatment·DateJul 25, 2018

Sounds of the sun

Scientists can now study the Sun's complex motions using sound waves captured by NASA and ESA. This sonification technique provides a unique probe into the star's inner workings, revealing huge rivers of solar material flowing around its core.

Vibrations at an exceptional point

A team of international researchers has developed a lasing system that produces phonons, the energy products of oscillation, or vibration. By tuning the system to create resonance, they can trigger mechanical movement that generates an acoustic wave. This breakthrough could lead to new medical and materials science applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2018

Manure slipping through (soil) cracks

Researchers found that liquid hog manure increases water infiltration depth into cracking clay soils, but not beyond 39 inches. This discovery suggests not all clay-rich soils behave the same, and knowledge gaps remain about soil water flow in vertisols, especially with organic additions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateJul 25, 2018

Space-age tech offers timely crop data relief

The EcoProMIS project aims to provide commercially viable solutions for sustainable agriculture in Colombia by combining space data with smart sensors and real-time information. Farmers will benefit from increased productivity and reduced environmental footprints, thanks to a public-private partnership supported by the UK Space Agency.

Leggy lizards don't survive the storm

Researchers found that survivors had larger toe pads on forelimbs and hindlimbs compared to pre-storm populations. Survivors also had proportionately longer fore legs and shorter back legs with smaller bodies. These findings suggest natural selection favors certain characteristics in response to extreme weather events.