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Science News for June 18, 2018


Why being left-handed matters for mental health treatment

A study by Daniel Casasanto at Cornell University reveals that left-handed individuals' emotions are housed in the right side of their brains, contradicting traditional models. This suggests a revised approach to treating anxiety and depression, with strong left-handers potentially benefiting from an opposite treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

Human impacts and coral reef conservation

A study evaluating human pressures on coral reefs found that high human pressure decreases effectiveness of conservation strategies, while low pressure preserves fish biomass and top predator populations. Conservation gains were highest in areas with moderate human pressure, highlighting the need for targeted management approaches.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Hunting molecules to find new planets

An international team of astronomers detected molecules on an exoplanet, allowing it to be visualized. The technique reveals the planet's surface composition and temperature, providing new insights into planetary atmospheres. Future spectrographs will enhance this method, enabling more accurate characterization of planets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJun 18, 2018

Nature programs could put a spring in your step

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University finds that watching short films set in natural environments can improve body appreciation, while urban settings have no effect. This suggests a potential low-cost solution for promoting healthier body image, especially for those with limited access to real natural environments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateJun 18, 2018

Odors are perceived the same way by hunter-gatherers and Westerners

A recent study found that Jahai speakers and Dutch individuals have similar emotional responses to odors, indicating universal perception. Despite their distinct vocabularies for smelling, both groups showed the same facial reactions to unpleasant smells, highlighting the universality of olfactory experience.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

When consumers don't want to talk about what they bought

A study by Ohio State University found that when consumers feel financially constrained, they are less likely to discuss their purchases with others. This holds true regardless of income level or type of purchase. Researchers suggest this may be because discussing purchases reinforces negative feelings about one's financial situation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2018

New method to preserve boy cancer patient fertility being developed at Ben-gurion U.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a cell culture system that can change testicular stem cells into sperm-like cells, potentially enabling future fertility for boys with prepubertal cancer. The study found that biologically active spermatogonial cells can develop in vitro to different stages of spermatogen...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 18, 2018

In the gaping mouth of ancient crocodiles

A new study explores the mouth of ancient crocodilians, shedding light on their evolution and behavior. The discovery of a closed secondary palate in early shartegosuchids, a group thought to be extinct, has significant implications for understanding the purpose of this feature in modern crocodiles.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalAmerican Museum Novitates·DateJun 18, 2018

Mechanical logic for soft robots

Soft robots are enabled by origami mechanisms that transform environmental stimuli into mechanical signals, allowing for basic Boolean logic operations and locomotion. The design uses a polymer actuator that changes shape in response to humidity, paving the way for environmentally responsive soft robotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

First delivery episiotomies may require repeat procedures -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that mothers who have an episiotomy during their first delivery are more likely to require the procedure in subsequent deliveries. The study of over 43,000 deliveries found a higher likelihood of perineal tissue tears and repeat procedures among women who had an episiotomy.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJun 18, 2018

Blue gene regulation helps plants respond properly to light

Scientists at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism by which plant genes are regulated in response to light. The research found that blue light triggers a shift in the start site of gene expression, allowing plants to carry out photosynthesis and grow.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Keyhole may trump robotic surgery for mitral valve repair

Research comparing keyhole, robotic, and conventional mitral valve repair surgeries found that keyhole surgery had higher success rates and fewer complications, including lower rates of subsequent heart flutter and blood transfusions. Robotic surgery required more blood transfusions but still provided excellent outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·DateJun 18, 2018

Fish harvest estimates using household surveys

A study using household surveys estimated that 9.26 million metric tons of wild-caught freshwater fish were consumed in low-income and middle-income countries, compared to the reported 5.6 metric tons. This represents a significant underreporting of global freshwater fish catches, with potential implications for food security and susta...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Sources of aerosols in the Himalayan atmosphere

Researchers analyzed a 200-year sediment core from a Himalayan lake, finding increased sulfate concentrations starting at the end of the Second Industrial Revolution. The findings suggest that atmospheric sulfur isotope ratios in the region were influenced by pre-industrial biomass burning and post-1930 anthropogenic dust emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Cementless fly ash binder makes concrete 'green'

Researchers create environmentally friendly composite binder using fly ash, reducing carbon dioxide emissions and the need for sodium-based activators. The new binder replaces Portland cement in concrete production with minimal impact on compressive strength.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateJun 18, 2018

Scientists create continuously emitting microlasers with nanoparticle-coated beads

Researchers have found a way to convert nanoparticle-coated microscopic beads into lasers smaller than red blood cells. These microlasers can constantly and stably emit light for hours at a time, even when submerged in biological fluids. The innovation opens up the possibility for imaging or controlling biological activity with infrare...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 18, 2018

Neuroscientists map brain's response to cold touch

Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateJun 18, 2018

Overuse of agricultural chemicals on China's small farms harms health and environment

A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Organic crystals twist, bend, and heal

Scientists have engineered a molecular soft cocrystalline structure that exhibits reversible twisting upon heating, elastic bending under mechanical force, rapid reversible bending under UV light, and self-healing properties. This multifunctional quality makes it an attractive candidate for advanced materials in electronics and optics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 2018

New material for splitting water

Researchers have discovered a new class of materials that can harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are promising photocatalytic materials due to their ability to absorb visible light and generate sufficient energy to split water.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 18, 2018

Risky opioid prescriptions linked to higher chance of death

A recent study by RAND Corporation found that more than 6 percent of Massachusetts adults received risky opioid prescriptions over a five-year period, increasing their chances of death. The study identified six types of risky prescribing practices linked to fatal opioid overdoses and other causes of mortality.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 2018

Study finds reduction in sulfur emissions from power plants in China

A new study found that China's sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 13.9% after implementing a law requiring significant reductions, but compliance varied widely among regions. The research used satellite data and on-the-ground emissions monitoring systems to pinpoint discrepancies and suggest policy lessons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Coral reef 'oases' offer glimmer of hope

Researchers identified small coral 'oases' thriving against the odds, with some areas rebounding from devastation. These 'escape', 'resist', and 'rebound' oases offer insights into why some ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and local impacts.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 18, 2018

AcuraStem receives fast-track SBIR grant

AcuraStem has been awarded a $3.7 million SBIR grant to continue research on a small molecule therapeutic for ALS, utilizing induced motor neuron cellular models and precision platform iNeuroRx°. The grant supports the development of AS2015, targeting expansion repeats in the C9ORF72 gene.

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Embracing respect and dignity as the next frontier in preventing patient harm

A group of national leaders in quality and safety have developed a consensus statement to embrace an expanded definition of patient harm that includes non-physical harm. The document provides six high-level recommendations for health care organizations to engage in the practice of respect, aiming to improve the patient-family experience.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJun 18, 2018

Plant-based diets improve cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes patients

A new review study published in Clinical Nutrition found that plant-based diets improve glycemic control, lead to weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes can reduce the risk of heart problems and improve type 2 diabetes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateJun 18, 2018

New articles in The CRISPR Journal

The CRISPR Journal announces its third issue with novel techniques for long DNA delivery, correction of recessive genetic defects using endogenous repair, base editing quantification software, leveling the CRISPR playing field through accessible plasmid repositories, and insights into CRISPR's future by Editor-in-Chief Rodolphe Barrangou