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Science News for March 9, 2018


Can't sleep? Could be down to genetics

A large-scale genome-wide association study found that insomnia has a partially heritable basis and a strong genetic link to type 2 diabetes. The study also identified specific gene variants on chromosomes 7 and 9 associated with insomnia.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018

Flat gallium joins roster of new 2-D materials

Researchers successfully exfoliated gallenene onto various substrates, demonstrating its potential as an efficient metal contact in two-dimensional electronic devices. The method used to create the flat gallium could be explored for other metals and compounds with low melting points.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

New method increases life span of donated brain tissue

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new method that extends the viability of donated brain tissue from people with epilepsy to 48 hours. This allows them to study gene therapy treatment and acquire more data from a small number of patients, bringing treatments closer to the patient without direct testing.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Could living at high altitude increase suicide risk? Evidence suggests possible treatments, reports Harvard Review of Psychiatry

A review of research evidence suggests that living at high altitude may increase suicide risk, with studies linking higher altitudes to stronger associations with suicide. Possible treatments for reducing the effects of low blood oxygen on mood and suicidal thoughts are proposed, including supplemental serotonin precursors and creatinine.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateMar 9, 2018

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

Locked in a forest

A new study finds that reforested areas in the US can absorb significant amounts of carbon, with existing forests capable of sequestering an additional 1-2 billion tons of carbon over 100 years. Researchers analyzed soil profile observations and remote sensing data to determine the rate at which soils absorb carbon.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018

Experiment sheds new light on prehistoric ocean conditions

A new experiment by Iowa State University's Elizabeth Swanner simulated prehistoric oceans and found that much of the iron was reduced again into its dissolved form despite oxygenation by cyanobacteria. This unexpected result challenges traditional assumptions about how iron-rich sedimentary rocks are formed from ancient oceans.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

Metal-organic compounds produces new class of glass

A team of researchers has developed a new class of glass based on metals and organic compounds, with improved glass-forming ability and pliability compared to traditional silica glass. The new metal-organic compound glass, ZIF-62, exhibits superior mechanical properties and optical transmission.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

Three NASA satellites recreate solar eruption in 3-D

Scientists used data from three NASA satellites to create a 3D model of coronal mass ejections and their associated shocks, confirming long-held theoretical predictions. The new models provide detailed information on shock density, speed, and strength, essential for assessing the danger CMEs pose to astronauts and spacecraft.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Space Weather and Space Climate·DateMar 9, 2018

Blood samples can soon reveal your lifestyle

A study from Umea University found that people who use moist snuff have significantly higher levels of protein cornulin in their blood. Lifestyle factors can influence background levels, and the researchers hope to find disease-detecting proteins in the future.

SourceUmea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2018

When the doctor's away

Patients who receive treatment during periods when interventional cardiologists are away at academic conferences experience a substantial increase in survival rates compared to those treated on matched days. The improvement is primarily driven by a group of patients with a specific type of heart attack that does not require immediate s...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 9, 2018