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Science News for May 1, 2018


Scientists discover balance of thermal energy and low climate stress drive coral species diversity

Scientists have identified thermal energy and low climate stress as key drivers of coral species diversity in the Indian Ocean. The study, published in the Journal of Biogeography, found that optimal levels of warm water and reduced stress support high species richness, while extreme temperatures kill many species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 1, 2018

Dielectric metamaterial is dynamically tuned by light

The new technology can control electromagnetic waves in many different ways by adjusting the size and angle of tiny silicon cylinders within a grid structure. This allows for subwavelength control, faster reconfiguration, and potentially improved security scanners and visual displays.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 1, 2018

Sweating the small stuff

Researchers developed a new membrane with nanoscale pores that allows for controlled sweat stimulant release, mitigating issues with direct dermal contact and sweat dilution. The technology has the potential to improve wearable biosensing devices for measuring small samples of sweat.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMay 1, 2018

Vitamin D improves weight gain and brain development in malnourished children

A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that high-dose vitamin D supplements significantly boosted weight gain in malnourished children. Vitamin D supplementation also resulted in substantial reductions in delayed motor development and language development, with potential implications for the management of severe acute mal...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

Traffic-related pollution linked to risk of asthma in children

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living close to major roadways had nearly three times the odds of pediatric asthma compared to those who lived farther away. The researchers also discovered a stronger link between lifetime pollution and asthma among school-age girls.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 1, 2018

Most academic institutions unprepared to meet new HHS clinical trial reporting regulations

A recent study found that many academic institutions in the US are unprepared to comply with stricter requirements for clinical trial registration and reporting. The institutions face challenges in allocating staff time and resources to meet these new regulations. As a result, some organizations have not implemented policies to punish ...

New study finds pureed pork supports infant growth

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that introducing pureed pork as a complementary food to formula-fed infants can support early growth and development. The research suggests that meat-based diets may be beneficial for linear growth, with no increased risk of overweight at 12 months of age.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

Virus inhibits immune response of caterpillars and plants

A new study reveals that a polydnavirus suppresses the defense mechanisms of both caterpillar hosts and plant hosts, allowing parasitic wasps to thrive. The virus reduces glucose oxidase in caterpillars' saliva, triggering lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression in plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018

Environmental impact of electric vehicles in China? It depends on how they are charged

Researchers found that private electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by incentivizing slow charging, while electrifying buses and taxis is the most effective option for improving air quality in Beijing. The study's strategy aims to maximize the benefits of renewables by managing vehicle charging.

Acupuncture possible treatment for dental anxiety

Researchers have found evidence that acupuncture could be an effective treatment for dental anxiety, reducing anxiety scores by eight points in patients. While more research is needed to confirm the findings, early indications suggest that acupuncture may be a promising option for tackling this common condition.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine·DateMay 1, 2018

Real-time coverage of inside of the brain made possible

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new analytical system for real-time monitoring of metabolites in the brain, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and invasiveness. The system, combining probe electrospray ionization (PESI) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), successfully monitored cerebrum metabolites with ...

SourceNagoya University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2018

Mosquitoes bite when thirsty, too

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get protein but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

Study links 'good' brown fat and exercise

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that a lipid released from brown fat, called lipokine, surges in the bloodstream after exercise. This finding suggests that burning of brown fat and this lipid play an important role in the metabolic benefits of exercise.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018

New diagnostic technique picks up the S in vision

A new diagnostic technique has been successfully tested at the University of Bradford, allowing for the isolation of responses from S-cone photoreceptors. This breakthrough could help in the diagnosis of diseases such as Types 1 and 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America·DateMay 1, 2018

Curves or angles? Shapes in businesses affect customer response

Researchers found that angular shapes increased customer satisfaction when businesses were busy, while circular shapes focused attention on server warmth and friendliness. This study explores the impact of shape on consumer response in service industries, offering insights for businesses to maximize customer satisfaction through design.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMay 1, 2018

A surprising new superconductor

Researchers have created a new superconductor with a critical temperature over 6 Kelvin, which could enable the development of ultrafast and powerful computers. The electroplated rhenium material is non-toxic, easy to work with mechanically, and melts at high temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 1, 2018

NIST/NASA study shows one detector doesn't 'fit all' for smoke in spacecraft

A NASA and NIST study found that traditional smoke detectors may not effectively detect smoke particles in space due to unique microgravity properties. The study investigated five common materials used on spacecraft and found that some detectors struggled to detect smaller particles, posing a concern for fire safety.

A reimagined future for sustainable nanomaterials

Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 1, 2018

Blueprint for the skull

A study published in Cell Reports has mapped the genetic regulators of facial development, revealing thousands of previously unknown enhancers linked to craniofacial abnormalities. The researchers found that these enhancers contribute to many cases of cleft palate and provide new insights into the causes of this birth defect.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 1, 2018

The macabre world of mind-controlling parasites

Parasites have evolved to 'hack' their host's nervous system, controlling behavior and decision-making. Researchers explore the mechanisms involved, discovering compounds that act on neural circuitry, offering insights into neural control of animal behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 1, 2018

Communication difficulties linked to increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that children with difficulties in social communication have a higher risk of suicidal self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide plans by age 16. Depression in early adolescence partially explains this association.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2018

Fracking the immune system

A study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to fracking chemicals during pregnancy may impair female offspring's ability to fend off diseases. Fracking chemicals have been found in ground water near fracking sites and are linked to reproductive and developmental defects, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018

Shivering and exercise both trigger same fat-burning effect

Researchers identified a lipid that circulates in the blood after exercise and exposure to cold, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve cardiovascular health. The lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, is produced by brown fat and promotes the uptake of fatty acids into working muscles during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018

Formate prevents most folic acid-resistant neural tube defects in mice

Researchers have discovered that formate supplementation can prevent most neural tube defects in mice that are resistant to folic acid treatment. The study found that disrupting formate synthesis was linked to the development of these defects, and that providing pregnant mice with extra formate could prevent them. These findings offer ...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018

PCORI Board approves research to promote partnerships between PCORnet, other organizations

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board of Governors approved over $20 million for studies using PCORnet to improve care for people with arthritis, blood pressure, depression, and irritable bowel disease. The four projects will foster relationships between researchers and stakeholder partners to support research ...

Brain's window for language learning open until adulthood

A massive study of nearly 700,000 English speakers reveals that the optimal years to learn a second language is open until the age of 17.4, challenging standard theoretical accounts of language learning. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience, linguistics, developmental psychology, and public policy.

SourceBoston College·JournalCognition·DateMay 1, 2018

Scientists identify two hormones that burn fat faster, prevent and reverse diabetes in mice

Researchers discovered naturally occurring hormones 'notum' and 'lipocalin-5' that accelerate fat burning and protect against Type 2 diabetes. Lipocalin-5 also enhances muscle's ability to metabolize nutrients, reducing obesity and diabetes risk. The findings could lead to new drugs for halting obesity and heart disease.

For patients with esophageal cancer, status of lymph nodes after preoperative therapy determines survival

A new study presented at the AATS Annual Meeting shows that patients with malignant lymph nodes following preoperative therapy were less likely to survive than those with no cancer. The study found a strong association between pathologic nodal response and improved survival, highlighting the need for optimized neoadjuvant strategies.