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Science News for May 3, 2018


Even brief maternal deprivation early in life alters adult brain function and cognition

A new animal model study found that brief maternal deprivation in early life alters adult brain function and cognition, leading to memory impairment and decreased communication between brain regions. The findings suggest a potential link between early-life trauma and the development of schizophrenia.

Weeds take over kelp in high CO2 oceans

New research from the University of Adelaide shows that weedy marine plants will dominate coastal habitats in high CO2 conditions, replacing kelp forests that support higher biodiversity. Small weedlike species will fuel their growth due to carbon emissions, allowing them to outcompete and outgrow kelps.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology·DateMay 3, 2018

The headache of adapting to the cold

Researchers discovered a genetic variant associated with migraine headaches that is more common in people living in colder climates and higher latitudes. This variant may have helped early humans adapt to the cold, contributing to its high frequency in European populations and higher prevalence among individuals suffering from migraines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 3, 2018

World's rarest ape on the edge of extinction

The Tapanuli Orangutan, one of the rarest animals on the planet, is under threat from a planned U.S.$1.6 billion mega-dam project that could flood its habitat and destroy its remaining area. The species survives only in areas with no roads, making it vulnerable to illegal logging, clearing, and poaching.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2018

3D batteries pack power into tiny footprints

Researchers have developed a powerful 3D lithium ion battery with an area footprint smaller than 0.09 square centimeters, achieving an energy density of 5.2 milli-watt-hours per square centimeter. This design uses a conformal electrolyte and semiconductor processing to overcome previous limitations in 3D battery technology.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMay 3, 2018

Future tech leaders...start your engines!

Lehigh University, TE Connectivity, and Broughal Middle School collaborate to promote STEM education through a manufacturing course and annual expo. The program benefits students from both institutions, providing hands-on experience with engineering techniques and industry partnerships.

Decoding the brain's learning machine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant discoveries about the cerebellum's role in learning and prediction. By studying monkey brains, they found that Purkinje cells communicate through simple spikes (predictions) and complex spikes (error feedback), organizing into small groups to learn together.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 3, 2018

Daily aspirin linked to higher risk in men

A new study found that daily aspirin use is associated with a nearly double risk of melanoma in men compared to those who do not take aspirin. In contrast, women taking daily aspirin did not have an increased risk of melanoma. Researchers suggest increasing patient education about sun exposure and skin checks for high-risk individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMay 3, 2018

Study: Transgender people who are denied mental health care at higher risk of self-harm

A study by NYU researchers found that transgender individuals who face barriers to mental health care are more likely to experience substance abuse and attempted suicide. The analysis of over 4,000 survey respondents highlights the critical need for accessible and quality healthcare services for this vulnerable population.

SourceNew York University·JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research·DateMay 3, 2018

Endorsements enhance an MBA applicant's chance

A study by Cornell University researchers found that personal endorsements significantly increase the chances of being interviewed for an MBA program, with endorsed applicants accepted at higher rates. However, the study also highlights concerns about inequality, as endorsement channels may not be accessible to underrepresented groups.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateMay 3, 2018

Picking one photon out of the flow

Scientists at University of Southern Denmark create photonic quantum memory allowing manipulation of light on nonlinear level. They successfully demonstrate novel method to subtract a single photon from an optical beam, enabling future applications in quantum information science.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2018

Noise throws the heart out of rhythm

A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that exposure to extreme noise annoyance increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation by up to 23%. Aircraft noise is identified as a major source of noise pollution, with 84% during the day and 69% at night. The study highlights the importance of measuring noise a...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 3, 2018

The true 'value' of biodiversity

A study published in Scientific Reports found that focusing solely on a species' rarity or economic impact can lead to an underestimation of its true value. Considering multiple values, such as cultural significance and economic importance, reveals that every species plays a crucial role in society.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018

Shrinking the synthesizer

A team of UC Santa Barbara scientists has developed a miniature, energy-efficient optical frequency synthesizer that can be integrated onto silicon photonic integrated circuits. The device can tune over 50 nanometers and deliver a frequency stability of 7 x 10-13 after one second of averaging, matching that of the input reference clock.

24 and me

American University researchers have identified the first gene of the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) in the zebra finch, a crucial step in understanding sex determination in birds. The discovery of GRC α-SNAP, a SNAP family gene crucial to membrane fusion, suggests potential functions and directions for follow-up experiments.

SourceAmerican University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2018

Towards sustainable blockchains

Researchers at IST Austria propose using disk space instead of computational power to secure blockchains, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. The 'proofs of sequential work' approach has the potential to revolutionize blockchain design, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional proof-of-work systems.

Study sheds light on genetic foundation of migraines

A new study published in Neuron reveals that common genetic variants are the primary drivers of migraine risk, with a greater burden of variants linked to earlier onset and more severe symptoms. The research also found that rare Mendelian genes play a smaller role in shaping the genetic landscape of migraines.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 3, 2018

Temperature swings to hit poor countries hardest

New research suggests that poor countries will experience significant increases in temperature variability due to climate change. The study found that up to 15% more extreme temperature fluctuations are predicted for southern Africa and Amazonia, highlighting the unfair pattern of climate impacts on vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2018

Why children with autism may be at risk of bullying

Research suggests that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at higher risk of being bullied due to their willingness to accept unfair behavior and reduced reciprocation in trading games. The study found that children with ASD were 37% less likely to reciprocate fair offers and three times more likely to accept unfair offers...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAutism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 3, 2018

Mining for gold with a computer

The Texas A🏩;M/Virginia Tech team developed image-analysis software to quickly measure key features of nanoporous gold from 150 peer-reviewed papers, correlating them with processing techniques. This allowed the identification of a new parameter and a quantitative law for controlling NPG properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018

Early HIV treatment key to avoiding brain atrophy

A new study suggests that early HIV treatment can prevent brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely antiretroviral therapy. By analyzing MRI data from patients with early HIV infection, researchers found that cART treatment halted volume loss and cortical thinning in several brain regions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2018

Study points to the futility of urine tests for salbutamol doping

A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that large variability in urine concentrations makes it impossible to determine an administered dose from a single untimed urine sample. This highlights the need to reconsider the use of urine tests for detecting salbutamol doping, as many violations will go unn...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMay 3, 2018

Untangling DNA knots

MIT researchers have discovered the factors that determine whether a DNA knot moves along the strand or jams in place. By manipulating the electric field strength, they can induce knots to move towards one end of the molecule, potentially enabling more accurate genome sequencing and knot removal methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2018

Revealing the remarkable nanostructure of human bone

The study reveals that bone's mineral crystals have a hierarchical structure integrated into the larger-scale skeleton, with 12 levels of hierarchy. The combination of mineral and protein forms continuous networks to provide strength essential for functional bones. This breakthrough builds on previous studies and sheds light on the uni...

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 2018

The ExACT tools for safe autonomy

HRL Laboratories joins DARPA's Assured Autonomy program with the Expressive Assurance Case Toolkit (ExACT) to ensure autonomous vehicle systems perform as programmed without unsafe behavior. The tool kit mathematically verifies algorithms lead to safe and reliable system behavior, considering physics and dynamics of the system.

Novel approach for photosynthetic production of carbon neutral biofuel from green algae

Scientists at the University of Turku have discovered an efficient way to transform solar energy into chemical hydrogen through photosynthesis of green algae, extending hydrogen production by several days. The new method shows that a major obstacle to efficient hydrogen production is not oxygen, but competition between metabolic pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 3, 2018

Mercury rising: Are the fish we eat toxic?

A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that 38% of countries' populations are exposed to methylmercury levels higher than safe for foetal development, with high-risk areas including the Maldives and South Korea. Industrial fishing has increased mercury exposure, especially in coastal and island nations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2018

Interconnected cells-in-a-dish let researchers study brain disease

Salk scientists develop a new way to study brain cell connections, revealing how communication is altered in people with schizophrenia. By creating multiple types of neurons from stem cells and observing their interactions, the team showed that CA3 pyramidal neurons form physical connections both to other CA3 neurons and to DG neurons.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 3, 2018

Women who eat fast food and little or no fruit take longer to become pregnant

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who consume more fast food and less fruit take longer to become pregnant. The research, which analyzed data from over 5,500 women, suggests that a diet rich in fruits and low in fast food can improve fertility and reduce the time it takes to get pregnant.