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Science News for May 30, 2018


Insomnia is a likely long-term side effect of stroke

Researchers found stroke patients took longer to fall asleep, had poorer sleep efficiency, and were more prone to errors during the day. The study suggests sleep problems in stroke patients are due to psychological strain, pain, and reduced physical activity, highlighting the importance of good sleep for recovery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2018

The smallest biggest theropod dinosaur

A new Spinosaurus fossil from Africa is reported to be the smallest known individual of this giant, sail-backed theropod. The tiny claw phalanx found in Cretaceous-aged sandstones retains the same locomotor adaptations as larger adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 30, 2018

Study examines tax compliance behavior in small business owners

A new study surveyed 330 UK micro-business owners, finding that internalised motivation (fair fiscal system) and extrinsic motivation (severe penalties) predict self-reported tax compliance. Internalised motivation but not extrinsic motivation predicts tax compliance when considered together.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Psychology·DateMay 30, 2018

Global warming hits poorest hardest, new research shows

New research reveals that global warming hits poorest regions hardest, with temperate nations like the UK being less affected than tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study found that as average temperatures rise to 1.5°C or 2°C, wealthy areas will experience fewer climate changes compared to poor nations.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 30, 2018

After 40 years in limbo: Styrene is probably carcinogenic

A recent study by Aarhus University found a fivefold risk of nasal cancer following styrene exposure. The researchers also discovered that styrene doubles the risk of acute myeloid leukemia in workers exposed to high levels of styrene. These findings, combined with animal evidence and epidemiological studies, led WHO to classify styren...

SourceAarhus University·JournalEpidemiology·DateMay 30, 2018

New study shows evidence that health information exchanges improve care, reduce costs

A recent systematic review found that health information exchanges can significantly reduce healthcare costs and usage. Community-based exchanges showed more promising results than proprietary ones. The study's lead investigator attributed the difference to more mature systems being examined in the current review.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 30, 2018

Iron-sulfur cluster research offers new avenues of investigating disease

Researchers have discovered that disruptions in iron-sulfur cluster formation can lead to the buildup of fat droplets in cells, a hallmark of conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study provides clues about the biochemical causes of these diseases and may help researchers find new targets for treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

New journal series provides insights on European medication-related guidelines

A new journal series published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology aims to provide insights into European medication-related guidelines. The series, developed in collaboration with the EMA, offers annotated versions of relevant guidelines and regulatory documents, facilitating discussion among professionals and patients. Ex...

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMay 30, 2018

Researchers devise new way to discern what microbes eat

Researchers developed a new method to identify microbe food sources using carbon stable isotope ratios, providing insights into microbial communities and their impact on animal and plant health. The technique uses mass spectrometry and software to link microbes with substrates, enabling the study of complex microbial relationships.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2018

Sniffing out real truffles

Researchers developed a technique to distinguish between natural and synthetic truffle compounds using carbon isotope ratios. The method can reliably detect foods containing synthetic truffle aroma or a mixture of synthetic and natural aromas, helping to fight food fraud.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

ESA tipsheet for June 2018

Researchers developed a new method to detect insect invaders using eDNA, while coral reef studies highlighted the importance of cultural values in conservation. Additionally, designers created fish-friendly architectural engineering designs for marine infrastructure, and a study examined the effects of oil sands on wildlife populations

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 30, 2018

New compound effective against drug-resistant pathogens, could lead to new antibiotics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new compound inspired by a natural product that is effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The molecule, JJM-35, has been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than the original natural product against several bacterial strains.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2018

From Haifa to Tokyo: Medical detectives team up on selenoprotein1/EPT1

Researchers from Israel and Japan collaborated to diagnose a child with an ultra-rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the EPT1 gene, which is essential for making myelin in the normal brain. The team found that the disease affects PE production, leading to reduced plasmalogen synthesis, but not enough to prevent myelin damage.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMay 30, 2018

New review highlights benefits of plant-based diets for heart health

A new review published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based diets can prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 40%. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while animal products are high in saturated fat a...

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateMay 30, 2018

Oil and gas wastewater as dust suppressant less than ideal

A multidisciplinary team of researchers found that oil and gas wastewater can be effective at suppressing dust, but it also carries high salt, organic, and radioactivity concentrations. The team recommends using alternative materials or treatment to remove contaminants before using the wastewater.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018