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Science News for October 17, 2018


Novel antidepressant may improve sleep in patients with depression

A novel antidepressant, vortioxetine, has been shown to improve subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with major depressive disorder. The treatment's multimodal effect on serotonin transport and reuptake may have important clinical implications for addressing sleep problems in depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 17, 2018

Societies can remain distinct despite migration

A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that acculturation rates are strong enough to maintain cultural traditions in the face of migration, preserving differences between societies. The research found that even low levels of conformist acculturation can help preserve distinct cultural variations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018

Attending the 'best' high school may yield benefits and risks for students

A recent study found that attending socioeconomically advantaged high schools tends to lead to higher educational attainment, income, and occupational prestige, while attending high-achievement schools can harm students' career prospects. Researchers hope to identify teacher-related factors that can buffer against these negative effects.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 17, 2018

3D-printed lithium-ion batteries

A new method for 3D printing lithium-ion batteries has been developed, overcoming the limitation of commercially available battery shapes. The researchers increased the battery's ionic conductivity by infusing polymers with an electrolyte solution and boosting electrical conductivity using graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 17, 2018

Childhood abuse linked to increased arthritis risk in adulthood

A survey-based study of 21,889 adults found that severe childhood physical abuse and frequent intimate partner violence exposure increased the risk of arthritis. The study suggests potentially enduring immune and metabolic abnormalities caused by childhood abuse may play a role in the development of arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 17, 2018

Double dust ring test could spot migrating planets

A team led by Dr Farzana Meru of the University of Warwick has developed a way to detect planet migration in protoplanetary discs using ALMA observations. By analyzing the particle size in two dust rings, astronomers can determine if a planet is migrating within the disc.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 17, 2018

Eliminating emissions in India and China could add years to people's lives

Researchers found that replacing coal-fired powerplants with clean energy could save an estimated annual 15 million years of life in China and 11 million years of life in India. The study used state-of-the-art atmospheric chemistry modeling to calculate province-specific changes in mortality and life expectancy due to power generation.

Does weight loss before surgery provide benefits?

A recent analysis of published studies found that preoperative weight loss interventions do not significantly reduce post-surgical risks in obese patients. Lifestyle changes leading to modest weight loss have been shown to be ineffective in reducing morbidity and mortality during and after surgery.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateOct 17, 2018

Omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood linked to healthy aging

A US study found that higher blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood are associated with a lower risk of unhealthy ageing, defined as survival free of major chronic diseases and without mental or physical dysfunction. Participants who consumed more seafood-derived EPA had a 24% lower risk of unhealthy ageing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 17, 2018

A role for circadian enhancers to prevent myocardial injury in the perioperative setting

Researchers discovered that midazolam, a commonly used anesthetic, alters cardiac circadian biology and increases susceptibility to myocardial ischemia. Targeting the circadian rhythm protein Period 2 (PER2) with nobiletin, a flavonoid found in citrus peels, provides significant cardioprotection against MI in a mouse model.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateOct 17, 2018

Pupil's brain recognizes the perfect teacher

Researchers discovered that young male zebra finches activate connections between their social brain and song cortex when near a singing tutor, indicating the ideal teacher. The study found that this connection is essential for juvenile birds to copy and learn songs from suitable tutors.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2018

Wringing water from the air

Scientists are working on technologies to collect water from the air, which could help alleviate global water shortages. Researchers have developed various approaches, including fog-harvesting systems and liquid desiccants, that can reduce costs and scale up production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 17, 2018

New imaging tool captures how sound moves through the chinchilla ear

Researchers developed an OCT-based imaging tool to visualize how sound-induced vibrations travel through the ear. The technology provides new insight into hearing and could inform diagnosis and treatment of hearing problems. The instrument measures tiny vibrations within the ear, allowing for precise measurements at over 10,000 points.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 17, 2018

Wind farms and reducing hurricane precipitation

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters found that large-scale offshore wind farms can decrease hurricane precipitation onshore locations, while increasing it in offshore areas. The research used Hurricane Harvey as an example, showing a 30% reduction in precipitation inland due to the presence of wind farms.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 17, 2018

Are microplastics in the environment truly harmful?

Researchers found significant gaps in understanding microplastic effects, with concentrations detected being orders of magnitude lower than those affecting organisms in lab tests. The study highlights a need for more environmentally realistic studies and better monitoring of specific environmental regions.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 17, 2018

A curious branch of plankton evolution

A study of Truncorotalia fossils found rapid shell shape changes 5.1 million years ago, potentially observing quantum evolution at a species level. This challenges previous theories of gradual evolution in planktonic forams.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateOct 17, 2018

Virtual reality may encourage empathic behavior

A study published in PLOS ONE found that virtual reality systems can aid perspective-taking and foster empathy, leading to more altruistic behaviors. Participants who used VR reported higher levels of empathy and were more likely to sign petitions supporting homeless populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018

Taking their vitamins

New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Copenhagen finds that most bacterioplankton are B1 auxotrophs, meaning they have to glean the vitamin or pieces of it from their environment. The study also reveals fluctuations in genes responsible for making and/or using environmental B1 and precursors over time.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2018

Many infertile men have undiagnosed prediabetes

A recent study of 744 infertile men found that 15.4% had undiagnosed prediabetes, with factors including older age and high follicle stimulating hormone levels linked to the condition. The study suggests that infertility in men may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 17, 2018

Supermassive black holes and supercomputers

Researchers used supercomputers to simulate early universe, revealing formation of first stars and galaxies. Metal-enriched gas enabled rapid star formation, leading to smaller, more numerous stars and galaxy evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·DateOct 17, 2018

Study examines aspects of conscientious objection among nurses

A study of eight Ontario nurses reveals that making conscientious objections to ethically-relevant policies requires concrete supports and protection in healthcare settings. The researchers emphasize the need for routine conversations about conscience and conscientious objection to respect human rights and promote ethical practice.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateOct 17, 2018

Going to bed with your ex might not be as bad you think

A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that having sex with an ex does not necessarily hinder breakup recovery. In fact, those who continued to pine after their ex-partner more often sought out sexual activity as a way to foster closeness and connection.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateOct 17, 2018

Genomic analysis offers insight into 2018 Nigeria Lassa fever outbreak

A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 17, 2018

Selfish people have fewer children and earn less money

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that unselfish individuals have more children and higher salaries than their selfish counterparts. The researchers examined data from four major studies on Americans and Europeans, concluding that generosity is associated with greater economic success.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2018