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Science News for October 25, 2018


Parent-child bond predicts depression, anxiety in teens attending high-achieving schools

Research at Arizona State University found that high-achieving schools, despite being less risky than poverty or racism, still pose pressure on teens to excel, affecting their mental health. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in predicting depressive symptoms and anxiety levels among adolescents.

SourceArizona State University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateOct 25, 2018

Can we limit global warming to 1.5 °C?

A special issue published in Energy Efficiency Journal outlines how carbon emissions can be reduced through demand-side approaches, including transport sector strategies such as telecommuting, public transport, and vehicle electrification.

SourceLund University·JournalEnergy Efficiency·DateOct 25, 2018

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: New investigational antibiotic effective against drug-resistant bacteria in phase 2 trial

A new investigational antibiotic, cefiderocol, has been found effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a phase 2 randomised trial. The study suggested that patients treated with cefiderocol had a higher and more sustained level of pathogen eradication compared to those treated with imipenem-cilastatin.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 25, 2018

Genome-wide study confirms 6 tiger subspecies

Researchers confirm six genetically distinct tiger subspecies through genome-wide analysis of 32 tiger specimens, revealing unique features and evolutionary histories for each group. The findings provide robust evidence for subspecies delineation in tigers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 25, 2018

Can tiny doses of magic mushrooms unlock creativity?

A study suggests that microdosing psychedelics can improve creative problem-solving abilities by enhancing divergent and convergent thinking. Participants who took a tiny fraction of a normal dose of psychedelic substances showed improved performance on tasks requiring alternative solutions and convergent thinking.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychopharmacology·DateOct 25, 2018

Facial exercise speeds Botox's wrinkle-reducing effects

A new study by Northwestern University found that facial exercise after Botox injections can make wrinkle reduction occur one day sooner. The exercises included raised motions of the forehead and scowls, which improved forehead wrinkles by two to three days after treatment when followed by facial exercise.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 25, 2018

The body weight bias in sales

A study found that sales employees recommend rounded watches and perfume bottles when they appear obese, and suggest more angular products when they are thin. The researchers also discovered that the level of friendliness drives the propensity to recommend round products.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 25, 2018

Probiotics are not always 'good bacteria'

Researchers used human organ-on-a-chip technology to investigate the mechanism of disease development and found that probiotics can cause more harm than good when the gut barrier is compromised. The study confirms that intestinal barrier disruption is the onset initiator of gut inflammation, a key factor in many diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2018

Students in health enrichment programs benefit from early team-based exposure

Research by LSU Health New Orleans found that early team-based exposure to multiple health disciplines in pipeline programs reduces traditional role and leadership stereotypes. This leads to improved collaboration and better patient outcomes, as seen in the study's statistically significant positive changes in IPE perceptions.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalHealth and Interprofessional Practice·DateOct 25, 2018

Could thyroid screening make your baby smarter?

A new review highlights growing evidence that universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy can reduce obstetric complications and safeguard fetal brain development. However, the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment must be carefully considered to avoid unwarranted patient anxiety and potential harm.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateOct 25, 2018

One size doesn't fit all, when using hormone therapy to treat endometriosis

Researchers at Yale University found that progestin-therapy effectiveness depends on PR status in endometriotic lesions. Women with PR-positive lesions respond better to therapy, while those with PR-negative lesions find little relief. This study suggests a personalized approach to treating endometriosis may be more effective.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 25, 2018

Research reveals secret shared by comets and sand crabs

The study reveals that sand crabs build narrow burrows to prevent collapse, with the upper limit of stable burrow widths being around 5 cm. The researchers also found that cometary pits have a similar lower size limit, suggesting that both are governed by the same principle: the mechanics of cohesive granular matter.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2018

Why relationships -- not money -- are the key to improving schools

A study by Ohio State University found that strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students have a significant impact on improving student learning. Social capital, the network of relationships promoting academic achievement, had a three to five times larger effect than financial capital on reading and math scores.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR)·DateOct 25, 2018

A new therapeutic avenue for treating insomnia

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a potential alternative strategy for treating insomnia by targeting adenosine A2A receptors. The study found that enhancing endogenous adenosine A2A receptor signaling induces slow-wave sleep without affecting body temperature and cardiovascular function.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 25, 2018

Good news for immersive journalism: Look at your audience

Researchers found that small changes, such as virtual characters acknowledging users' presence, can have a significant positive impact on people's sense of presence in a VR news scenario. This is demonstrated by a 25% conversion rate from the VR experience to further information about the refugee crisis.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateOct 25, 2018

Midlife women transitioning to menopause have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which predisposes to heart disease and type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that midlife women transitioning to menopause have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The study identified central obesity as the most common factor, but also showed that physically active women were less likely to deve...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 25, 2018

Non-invasive stent monitoring techniques tested

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to detect metallic stents and their potential structural failures through microwave spectrometry. The technique showed promise in detecting stent fractures and restenosis, highlighting the potential for new approaches to cardiovascular disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 25, 2018

Older adults with strong grip, good memory may avoid or delay disability

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that maintaining grip strength and protecting mental ability can prevent or delay disability. The research suggests that older adults who engage in physical and mental training may slow down their physical decline and reduce the risk of future problems.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 25, 2018

Late night snacker? Make it cottage cheese

Researchers found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed supports muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides evidence that whole foods can be as effective as protein supplements for presleep nutrition.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 25, 2018

Nanotubes may give the world better batteries

Researchers at Rice University have created high-powered, fast-charging lithium metal batteries using carbon nanotube films. The films effectively quench dendrite growth, allowing the batteries to retain 99.8% of their coulombic efficiency over 580 charge/discharge cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 25, 2018

Method for determining donor kidneys' suitability for transplantation may be flawed

A recent study found that procurement biopsies taken when kidneys are procured from donors were not reliable for determining suitability for transplantation. This lack of reliability may result in unnecessary kidney discard and reduced organ utilization, prompting a need to re-examine the role of such biopsies in organ allocation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 25, 2018

Offering employees a helping hand can backfire

A new study by San Francisco State University researchers found that offering job-related support and emotional support have roughly the same effect. Simply making resources available is often more consistently positive than overtly discussing it. Employers are advised to think carefully before providing support, considering whether it...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateOct 25, 2018

Study questions certain treatments for diabetic patients at high risk for heart disease

A study of over 10,000 participants with type 2 diabetes found that intensive blood sugar control and targeting low blood pressure reduced the risk of macroalbuminuria, but had no impact on more significant kidney outcomes. The use of fenofibrate to lower cholesterol increased the risk for doubling of serum creatinine.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 25, 2018

Study identifies factors that predict opposition to the Black Lives Matter Movement

A new study found that older individuals, Republicans, and males are more likely to oppose the BLM movement. In contrast, Blacks and those who perceive racial bias against them are less likely to oppose it. The study also revealed a link between opposition to BLM and red states with lower voting patterns for Mitt Romney in 2012.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 25, 2018

Efficient electrochemical cells for CO2 conversion

Researchers at Stanford University have created electrochemical cells that convert carbon monoxide (CO) from CO2 into commercially viable compounds, including ethylene and acetate. The new design improves efficiency and concentration of products, making it a promising solution for capturing CO2 and mitigating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateOct 25, 2018