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Science News for September 27, 2018


Following the path of chemicals through the soil

Researchers used visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict breakthrough curves of dissolved chemicals in intact soil columns. The new technology estimated mass transport with a high degree of accuracy and has potential for cost-effective and efficient monitoring of dissolved chemical transport.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

New invasive bryozoan arrives in Alaskan waters

A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateSep 27, 2018

How Sacred Ibis mummies provided the first test of evolution

The discovery of mummified Sacred Ibises in France after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt played a significant role in delaying the acceptance of evolutionary theory. The debate between Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck over these birds' classification highlighted the influence of charismatic personalities on scientific thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

When neglected children become adolescents

A new study on children from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project found that those who remained in institutions experienced cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior. In contrast, children placed with high-quality foster families showed improved outcomes, particularly at ages 12 and 16.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 27, 2018

Shake, rattle, and roll to high efficiency photovoltaics

Researchers at Penn State discover unique properties of halide perovskites that enable efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, guiding the development of next-generation solar cells. The study's findings provide insights into how to improve the performance and stability of these materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalChem·DateSep 27, 2018

Plasma thruster: New space debris removal technology

A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

Where are they?

A team of UCSB students, led by Philip Lubin, are searching for signs of alien life in Andromeda using a suite of telescopes and photonic technology. They aim to detect potential signals from civilizations using optical beams that could be visible across the universe.

Can we teach heart cells to grow up?

Researchers have identified serum response factor (SRF) as a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte maturation. SRF plays a key role in organizing contractile structures and regulating gene expression, but its level affects cell maturity. The study provides new insights into heart muscle development and regeneration.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2018

Silver fox study reveals genetic clues to social behavior

A new Cornell University-led study has identified genes that were altered in tame animals in two areas of the brain involved with learning and memory. Genes impacting serotonergic and glutaminergic neurons, important for learning and memory, were clearly affected by selection toward tameness.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

Certain reflux and ulcer medications linked with bone fractures in dialysis patients

A new study finds that proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fractures in dialysis patients, regardless of usage level. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not linked to increased fracture risk. The findings highlight the need for individualized assessment and caution in PPI use among hemodialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 27, 2018

UBC study: Publicizing a firm's security levels may strengthen security over time

A new UBC study found that publicizing a firm's security levels can lead to reduced spam and strengthened security over time. The research quantified the security levels of over 1,200 Pan-Asian companies, revealing that firms were more likely to prioritize security improvements when cyberattacks were less likely to directly harm them.

Skin is a battlefield for mutations

Researchers have discovered that mutant skin cells in humans compete with each other for survival, leading to only the fittest mutants progressing to form cancer. This study reveals that normal human skin is more resilient to cancer than previously thought, and can function normally despite a battle between mutated cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 27, 2018

The brain diet

Researchers found a relationship between high FGF23 levels and structural compromise in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, which control learning and complex cognitive functions. Elevated FGF23 levels were also associated with increased disconnection in the brain, indicating problems with brain health in those areas.

In the battle of cats vs. rats, the rats are winning

Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 27, 2018

New gene variants associated with chronic back pain

Researchers have discovered three genetic variants associated with chronic back pain, which may provide clues for understanding its occurrence. The study found that these variants are linked to genes controlling skeletal development and spinal cord function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 27, 2018

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity index (ABOI) has been developed to determine central obesity, focusing on abdominal fat content rather than total body weight or shape. ABOI can be calculated by measuring abdominal circumference and chest circumference, providing a more accurate assessment of abdominal obesity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Nutrition Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Vampire bats found to carry infectious bacteria at high rates

A study found that 67% of vampire bats in Belize and Peru are infected with Bartonella bacteria, which can cause endocarditis. The research suggests transmission may occur through bites or environmental contamination, highlighting the risk of cross-species transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2018

People can die from giving up the fight

Researchers describe five stages of give-up-itis, a condition characterized by progressive psychological decline and apathy, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. The condition is triggered by severe trauma and affects the anterior cingulate circuit, governing motivation and goal-directed behavior.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateSep 27, 2018

True burden of stillbirths in Europe vastly underestimated

A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 27, 2018

Putting noise to work

Researchers have demonstrated that noise can induce coherence resonance in nonlinear systems, allowing for the detection of weak signals without a reference signal. The results show promise for developing passive lock-in amplifiers with reduced integration times and operating range.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2018

One hundred percent success

The University of Freiburg has been granted two Clusters of Excellence, CIBSS and livMatS, with funding of up to 100 million euros over seven years. The clusters will focus on biological signalling studies and bioinspired materials research.

PCB pollution threatens to wipe out killer whales

A new study published in the journal Science reveals that killer whale populations are severely affected by PCBs, with over half of studied populations showing significant declines. The research predicts that these populations may disappear within 30-50 years if current levels of pollution persist.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

Educating the next generation of medical professionals with machine learning is essential

A new course at Boston University School of Medicine aims to educate students and trainees on machine learning concepts, preparing them for the growing data science revolution in healthcare. The authors emphasize the need for embedding ML curriculum into medical education to enhance clinical decision-making and management.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateSep 27, 2018

Why a 'cuckoo in the nest' can go undetected

Some species are unable to recognize genetic differences between their own offspring and those of intruders, leading to acceptance. Genetic features associated with recognition may have died out due to the disadvantage of being different, making it impossible for parents to reject parasitic offspring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Decoding multiple frames from a single, scattered exposure

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to reconstruct sequence of diffuse images from one long photographic exposure. By using a coded aperture, they can extract individual frames from a single, scattered exposure, overcoming limitations such as motion and constant scattering medium.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018