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Science News for August 7, 2019


Designing a light-trapping, color-converting crystal

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a crystal structure that can trap and convert both infrared and green laser light, significantly improving the efficiency of this process. The device, which is microscopic in size, has the potential to greatly benefit technologies in telecommunications, computing, and laser-based equipment.

SourceStanford University·JournalOptica·DateAug 7, 2019

Right or left, Americans value hard work to achieve success

A recent study found that people on both sides of the political spectrum value proportionality in achieving success, with liberals caring more about equity and conservatives valuing proportionality. The researchers aimed to understand the moral foundations behind political partisanship and how it influences policy support.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 7, 2019

News from Annals of Internal Medicine: Organizations urge immediate action to prevent firearm-relate

The American College of Physicians, along with leading physician and public health organizations, calls for policies to reduce firearms-related injuries and deaths. Comprehensive criminal background checks, research into the causes of firearm violence, and improved access to mental health care are recommended.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

The surprising merit of giant clam feces

Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that giant clam feces contain symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which can be transferred to juvenile clams and establish a symbiotic relationship. This finding may help solve the mystery of how coral reefs acquire these essential algae.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2019

Study in Taiwan examines association of ADHD, causes of death

A nationwide study in Taiwan found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be associated with a higher risk of death from injury causes. The study, which included nearly 276,000 patients with ADHD and nearly 2 million individuals without, found no increased risk of natural-cause death between the two groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 7, 2019

Astronomers reveal true colors of evolving galactic beasts

Researchers at Durham University have spotted a brief transition phase in the development of quasars, challenging conventional views on red quasar color. The team believes this phase is caused by a violent ejection of energy from supermassive black holes, blowing away dust and gas to reveal blue quasars.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 7, 2019

Designing a better low-fat potato chip

A new technique developed by researchers allows for the creation of tastier low-fat potato chips by analyzing physical characteristics. The method, called in vitro oral processing, measures chip properties from first bite to swallow, enabling food scientists to link physical measurements with sensory perceptions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Medication in the environment affects feeding behavior of fish

A new study found that prescription medication Escitalopram can inhibit fish foraging and eating behavior, particularly in males. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in males than females, highlighting a sex-based difference in aquatic wildlife response to environmental pollutants.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Personalized assay surpasses limits for detecting tumor DNA in breast cancer patients

Scientists have developed a personalized platform called TARDIS that accurately detects circulating tumor DNA and signs of residual disease in breast cancer patients. The assay demonstrated a significant improvement in sensitivity, enabling earlier detection of tumors and monitoring patient response to chemotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Cover crops, compost and carbon

A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 7, 2019

33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe attributable to air pollution

A study published by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that air pollution from particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and black carbon is responsible for 33% of new childhood asthma cases in Europe, highlighting the need to update WHO air quality guidelines to better protect children's health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 7, 2019

Quantum momentum

Researchers developed a new quantum-mechanical model to measure momentum of particles using a classical concept: time-of-flight. They achieved precise calculations by estimating probabilistic positions and distances between pointers coupled to moving wave packets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2019

New insights into the origin of life

Researchers have demonstrated that energetic interactions between hydrogen cyanide and water can form precursors to RNA and proteins. The study provides new potential pathways for the formation of life's building blocks, without requiring high-energy photons or metal catalysts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Blue sharks use eddies for fast track to food

Researchers tracked blue sharks using satellite tags and found they spent most of their days diving into warm-water eddies to forage for small fish and squid. The study suggests blue sharks prefer warm-water eddies due to their inability to regulate body temperature, shedding light on their unique feeding behavior

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2019

Cibio knocks out cystic fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Trento have developed a genome editing strategy to permanently correct two types of mutations that cause cystic fibrosis. The 'SpliceFix' technique uses Crispr-Cas to edit patient-derived organoids, showing high precision and efficacy.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2019

Entropy explains RNA diffusion rates in cells

Researchers have discovered exponential patterns in RNA diffusion rates within cells, displaying the highest possible degree of disorder or entropy. This pattern is linked to small-scale diffusive behaviors and can be compared to thermodynamic behaviors in larger systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2019

Enhanced glow

Researchers developed a novel method to directly detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples without enrichment, using lanthanide ions released from nanoparticles. The technique was tested on cancer patients' blood samples, correctly identifying 14 out of 15 cases with strong correlation to cancer stage.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 7, 2019

Liberals and conservatives have different views on equity, but share 'protestant work ethic'

A new study reveals that people on the political left (Democrats and liberals) prioritize equity over proportionality, while those on the right (Republicans and conservatives) focus more on effort. The research also finds a shared concern for meritocracy and the 'Protestant work ethic' across both groups.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 7, 2019

Adults with cerebral palsy at increased risk for mental health conditions

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need for increased awareness of mental health disorders among adults with cerebral palsy. The research team found that adults with cerebral palsy have a higher age-standardized prevalence of mental health disorders compared to those without the condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 7, 2019

Brain stimulation for PTSD patients

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new brain stimulation technique for PTSD patients, utilizing skin conductance to provide personalized treatment. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 7, 2019

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields activate immune cells

Researchers from Kumamoto University found that nsPEFs can stimulate immune cells to respond as if they were being stimulated by bacteria. This was achieved through the release of chromosomal DNA and histone citrullination in neutrophils, similar to the process occurring when neutrophils are exposed to bacteria.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 7, 2019

Study examines cannabis' effects on brain neurochemistry

A new study found a blunted response to stress-induced dopamine signaling in the brains of individuals at high risk for psychosis who regularly use cannabis. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of cannabis on brain neurochemistry, particularly among populations at risk for psychosis.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction Biology·DateAug 7, 2019

Fighting a mighty weed

Scientists are racing to find solutions as Palmer amaranth develops resistance to multiple herbicides, outcompeting crops for resources. The weed's ability to thrive and produce new generations of resistant plants poses significant threats to crop yields.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 7, 2019

Observation-driven research to inform better groundwater management policies

A new study reveals that higher rainfall does not necessarily equate to higher groundwater recharge, and that aridity and episodicity play a crucial role in determining groundwater replenishment. The research also finds that some sub-Saharan African countries are experiencing declining groundwater levels due to drying climate trends.

Sorting out who needs a pill sorter

A new study has found that pharmacies are giving out twice as many pill organisers as ten years ago, which can cause harm to some patients. The research team developed guidelines for healthcare teams to identify patients who may benefit from using a pill organiser or alternative solutions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateAug 7, 2019

Marijuana legalization reduces opioid deaths

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that marijuana access leads to significant reductions in opioid-related deaths. The research found a decrease of 20-35% in annual opioid mortality rates following recreational marijuana legalization in the US.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateAug 7, 2019