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Science News for December 3, 2019


What's driving erosion worldwide?

Researchers employed satellite imagery and statistical models to identify the socio-economic causes of soil erosion globally. They found that national borders reveal areas with unnaturally high erosion rates, highlighting the 'country effect' as a major driver of soil loss.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 3, 2019

BU finds potentially harmful air contamination near new Bedford Harbor

A new Boston University School of Public Health study estimates the non-cancer health effects of breathing airborne PCBs around New Bedford Harbor, affecting thyroid hormones in people living close to the harbor. The levels of PCBs in the air are high enough to raise risks of diabetes, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 3, 2019

MA physician assistant programs adopt first-in-nation partnership to prevent opioid abuse

In an effort to curb opioid misuse, Massachusetts physician assistant programs have adopted a cross-institutional partnership to ensure safe prescribing practices. The initiative aims to educate students on the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse, following a consensus-building process among nine PA programs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physician Assistant Education·DateDec 3, 2019

Virtual reality could help flu vaccination rates

A new study suggests that immersive virtual reality can increase the acceptance of flu vaccinations among adults aged 18-49. The research found that participants who experienced a five-minute virtual reality simulation showed increased concern about transmitting flu to others and were more confident in the effectiveness of vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalVaccine·DateDec 3, 2019

Lack of specialists doom rural sick patients

Research by Saint Louis University finds that rural patients with chronic conditions have higher death rates, more hospitalizations, and limited access to specialist physicians. The study suggests strategies to improve specialist care in rural areas, including telemedicine and loan forgiveness for physicians.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 3, 2019

Meteorite-loving microorganism

A team of scientists discovered an archaeon that can efficiently colonize and utilize meteorite material, suggesting that extraterrestrial compounds may have played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. This finding provides valuable information about the potential for life beyond our planet.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalChemical Science·DateDec 3, 2019

Women wearing hijabs in news stories may be judged negatively

A study by Penn State researchers found that women wearing hijabs in news stories can elicit harsher social judgment, with conservatives showing lower empathy and perceived innocence. The study suggests potential obstacles for women who wear hijabs in the real world, highlighting the need for more nuanced portrayals in media.

SourcePenn State·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateDec 3, 2019

Conservative boards more likely to dismiss CEO

A recent study by Singapore Management University found that conservative boards are more likely to dismiss CEOs who have engaged in financial misconduct. The researchers used a scoring system to assess the political ideology of board directors and found that liberal boards were less likely to take action against the CEO.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateDec 3, 2019

Electron correlations in carbon nanostructures

Researchers from Kiel and Copenhagen developed a new computational model to simulate the detailed behavior of electrons in graphene nanoribbons. The model predicts that correlation effects due to electron repulsion have a dramatic influence on local energy spectrum, enabling precise control over electronic properties.

SourceKiel University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 3, 2019

Towards high quality ZnO quantum dots prospective for biomedical applications

Scientists have successfully prepared high-quality ZnO quantum dots using a novel one-pot self-supporting organometallic procedure, offering promising prospects for biological applications. The new method yields stable and uniformly sized particles with unique physicochemical properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 3, 2019

Chronic opioid treatment may raise risk of post-traumatic stress disorder, study finds

A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 3, 2019

How does language emerge?

Researchers recreated the emergence of language in deaf communities by challenging children to communicate with each other without spoken language. They found that children invented signs for abstract concepts and gradually developed grammatical structures, demonstrating that communication cannot be reduced to words alone.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2019

Inhibiting a protease could improve the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine suggests that blocking the protease MT1-MMP could protect the vasculature in the inflamed gut and reduce severity of colitis. The research found that inhibiting this protease could have potential clinical implications, including identifying biomarkers for mild IBD.

Healing power of honey

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that layering Manuka honey between layers of surgical mesh acts as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting bacteria growth and preventing infection. The study showcases the potential benefits of infusing medical implants with honey, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateDec 3, 2019

Hiring antibodies as nanotechnology builders

A team of researchers at the University of Rome Tor Vergata has developed a novel approach to build and dismantle DNA nanostructures using antibodies. They engineered DNA bricks with recognition tags that assemble in the presence of specific antibodies, enabling the creation of intelligent nanostructures with potential applications in ...

SourceUniversità Roma Tor Vergata·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2019

Through the eyes of animals

The Quantitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA) framework uses digital image processing techniques to analyze complex visual information in animals. This enables researchers to understand how animals see the world, including color patterns and behavior, which drives their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateDec 3, 2019

New remote-controlled 'smart' platform helps in cardiovascular disease treatment

Researchers developed a remote-controlled 'smart' platform to mimic natural extracellular matrix-mediated endothelialization. The platform uses shape-memory polymers and gold nanorods to direct programmed vascular endothelium remodeling in a temporally controllable manner, offering new possibilities for treating cardiovascular disease.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 3, 2019

Love, lies and money: Study introduces, defines and measures financial infidelity

Researchers introduce the concept of financial infidelity, defined as engaging in a financial behavior expected to elicit disapproval and intentionally failing to disclose it. The study's findings reveal that consumers prone to financial infidelity exhibit stronger preferences for secretive purchase options and concealing their actions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 3, 2019

Two chiral catalysts working hand in hand

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a new synthetic method for producing all four stereoisomers of α,β-disubstituted γ-butyrolactones. The method uses two chiral catalysts working in tandem to efficiently produce the final product.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 3, 2019