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Science News for December 4, 2019


Brewing beer that tastes fresh longer

Researchers have engineered lager yeast to produce more molecules that protect beer against staling, resulting in improved flavor stability. The modified strains produced 26.3-47.3% less acetaldehyde and increased levels of sulfur dioxide, a natural antioxidant.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 4, 2019

Studying water quality with satellites and public data

A team from Colorado State University has created a novel dataset, AquaSat, by merging large public datasets of water quality observations with satellite imagery. This 'symphony of data' provides over 6 million water quality observations, unlocking powerful new applications in remote sensing of water quality. The study aims to improve ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 4, 2019

How do world's smallest sea turtles become stranded in Cape Cod?

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate wind and water conditions that cause Kemp's ridley sea turtles to become stranded on beaches in Cape Cod. The study found that turtles are more likely to strand when water temperatures drop below 10.5°C and winds blow with high wind stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Untangling the branches in the mammal tree of life

Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

Incumbent CEOs working with new CFOs earn 10% more money

A recent study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that incumbent CEOs working with newly hired CFOs (co-opted CFOs) take home an average of 10% more compensation. This is attributed to the CEO's power over the CFO, who may be pressured to manage earnings to meet or exceed financial analyst targets, ultimately driving...

SourceDuke University·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 4, 2019

Birds are shrinking as the climate warms

Over 40 years of data show that migratory birds have been getting smaller as the climate warms. The birds' body masses, leg bone lengths, and overall body sizes all decreased, while their wingspans increased, likely linked to rising temperatures.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

Impact of lifestyle behaviors in early childhood on obesity

A study of 1,480 children found that limited TV time and low ultra-processed food consumption are associated with lower obesity risks. High physical activity, sleep duration, and plant-based food consumption also contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing overweight or obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 4, 2019

First giant planet around white dwarf found

Researchers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered a giant planet orbiting a hot white dwarf star, stripping away its atmosphere to form a disc. The system's unique properties provide clues to the composition of exoplanet atmospheres and challenge our understanding of planetary systems' final fate.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Non-adiabatic dynamics of strongly driven diffusive Josephson junctions

A team of researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla and others have studied the out-of-equilibrium dynamical state induced by microwave photon absorption in diffusive Superconductor-Normal metal-Superconductor junctions. Strong anharmonicity of the current-phase relation arises under illumination, driven by non-adiabatic transitions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateDec 4, 2019

Teens must 'get smart' about social media

A recent study found that platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to disordered eating behaviors in young girls and boys. The research suggests that social media use is associated with a higher likelihood of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, particularly among those who spend more time on these platforms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 2019

Police killings of unarmed black Americans may have health impacts for nearby unborn black infants

A new study suggests that police killings of unarmed Black Americans during pregnancy can lead to smaller birth weights and shorter gestational ages in nearby unborn Black infants. This unique effect is thought to be driven by perceived injustice, discrimination, and fear related to the killings.

Being active reduces risk of prostate cancer

A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 4, 2019

Reprogramming inner ear to regrow hair cells promising target for hearing loss treatments

Researchers discovered a way to reprogram mature inner ear cells to proliferate and regenerate hair-cell-like cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of treatments to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. The study provides hope for regrowing sensory hair cells and other important inner ear cell types.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Once-a-month oral contraceptive could improve patient adherence

Researchers developed a drug delivery system that expands in the stomach and releases levonorgestrel over one month, providing an alternative to daily pill schedules. The platform has the potential to improve adherence rates, especially in low-income countries where cultural and economic barriers hinder long-acting contraceptive use.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

Does weight loss surgery affect colorectal cancer risk?

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that weight loss surgery may increase the risk of colon cancer. Patients who underwent such surgery had a higher risk of colon cancer compared to the general population, especially over time.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 4, 2019

Respiration key to increase oxygen in the brain

Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Patients' perspectives of clinical consultations related to weight

Patients with excess weight experience predominantly negative interactions during clinical consultations, often feeling judged and dismissively told to lose weight. Supportive language and approach are essential in these conversations to promote a positive experience and encourage healthy behavior change.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Obesity·DateDec 4, 2019

Signs of life: New field guide aids astronomers' search

Astronomers can now use a high-resolution spectral field guide to detect signs of life on Proxima b and Trappist-1e, two potential habitable exoplanets. The guide, developed by Cornell University student Zifan Lin, will aid in the exploration of these worlds' atmospheres using next-generation telescopes like the Extremely Large Telescope.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 4, 2019

Looking at tropical forests through new eyes

A University of Arizona-led team used air-based maps of plant chemistry to better understand tropical forest responses to climate change. By combining traditional on-the-ground measurements with aerial data, researchers improved carbon cycling models and gained insights into the role of forests in the global carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2019

Atmospheric chemists move indoors

Atmospheric chemists are cataloging compounds in indoor air, which can react with others to form new molecules. Indoor emissions come from various sources, including stoves, cleaning products, and people's breath, skin, and personal care products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 4, 2019

Freeze frame: Scientists capture atomic-scale snapshots of artificial proteins

Researchers at Berkeley Lab successfully image the atomic structure of peptoid nanosheets using cryo-EM, a breakthrough that could advance applications such as synthetic antibodies and self-repairing membranes. The study demonstrates unprecedented atomic precision and paves the way for designing soft materials at the atomic scale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2019

Less rice, more nutritious crops will enhance India's food supply

A new study from Columbia University suggests that planting less rice and more nutritious crops like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum can enhance India's food supply while reducing environmental impact. This diversification could increase protein by 1 to 5%, iron supply by 5 to 49% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 13%.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2019

A new way to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value

A new tool called Long-term Investor Value Appropriation (LIVA) has been introduced to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value. LIVA uses stock price data to calculate a backward-looking net present value over a given period, providing a more accurate reflection of underlying economic performance.

SourceINSEAD·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateDec 4, 2019

Which exercise regimen protects bone health in older adults with obesity?

A recent study found that resistance exercise, alone or combined with aerobic exercise, effectively reduces weight loss-induced decreases in hip bone density. The study suggests that incorporating resistance exercise into weight loss regimens can help protect against bone loss in older adults with obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateDec 4, 2019

Social media use and disordered eating in young adolescents

Research found that social media use is associated with disordered eating behaviors and thoughts in young adolescents, especially girls. The study also identified strict exercise and meal skipping as common practices among adolescents with disordered eating.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 2019

Chip-based optical sensor detects cancer biomarker in urine

A new chip-based sensor can detect very low levels of a cancer protein biomarker in urine, paving the way for non-invasive and inexpensive disease diagnosis and monitoring. The sensor's high sensitivity enables detection of minute biomarker concentrations, making it a promising tool for personalized medicine.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

Molecular bodyguards against Parkinson's disease

Chaperone proteins protect α-Synuclein from cell damage in healthy cells. Impaired chaperone binding leads to α-Synuclein accumulation and mitochondrial destruction, characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the role of molecular bodyguards in neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Beta blocker use identified as hospitalization risk factor in 'stiff heart' heart failure

Researchers found that beta-blockers increase the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients with 'stiff heart' heart failure, characterized by a normal squeeze but impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Beta-blocker use was associated with a 74% higher risk of hospitalizations in this patient population.

Silverswords may be gone with the wind

A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 4, 2019

Researchers develop method to improve skeleton of common chemicals

A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new method for constructing seven- and eight-membered carbocycles, overcoming previous difficulties due to instability. The process uses an internal redox reaction, allowing for the creation of medium-sized carbocycles with favorable formation rates.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Living at the edges

Transboundary protected landscapes near the US-Canada border provide vital habitat for lynx and connections with larger Canadian populations. Climate change and increased border security pose significant threats to species conservation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 4, 2019

Solving the mystery of carbon on ocean floor

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a direct link between ancient carbon, graphite particles from hydrothermal vents, and seafloor sediments. This finding sheds new light on the dynamics of the marine carbon cycle, revealing that organic carbon can be converted to graphite at vents.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Air pollution in Taiwan boosts risk of ischemic stroke

A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to hydrocarbons in the air may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke development. The research analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Institute Research Database and found significant associations between air pollution levels and increased risk of ischemic stroke.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Adding copper strengthens 3D-printed titanium

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new titanium-copper alloy that can be 3D printed with exceptional properties. The alloy's fully equiaxed grain structure reduces the risk of cracking or distortion, making it suitable for high-performance applications in medical devices and aerospace.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

New cell models for ocular drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed two new cell models that can mimic the blood-retinal barrier, a key regulator of drug delivery to the eye. The models, continuously growing retinal pigment epithelial cells, can be re-pigmented with melanin and studied for drug accumulation in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2019

Hundreds of environmental health professionals in US report challenges, research needs

Environmental health professionals in US report challenges in six areas: drinking water quality, wastewater management, healthy homes, food safety, public health pests, and disaster risk reduction. The study emphasizes the need for professional training, expanded partnerships, and translational research to address these issues.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 4, 2019

Bullying others increases the risk of developing mental health problems and vice versa

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health suggests there is a two-way relationship between bullying perpetration and internalizing problems among US youth. Bullying perpetration increased the risk of developing internalizing problems, while experiencing internalizing problems increased the probability of bullyi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 4, 2019