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Science News for February 19, 2019


Visualizing mental valuation processes

A new computer model has been developed to map mental valuation processes in the brain, enabling accurate predictions of food choices. The model takes into account individual valuations and efficiency principles, allowing for the prediction of decision behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 19, 2019

Research shows structural barriers are the biggest reason for low participation in clinical trials

Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that patients face structural and clinical barriers to participating in clinical trials, with nearly 22% deemed ineligible. The team calls for policy changes such as expanding trial locations and proactively discussing options with patients to increase access and participation.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 19, 2019

Beyond the bulkheterojunction

A novel concept proposes a lateral alternating multilayered junction for organic solar cells, enabling long-distance carrier transport and extraction. The structure shows promising results with high exciton-collection efficiency, paving the way to exceed conversion efficiency of 20%.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateFeb 19, 2019

Prenatal forest fire exposure stunts children's growth

Research from Duke University and National University of Singapore reveals pre-natal exposure to forest fire haze leads to a 1.3-inch decrease in expected height at age 17, resulting in long-term human capital losses and permanent stunting effects on children's growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Putting the brakes on aging

A new gene therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 targets the accumulation of toxic proteins in progeria syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The therapy improves health and life span in mice, providing insight into molecular pathways involved in accelerated aging.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2019

Children with autism, co-occurring ADHD symptoms lag in key measures of independence

New studies provide insight into the struggles of children on the autism spectrum with co-occurring ADHD symptoms, highlighting difficulties with adaptive behavior and brain connectivity. Researchers found a strong relationship between ADHD symptoms and adaptive behavior scores in both home and school settings.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 19, 2019

The Lancet Oncology: Rapid scale-up of HPV vaccine and screening could prevent up to 13 million cases of cervical cancer by 2050

A modelling study predicts that combining high uptake of HPV vaccine and high HPV-based cervical screening rates can prevent up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer within 50 years. Cervical cancer elimination is expected in most countries by the end of the century, with average rates falling to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Women more likely to take Bible literally, but that may be tied to intimacy, not gender

A recent study from Baylor University found that women are more likely to believe the Bible is literally true than men. However, this may be because they report higher levels of closeness to God, which increases with prayer and Bible study. The study suggests that intimacy with God plays a key role in literalism, rather than gender.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateFeb 19, 2019

Seeing the unseeable

Scientists at Cardiff University used x-ray crystallography and computer simulation to study the binding of viruses to cells. They found that adenoviruses can bind weakly to a different entry receptor called CAR, previously undiscovered mechanism.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

Researchers key to advance care planning with cancer clinical trial patients

Cancer clinical trial patients need care plans after trials end, yet little is known about initiating advance planning discussions. Researchers emphasize the importance of engaging patients and families in conversations about end-of-life care and palliative care. They stress the need for better data on post-trial needs and expectations.

Scientists identify atomic structure of catalytically active copper-ceria interface

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters identified the atomic structure of the catalytically active copper-ceria interface, proposing a copper bilayer model. The copper-ceria interface was found to be responsible for efficient hydrogen production through low-temperature water-gas shift reactions and CO/CO2 hydrogenation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 19, 2019

Keep calm and don't carry on when parenting teens

A recent study found that parents' ability to self-regulate and think flexibly is crucial in navigating conflicts with teenagers. Fathers were less capable of set-shifting and physiological regulation than mothers, leading to more hostile behavior. However, better-set-shifting fathers could counteract dysregulation and reduce angry res...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateFeb 19, 2019

Familiarity breeds aggression

A recent study by Forschungsverbund Berlin found that fish with a high level of familiarity are more aggressive towards each other. The researchers used the Amazon molly, a naturally clonal fish species, to isolate the effects of familiarity on behavior.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateFeb 19, 2019

Multinational collaboration study on familial primary distal renal tubular acidosis

A multinational collaboration study on familial primary distal renal tubular acidosis found that patients with adequate treatment had better growth and kidney function compared to those with inadequate treatment. The study, which included data from 340 patients across 29 countries, also highlighted the importance of controlling acid-ba...

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateFeb 19, 2019

New laser methods create dazzling colors on metals

Researchers developed three techniques for laser colorization on metal, creating optical effects that change the color of the treated surface. The techniques can be used to produce colorful artwork on metals with high reproducibility and potential for mass production.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateFeb 19, 2019

Fabric the reinforcer

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composite materials for aircraft brakes using carbon fabrics, demonstrating better resistance to crack propagation than existing materials. These advancements aim to improve the reliability and safety of aircraft operation while reducing maintenance costs.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalEngineering Fracture Mechanics·DateFeb 19, 2019

Research shows human trafficking screening tool effective in identifying victims

A new screening tool designed specifically for human trafficking was found to be more effective than a commonly used psychosocial assessment in identifying sexual and labor exploitation of youth. The study found that 44% of youth had been arrested, 35% had a history of foster care, and 71% had been kicked out of their homes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2019

Indecision under pressure

Researchers found that when compressed, cubic boron arsenide's heat conductivity improves initially but then deteriorates due to competition between different processes. This behavior has never been predicted or observed before and challenges conventional understanding of heat conduction.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019

Let's dance!

Researchers from University of the Arts Helsinki recommend incorporating dance into schools' curriculum to boost cognitive performance, social interaction, and group cohesion among children. The study highlights dance as a valuable tool for learning, especially for children with kinaesthetic and creative learning styles.

Dose of vitamin C helps gold nanowires grow

Rice University scientists have developed a method to produce valuable gold nanowires from short particles using vitamin C. The process, which is fully controllable and reversible, allows for the production of nanowires of any desired length, making them suitable for sensing, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 19, 2019

Fluorescing urine signals organ transplant rejection, could replace needle biopsies

A new screening method using sensor particles and a urine test can catch organ rejection earlier and more comprehensively than traditional biopsies. The test detects T cell attacks on transplanted organs through fluorescent signals in the urine, allowing for early detection and potential adjustments to immunosuppressant medications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 19, 2019

Gene therapy durably reverses congenital deafness in mice

Scientists have successfully restored auditory synapse function and hearing thresholds to a near-normal level in adult mice with DFNB9 deafness. The breakthrough uses an AAV-based gene therapy approach that can be used to produce otoferlin and durably correct the profound deafness phenotype in mice.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Graphene 'sandwich' key to new electronics

Researchers from Graphene Flagship partner DTU developed a graphene 'sandwich' by encasing graphene with insulating hexagonal boron nitride, allowing them to achieve higher electrical currents and control the material's properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of nano-electronics with small dimensions.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2019

How to make the push-up work for you

A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateFeb 19, 2019