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Science News for February 21, 2019


Study links unhealthy diet to mental illness in California adults

A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition has found a significant link between poor diet quality and mental illness in California adults. The research revealed that those who consumed more unhealthy food were more likely to report symptoms of moderate or severe psychological distress.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition·DateFeb 21, 2019

Mayo Clinic researchers review modern cases of leprosy

Researchers identified nine patients with leprosy treated at Mayo Clinic from 1994 to 2017, revealing common factors such as Micronesian lineage and extensive travel while immunosuppressed. The study highlights the importance of treatment and vigilance for immunosuppressed individuals traveling to areas with high rates of leprosy.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 21, 2019

ACA's pre-existing condition & age clauses had immediate impact on people with diabetes

A new study suggests the Affordable Care Act's requirements on pre-existing conditions and age clauses had a significant impact on adults with diabetes. The percentage of people with private health insurance who had diabetes increased after the ACA provisions began, especially among those in their 50s.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study links diabetes and back pain

Research by University of Sydney researchers reveals a significant association between diabetes and low back pain and neck pain. The study found people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing these conditions, warranting further investigation into the link.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 2019

Phantom limb sensation explained

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that brain areas responsible for movement and sensation alter their functional communication after a limb amputation. Researchers discovered that sensitive and motor areas of the brain exhibited abnormal patterns of communication among hemispheres, even in patients without phantom pain.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2019

New weapon to combat counterfeit goods: use your smartphone to check for fake merchandise

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a 100% effective labelling system that uses a unique chemical fingerprint to identify genuine products. The system, which can be checked using a phone app, has been tested with a 100% success rate and has the potential to revolutionize the fight against counterfeit goods.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 21, 2019

With nanopore sensing, VCU physics researchers detect subtle changes in single particles

Researchers at VCU have developed a technique to observe subtle changes in clusters of matter, shedding light on their catalytic properties and potential applications in drug discovery. This breakthrough enables the study of molecules on nanoclusters in real-time, revealing fast-paced configuration and position changes.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 2019

Russian scientists show changes in the erythrocyte nanostructure under stress

Researchers from Lobachevsky University have discovered that erythrocytes undergo changes in their nanostructure when subjected to stress, which can lead to programmed cell death. This finding has significant implications for the development of optimal treatment regimens for patients with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalSovremennye tehnologii v medicine·DateFeb 21, 2019

How to keep stink bugs out this winter

Researchers found that sealing holes less than 3mm wide can keep out most brown marmorated stink bugs. Removing dead stink bugs can also deter new arrivals, while 'seeding' traps with corpses may improve performance but requires further testing.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateFeb 21, 2019

New in the Hastings Center Report, January-February 2019

The article explores the intersection of social media, emerging technologies, and medical ethics. Bioethicists discuss various issues such as bias in AI systems and patient relationships affected by social networking sites. The authors also provide recommendations for addressing ethical challenges in these areas.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 21, 2019

Handwriting: The foodie font of love

A recent study found that handwritten font on menus can convey a sense of love and care, leading customers to believe healthier food options are better for their bodies. This perception influences customer behavior, including increased social media interaction with the restaurant's brand.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 21, 2019

Surprising findings on forest fires

Fires increased during phases of lush steppe oak forest growth in relatively humid and warm climates. This contradicts the assumption that dry brushwood was decisive for early fires, suggesting fire risk is linked to plant biomass.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateFeb 21, 2019

Could saffron be as effective as stimulant medicines in treating ADHD?

A new study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology found that saffron was as effective as methylphenidate in controlling ADHD symptoms in children and teens. The researchers also noted similar side effects, making saffron a promising herbal alternative for treating ADHD.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 21, 2019

How bird feather patterns form

Researchers discovered that EDA/EDAR signaling drives the wave of patterning, while FGF20 induces cell aggregation and compresses the epidermis to intensify FGF20 expression. This process shapes the precise hexagonal array of feathers in birds.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Social connectedness may help victims of cyberbullying

A new study suggests that social connectedness can act as a protective buffer against the negative mental health effects of cyberbullying. The findings indicate that individuals with stronger social connections are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and stress due to cybervictimization.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychology in the Schools·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study: Teacher retention bonuses lead to positive results

A new study found that offering teachers a $5,000 retention bonus led to an increase in test score gains among students in both reading and mathematics. The program, which was implemented in high-poverty schools in Tennessee, saw a significant improvement in reading test scores among students compared to similar non-participant schools.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalEconomics of Education Review·DateFeb 21, 2019

How plants learned to save water

Researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg reconstructed the evolutionary history of genes controlling leaf pore movement in flowering plants. They found that most genes belong to old families present in all plant groups, including green algae, suggesting they developed before land colonization.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 21, 2019

How obesity affects vitamin D metabolism

A new study confirms that obesity impairs vitamin D conversion in the liver, affecting its major form in the blood. This finding highlights the need for targeted treatment approaches, such as calcidiol, to address vitamin D insufficiency in obese individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 21, 2019

World's biggest bee found

A team of international scientists and conservationists has successfully rediscovered the world's largest bee, Wallace's giant bee. The species was lost to science since 1981 but has been found in Indonesia, where it is threatened by forest destruction.

Signals on the scales

A team led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet neurobiologist Laura Busse investigated how the brain processes visual stimuli. They found that most types of retinal ganglion cells transmit information to the visual thalamus, but with selective processing and weighting at the first neuronal waystation.

Figuring out the fovea

A team of researchers led by Joshua Sanes created the first cellular atlas of the primate retina, identifying 65-70 separate cell types and their expressed genes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms that give rise to differences in foveal cells and offers a foundation for understanding vision-related diseases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateFeb 21, 2019

How to freeze heat conduction

Physicists have discovered a new effect, known as Kondo-like phonon scattering, which explains the low thermal conductivity of certain materials. This discovery paves the way for creating excellent thermal insulators that conduct electricity, enabling the conversion of waste heat into electrical energy.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2019

Unnecessary testing for UTIs cut by nearly half

A new study at WashU Medicine finds that making a simple electronic system change can reduce bacterial culture tests ordered without compromising patient care. The change encourages doctors to first look for signs of UTIs before testing urine for bacteria, resulting in a nearly half reduction in unnecessary tests.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Righty or lefty, as you like

Researchers developed a new iridium catalyst for the selective synthesis of chiral lactams, which are key building blocks in pharmaceutical agents. The catalyst achieves high selectivity by inducing hydrogen bonding between substrate and catalyst, leading to the production of desired compounds with minimal waste.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 21, 2019

Smartphones help UB researcher better understand the nature of depression and anxiety

A University at Buffalo psychologist conducted a study using smartphones to measure symptoms in real-time, revealing that some emotions linger and predict later symptoms. The research could provide treatment benefits for patients struggling with anxiety and depression by identifying specific risk factors and suggesting strategies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 21, 2019

Height gap with parents, not genetics, determines onset of puberty -- Ben-Gurion U. study

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a child's height gap with their parents is a key predictor of when they will begin puberty. The study suggests that genetics do not play a major role in determining the age of puberty, but rather an individual's growth needs and body response to those needs.

Addressing a lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence

The lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence poses concerns about safety and efficacy, according to a recent study. The authors propose five standards to guide evaluation and regulation of clinical predictive analytics, emphasizing the importance of established clinical standards and clinician agency.

Current tools have low accuracy for predicting delayed ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

A study published in Critical Care Explorations found that both CT angiography and transcranial Doppler have limited accuracy in detecting cerebral vasospasm and predicting delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The tests showed conflicting results, with CT angiography being highly sensitive but lacking spe...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study looks at seasonal and geographic trends in syphilis

Researchers analyzed temporal and demographic patterns in gestational syphilis and mother-to-child-transmission of syphilis in a Brazilian region. They found no annual endemic period, but increased cases during February and a failure in the notification system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 21, 2019

Consuming garlic and onions may lower colorectal cancer risk

Consuming garlic and onions has been shown to lower the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese study involving 833 patients. Adults who ate high amounts of allium vegetables had an 79% lower chance of developing the disease compared to those who consumed low amounts.

SourceWiley·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

PET scans show biomarkers could spare some breast cancer patients from chemotherapy

A new study using PET scans has identified a biomarker that predicts which women with HER2-positive breast cancer may benefit from standalone HER2-targeted agents without chemotherapy. Researchers found that patients with low sugar levels on PET scans at two weeks after treatment had the potential to be spared chemotherapy, indicating ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

How news coverage of terrorism may shape support for anti-Muslim policies

A new study suggests that news coverage of terrorist attacks can significantly impact emotional responses and support for anti-Muslim policies in Western countries. News articles featuring a high number of offenders elicit both fear of terror and anger towards the government, leading to increased support for immigration bans.

SourceWiley·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Recent drought may provide a glimpse of the future for birds in the Sierra Nevada

Researchers found that many bird species responded positively to the climate conditions associated with the drought, potentially offsetting negative habitat impacts. The study's results suggest that birds may be more resilient to temperature increases than previously thought, but also highlights the need for further research on their r...

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study examines indoor exposure to air pollution

A recent study found that short-term wood burning in small-scale room heaters and sauna stoves significantly increased residents' daily exposure to particulate air pollution. The study highlights the importance of natural ventilation in reducing indoor levels of hazardous particles.

SourceWiley·JournalIndoor Air·DateFeb 21, 2019

The dollar store diet: Study shows discount produce matches quality of traditional chains

A new UNLV study finds that the quality of fruits and vegetables at dollar stores is comparable to traditional grocery store produce. The research team championed channel blurring, which benefits budget-conscious shoppers by increasing access to healthy, affordable food options.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 21, 2019