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Science News for January 9, 2019


New synthesis strategy for chiral drugs -- versatile chiral chemical species from aldehydes

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed a new synthesis strategy for chiral drugs by harnessing the potential of aldehyde-derived chiral hydroxycarbanions. This breakthrough enables the selective production of one enantiomer of chiral molecules, paving the way for the creation of complex drugs with desired chirality.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2019

Artificial bug eyes

Researchers have created bioinspired artificial compound eyes with improved visual properties, enabling better motion detection and light sensitivity. The innovative structure consists of tiny independent repeating visual receptors called ommatidia, grown on top of convex glass domes with antireflective and water-repellent nanostructures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 9, 2019

Study suggests that fear and anger had different effects on conservatives and liberals

A recent study by University at Buffalo researcher Janet Yang found that fear and anger have distinct effects on how conservatives and liberals process information about elections and climate change. Fear was linked to a systematic approach to information processing, while anger was associated with higher perceived knowledge of climate...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateJan 9, 2019

New method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery

Russian scientists developed a new method to study biomechanical changes in tissues after laser surgery, improving the accuracy and safety of eye surgeries. The method uses optical coherence tomography (OCT), which visualizes tissue structure by infrared light scattering, to quantify mechanical properties changes before and after laser...

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateJan 9, 2019

Certain psychiatric drugs linked with elevated pneumonia risk

A review of published studies indicates that use of benzodiazepines and related drugs may increase the risk of pneumonia. The analysis found a 1.25-fold higher odds for developing pneumonia among current and recent BZRD users compared to non-users.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2019

Beech trees are dying, and nobody's sure why

A new disease is killing beech trees in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada, causing dark-green bands on leaves and leading to tree death. Researchers are searching for a microbe or insect cause, using molecular techniques to compare DNA and RNA from diseased and healthy trees.

SourceOhio State University·JournalForest Pathology·DateJan 9, 2019

Tobacco use linked with higher use of opioids and sedatives

Concurrent tobacco use is associated with a higher likelihood of receiving prescriptions for opioids combined with muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines. This increased co-prescription may lead to prescription drug addiction due to the heightened risk of overdose.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateJan 9, 2019

New computer modeling approach could improve understanding of megathrust earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new computer modeling approach to investigate the connection between tiny tremors and devastating megathrust earthquakes. The study shows that changes in crustal stress state occur before major earthquakes, providing valuable insights into the forces driving these events.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJan 9, 2019

Mice sleeping fitfully provide clues to insomnia

Researchers studied genetically modified mice with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition associated with sleep problems. The mice exhibited fragmented and irregular sleep patterns, similar to people with NF1. This study could help identify molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateJan 9, 2019

Are your Facebook friends making you feel sick?

A study published in Heliyon found that Facebook users who engage in social comparison are more aware of their physical ailments. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between Facebook use and perceptions of physical symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateJan 9, 2019

HRT tablets associated with increased risk of blood clots

A large study published in The BMJ found that HRT tablets are associated with a higher risk of rare but serious blood clots, particularly those containing equine oestrogen. No increased risk was found for skin patches, gels and creams. The study provides important information for women and their doctors to make informed treatment choices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 9, 2019

UMass Amherst geoscientists reconstruct 'eye-opening' 900-year Northeast climate record

Geoscientists at UMass Amherst have reconstructed the longest and highest-resolution climate record for the Northeastern United States, revealing previously undetected past temperature cycles. The study used branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetra ethers (branched GDGTs) to provide an independent terrestrial paleo-thermometer.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClimate of the Past·DateJan 9, 2019

Stem cell study offers clues for optimizing bone marrow transplants and more

A recent USC-Stanford study reveals that successfully transplanted stem cells exhibit 'extreme behavior' due to radiation and chemotherapy, whereas healthy cells produce blood and immune cells more evenly. The research also shows that certain stem cells become dormant or biased towards producing specific immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2019

New research is using drones to tackle climate change

A team of Nottingham scientists is using drones to survey woody climbing plants and better understand how they may affect the carbon balance of tropical rainforests. The findings have been published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, highlighting the potential problems caused by lianas and their impact on global warming.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 9, 2019

How trees and turnips grow fatter

International research teams identify key regulatory networks controlling radial growth in plants, enabling the development of more efficient carbon sinks and increased vegetable crop yields. The study reveals complex mechanisms behind plant stem cell activity and vascular tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2019

Better outcomes in depression therapy with new innovations in treatment planning

A study found that therapists can improve treatment outcomes for adolescents with depression by regularly assessing symptoms and augmenting treatment. Implementing this approach led to better symptom reduction compared to waiting until Week 8, according to a 16-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2019

Overtones can provide faster data communication

The team produced spintronic oscillators that strengthen spin wave signals in several steps, demonstrating a new phenomenon. They showed sharp jumps in frequency from the fundamental tone to much higher frequencies using overtones, paving the way for faster data transmission rates in wireless communication.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2019

Does PTSD affect heart disease and cancer risk?

A new study found that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Individuals with a longer duration of untreated PTSD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, regardless of the type of traumatic event they experienced.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateJan 9, 2019

How words get an emotional meaning

A study at the University of Göttingen found that people learn positive associations with words much faster than neutral or negative associations. The researchers used electroencephalography to analyze brain activity, revealing specific neuronal reactions after just 100 milliseconds for words associated with loss.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJan 9, 2019

Cut to the chase

A new study suggests that sex plays a major role in attracting potential partners and encouraging the formation of an attachment. The research found that sexual desire triggers behaviors that promote emotional bonding during face-to-face encounters, including synchronization of movements, close physical proximity, and frequent eye cont...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJan 9, 2019

Newborns face risks when born to women with the flu

Women with severe influenza during pregnancy are more likely to have preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine and those treated promptly with antiviral medications may reduce the risk of adverse infant outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalBirth Defects Research·DateJan 9, 2019

Lithium-matrix anode protected by a solid electrolyte layer for stable lithium metal batteries

Researchers have developed a novel Li anode design featuring a solid electrolyte layer and housed framework to mitigate dendrite growth and volume expansion. The resulting batteries exhibit excellent capacity retention and stability, paving the way for next-generation rechargeable battery development. This innovative approach has signi...

SourceScience China Press·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019

New strategy may curtail spread of antibiotic resistance

Researchers identify key step in transmission of antibiotic resistance and develop novel strategy to interrupt its spread. By understanding how plasmids interact with bacterial defenses, scientists can design therapies that prevent drug resistance from spreading, safeguarding future treatment options.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2019

Stressed mothers -- overweight children

A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that stressed mothers are more likely to have overweight children, with girls being particularly vulnerable. The research, which analyzed data from over 498 mother-child pairs, suggests that maternal stress during the first year of life can lead to long-term weight development issues ...

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJan 9, 2019

Ultra-sensitive sensor with gold nanoparticle array

Scientists from the University of Bath and Northwestern University have developed a new ultra-sensitive sensor using a gold nanoparticle array, detecting tiny amounts of material with great potential. The sensing mechanism is affected by molecules binding to the surface of nanoparticles, providing a means for detecting small molecules ...

Lab safety, 10 years later

Decade after a chemist's death, academic labs continue to improve safety protocols, including incorporating safety into education and training. Despite progress, concerns remain about the effectiveness of current measures in preventing lab accidents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 9, 2019

Study finds link between voter preference for Trump and bullying in middle schools

A recent study found a significant link between voter preference for Donald Trump and increased bullying rates among middle school students. The research, conducted by the American Educational Research Association, analyzed data from over 155,000 seventh- and eighth-grade students in Virginia and discovered that localities favoring Tru...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJan 9, 2019

Guiding the way to a more sustainable energy future

The Lehigh University Energy Research Center is working to develop innovative solutions for managing traditional power plants and developing cost-effective alternative energy sources. The center, in partnership with the Mexican Institute for Electricity and Clean Energies, is studying the use of solar thermal energy to improve CO2 capt...

Thousands of stars turning into crystals

Astronomers have found the first direct evidence of white dwarf stars solidifying into crystals, which could make them billions of years older than previously thought. This discovery has been published in Nature and is based on observations taken with the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2019

USC research fosters communication between smart buildings and people

A new USC study explores how virtual assistants can facilitate cooperation between humans and buildings, leading to improved energy efficiency and environmental outcomes. The researchers found that small talk and social dialogue help people connect with AI-powered avatars, resulting in better behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateJan 9, 2019

Seeing soda's influence

A Harvard University study found that the Coca-Cola Company, through its connection with a nonprofit group, has exerted substantial influence over obesity science and policy solutions in China. The study, conducted by Susan Greenhalgh, reveals how industry funding and personal connections shaped policy decisions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 9, 2019

Parental CPTSD increases transmission of trauma to offspring of Tutsi genocide survivors

A new study reveals that children of Tutsi genocide survivors with complex PTSD exhibit more severe symptoms and self-perception issues, highlighting the intergenerational impact of trauma. Researchers found CPTSD to be a prevalent debilitating condition among Tutsi genocide survivors, affecting not only themselves but also their offsp...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateJan 9, 2019

Self-sorting through molecular geometries

Researchers discovered that specific pentagonal and hexagonal molecular building blocks can self-sort through geometric complementarity. This phenomenon allows for the creation of nanostructures with predictable geometries, such as tubular structures with pentagonal pores.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019