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Science News for July 30, 2019


Next step in producing magnetic organic molecules

A team of researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum has successfully created new organic molecules with magnetic properties, which retain stability up to -110 degrees Celsius. These compounds could be the key to developing lightweight, transparent, and flexible magnetic materials.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 30, 2019

Ethnic networks help refugees integrate into the host country's economy

A recent study by Stanford University and ETH Zurich found that refugees living in areas with larger numbers of people who share their background are more likely to be employed. The study revealed a 2% boost in employment for every 10% increase in the size of ethnic networks. Refugees, especially women, benefit most from proximity to m...

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

How we care for the environment may have social consequences

Researchers found that men and women were more likely to question each other's sexual orientation if they engaged in non-conforming environmental behaviors. Women were also more likely to avoid men who preferred masculine behaviors. The study highlights the social consequences of gendered pro-environmental behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 30, 2019

Girls who are more physically active in childhood may have better lung function in adolescence

A new study found that girls who were moderately to highly physically active in childhood had higher exhalation capacity and greater forced expiratory volume than their inactive peers. The research suggests that promoting physical activity in childhood may have long-term benefits for respiratory health, particularly in adolescent girls.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 30, 2019

Researchers estimate societal costs of the opioid epidemic

Researchers estimate that opioid misuse reduced state tax revenue by over $11 billion and increased Medicaid costs associated with opioid use disorder to more than $3 billion. The study also found significant costs to the child welfare system, criminal justice system, and education sector.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 30, 2019

Legal status no guarantee of job security

A new study found that regularised migrants still face issues with work conditions and opportunities, with many trapped between formal and informal labour markets. The research highlights the importance of labour markets in creating spaces for undocumented workers to live and work.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalMIGRATION LETTERS·DateJul 30, 2019

Finding a cause of neurodevelopmental disorders

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism linking a protein mutation with abnormal nervous system development in neurodevelopmental disorders. A complex of proteins called the SWI/SNF complex was found to be affected, leading to changes in gene expression and brain development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 30, 2019

Why are we so drawn to places of happy memories?

Researchers identified astrocytic mu-opioid receptors as key to conditioned place preference, a mechanism underlying addictive behaviors. The study found that astrocytic MORs in the hippocampus release glutamates, increasing synaptic transmissions and inducing long-term potentiation, which is responsible for spatial memory acquisition.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 30, 2019

Individuals with obesity get more satisfaction from their food

A new study found that people with obesity experience higher levels of initial taste perception and greater satisfaction from food compared to those with normal weight. This difference in taste perception may lead to increased food consumption among individuals with obesity, contributing to their higher caloric intake.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJul 30, 2019

Food quality control made faster and easier

Scientists at TUM and Leibniz-Institute developed a new methodology for simultaneous analysis of odorants and tastants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. This approach enables fast and precise food analysis, which is crucial for manufacturers to guarantee consistent sensory quality.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2019

To conserve water, Indian farmers fire up air pollution

A new study reveals that water-use policies in northwestern India have led to increased air pollution due to delayed rice harvests and concentrated agricultural burnings. The study found almost 30% higher atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter, posing significant concerns for human health.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 30, 2019

Antenatal screening for kidney problems in early childhood

A large cohort study found that babies with persistent fluid-filled areas in their kidneys during gestation are at higher risk of urinary tract problems and hospital admissions in early childhood. The study used data from over 21,000 children and showed a strong link between renal pelvis dilatation and increased risk of hospital admiss...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 30, 2019

Expanding the palette

A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers have discovered a new phase in block copolymers, expanding the range of possible options for material design. The newly found phase, known as A15, belongs to a class of tetrahedrally close-packed structures and has been observed in both metal and polymer materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

CHOP research team redefines the footprint of viral vector gene therapy

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have developed a new AAV vector screening method that captures the full range of gene expression patterns caused by AAV vectors. This innovative technique is expected to significantly advance the field of gene therapy by providing a more sensitive approach to detecting gene transfer sites.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2019

A first bad apple spoils the bunch

A new study by Cass Business School academic Dr Janina Steinmetz confirms that people tend to judge entire groups based on the performance of their first member. The research found that a bad experience at the 'first' register or position leads to harsher judgments about the group, while a good experience results in greater positivity.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 30, 2019

'Tickle' therapy could help slow aging

A new study at the University of Leeds suggests that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) may help slow down an important effect associated with ageing. The therapy, which delivers a small electrical current to the ear, has been shown to improve physiological and wellbeing outcomes in over-55s.

Learning in virtual spaces

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a social-VR platform called ViLeArn to explore the potential of virtual reality in education. The platform allows students to engage in fully equipped virtual teaching environments, fostering collaboration and creativity.

Pre-eclampsia increases risk of end stage kidney disease, study finds

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that women who developed pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were nearly five times more likely to develop end stage kidney disease (ESKD) than those who did not. The study analyzed data from over 1 million healthy women and revealed a significant association between pre-eclampsia and ESKD risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 30, 2019

UW study: House move during early pregnancy linked to heightened premature birth risk

A UW study found that moving to a new home during the first three months of pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight, premature birth, and smaller-than-expected babies. Despite limitations, the researchers suggest counseling patients on stress-mitigating techniques and care continuity may be beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 30, 2019

Boosting the anti-inflammatory action of the immune system

Researchers have identified a molecule called Gas6 that induces macrophages to clean up cellular debris and reduce inflammation. Boosting Gas6 levels in macrophages has been shown to resolve inflammation in mouse models of acute lung injury, holding promise for treating diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019