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Science News for July 31, 2019


Neuroimaging essential for Zika cases

A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

The urbanization of the beach

The urbanization of Southern California's beaches has led to a loss of biodiversity, with some beaches showing up to half of their natural inhabitants missing. The disturbance caused by grooming and filling with the wrong sand further exacerbates this issue, impacting the ecosystem health and coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJul 31, 2019

'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2019

SUTD researchers developed a unique method of fabricating 3D porous structures

Researchers from SUTD's Soft Fluidics Lab developed a new 3D printing method, immersion precipitation 3D printing (ip3DP), which allows for the fabrication of 3D porous models in one step. The porosity of the printed objects can be easily controlled by adjusting polymer concentrations and solvent types. This novel approach enables the ...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJul 31, 2019

One in 10 older adults currently binge drinks

A study by NYU School of Medicine found that over 10% of adults aged 65+ binge drink, with males and cannabis users more likely to engage in this behavior. Binge drinking increases the risk of health problems, particularly among older adults with chronic health issues.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 31, 2019

Optimizing structures within complex arrangements of bubbles

Researchers at Aberystwyth University used computer simulations to find optimal bubble arrangements within circular discs that minimize perimeter length. The study reveals that the number of possible structures increases as the number of bubbles grows, leading to a narrower range of area ratios for the smallest perimeter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 31, 2019

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJul 31, 2019

Physician leaders call for action to create a new generation of physician-scientists

Physician-scientist leaders propose a plan to revive the number of physicians conducting research, highlighting the importance of innovation in medicine due to an aging population and increasing communicable diseases. A nonprofit foundation is established to support the development of new physician-scientists.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Actively swimming gold nanoparticles

Scientists have designed gold nanoparticles to mimic bacterial swarming behavior, creating a collective movement towards glucose gradients. The artificially created nanoswimmers exhibit chemotactic behavior, similar to bacteria, and demonstrate the potential for studying collective intelligence on the nanoscale.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 31, 2019

Laser solitons: Theory, topology and potential applications

Researchers have developed a way to create stable laser solitons without external radiation, with potential applications in storing digital information. These solitons have complex internal structures and topologies, such as the 'apple' and 'trefoil' shapes, which can merge and potentially be used in digital storage systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 31, 2019

Magnetic 'springs' break down marine microplastic pollution

Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJul 31, 2019

Quantum computers to clarify the connection between the quantum and classical worlds

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have developed a new quantum computing algorithm to investigate the quantum-to-classical transition in systems like biological proteins. The algorithm allows for the search for classicality in quantum systems, providing insights into how quantum mechanics applies to large-scale objects.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Major class of viruses reveals complex origins

A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Study debunks 'July Effect' for heart surgery

Researchers analyzed over 470,000 cardiac procedures and found no differences in mortality, complications, or costs between July and other months. The study suggests that experienced multidisciplinary teams can provide high-quality care regardless of resident training status.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJul 31, 2019

Climate change alters tree demography in northern forests

A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 31, 2019

Expectant mothers can mitigate the impact of marijuana on baby's brain development

A recent study found that higher maternal Choline levels during pregnancy can prevent fetal brain developmental problems caused by marijuana use. Infants exposed to prenatal marijuana had decreased cerebral nervous system inhibition and lower 'regulation' scores, leading to attention and social function problems later in life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Another trick up the immune system's sleeve: Regrowing blood vessels

A new approach from Harvard researchers uses a biomaterial scaffold and childhood vaccines to attract and activate T cells that promote revascularization of ischemic tissues. The technique increases the concentration of T cells at the ischemic site and stimulates angiogenesis, blood flow, and muscle fiber regeneration.

Families of children with rare diseases open to advanced care plans with caregiver support

A new palliative care intervention at Children's National Hospital has shown success in helping families discuss potentially challenging medical decisions before a crisis occurs. The tool, which includes two evidence-based modules and caregiver needs assessments, aims to strike the right balance of relatability and knowledge for families.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·DateJul 31, 2019

Colorectal cancer rates in Canada

The incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults in Canada has increased over the past few decades. The study found that men under 50 had an average annual percentage change of 3.47% and women under 50 had a 4.45% increase from 2006 to 2015.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

Walkability is key: A look at greenspace use

A new study from University of Arizona researchers finds that walkability and traffic safety are crucial factors in determining how often people visit community greenspaces. Residents who live in areas with high levels of perceived traffic safety and surveillance are more likely to visit parks frequently, while those who travel by walk...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJul 31, 2019

Going green? Not so easy for mainstream brands

A recent study found that when mainstream brands use visual cues suggesting their products are environmentally friendly, consumers tend to perceive them as less effective and switch to more eco-friendly alternatives. The research involved a survey of over 500 consumers across the US, who were shown different product labels with varying...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Advertising Research·DateJul 31, 2019

Multi-state switchable stationary phase opens new doors in chiral separation

Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a three-state switchable chiral stationary phase that can be controlled using metal ions, enabling efficient separation of enantiomers. The phase's stability and separation performance were demonstrated over multiple cycles, opening new doors for drug discovery and other research areas.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2019

What compulsive dating-app users have in common

Researchers at Ohio State University found that people with loneliness and social anxiety are more likely to experience negative outcomes from using dating apps. They tend to compulsively use the apps, even in social situations, leading to missed classes, work trouble, or social anxiety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 31, 2019

Low muscle mass in arms and legs can heighten the mortality risk in older men and women

A study of individuals over 65 years old found that low appendicular muscle mass significantly increased all-cause mortality risk nearly 63-fold in women and 11.4-fold in men. The researchers used DXA body composition analysis to determine the correlation between body composition factors and mortality risk.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJul 31, 2019

UNH research finds shale natural gas development impacting recreationists

Researchers found that 12.3% of Pennsylvania outdoor recreationists were substantially impacted by shale natural gas development activities, while 13.8% changed their plans or avoided certain areas due to perceived conflicts between SGD and parks. The study highlights the need for lawmakers, managers, and industry representatives to co...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism·DateJul 31, 2019

Older adults should be regularly screened for heart disease, diabetes risk

The Endocrine Society recommends regularly screening older adults for heart disease and diabetes risk, prioritizing lifestyle modification as the first-line therapy. Patients with at least three metabolic risk factors should be screened annually, while those with one or two risk factors should be screened every three years.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 31, 2019

Poisonous grasses: new study provides reassurance

A new study by University of Würzburg researchers found that five out of 13 German grass species contain poisonous toxins produced by fungal endophytes. The risk of mass poisoning for grazing animals is low, but farmers are advised to increase pasture diversity and avoid monocultures, especially of perennial ryegrass.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 31, 2019

Many North American indigenous youth experience symptoms of depression during adolescence

A new study found that many Indigenous North American youth experience depressive symptoms during adolescence, with risk factors including discrimination and early puberty. The study identified four developmental patterns of depressive symptoms, with nearly 33% of participants meeting criteria for alcohol-use disorder.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 31, 2019