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Science News for June 10, 2019


Cyber of the fittest: Researchers develop first cyber agility framework to measure attacks

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has developed the first cyber agility framework to score the agility of cyber attackers and defenders. This framework uses a honeypot to analyze malicious traffic over time, allowing defenders to visualize how well they out-maneuver attacks.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateJun 10, 2019

Sex, lice and videotape

Researchers successfully filmed the mating process of feather lice on two different-sized pigeon hosts, revealing that size matters for reproduction. The study demonstrates ecological speciation by showing how adaptation to a new host can lead to reproductive isolation and the origin of a new species.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Being denied a wanted abortion may have detrimental health effects in the long term

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who were denied an abortion due to gestational age limit reported worse health 5 years later compared to those who underwent an abortion. The study also found similar physical health outcomes between women who had abortions in the first or second trimester and those who ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

In romantic relationships, people do indeed have a 'type'

A University of Toronto study reveals that individuals often repeat patterns with the same personality traits in their current and past partners, indicating a strong tendency to date similar types. This finding suggests that people may indeed have an innate 'type' when it comes to romantic relationships.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

To protect kids and teens from firearm harm, answer these questions first, experts

A team of experts from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) consortium has published a list of 26 urgent questions for rigorous studies to address pediatric firearm injury prevention. The questions cover various aspects, including access, storage, and exposure to firearms, as well as the effectiveness of programs and tec...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 10, 2019

Sexual-orientation study

A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Poison dart frog brains can hold a mental map

Researchers found that poison dart frogs possess a sophisticated brain capable of forming a cognitive map of their environment. They demonstrated this by testing the frogs' spatial awareness in a modified Morris water maze, where they successfully located a hidden platform using visual cues and landmarks.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 10, 2019

ACP releases paper on methods for developing evidence-based clinical policy papers

The American College of Physicians has released a new paper outlining its methods for developing high-quality, evidence-based clinical policy papers. The methodology ensures that recommendations are based on the best available scientific evidence, considering clinical benefits, harms, costs, and patient values. ACP's approach includes ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

Study illustrates gaps in knowledge and lack of support for girls during puberty

A study led by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Madagascar girls experience significant gaps in knowledge about puberty, leading to inadequate guidance on sexuality and menstruation management. Improved toilet facilities are also needed to reduce challenges faced by girls in school.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 10, 2019

Engineers use graph networks to accurately predict properties of molecules and crystals

Nanoengineers developed new graph network-based models that accurately predict material properties, outperforming existing AI technology in complex tasks. The MEGNet models can learn relationships between elements and overcome data limitations in materials science, enabling rapid discovery of transformative materials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 10, 2019

Supportive families and schools help prevent substance use among trans youth: UBC study

A new national study by UBC researchers found that strong family and school connections are key to preventing substance use among transgender youth. The study analyzed data from 323 trans youth ages 14-18 and found that those with supportive families were 61% less likely to smoke tobacco and 88% less likely to report smoking cannabis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateJun 10, 2019

What's your poison? Scrupulous scorpions tailor venom to target

Researchers found that scorpions adapt their stingers and venom use to minimize costs, with strategies including avoiding venom, using claws or pedipalps, and adjusting sting volume and composition. Scorpions can also tailor venom to a target through on-the-fly adjustments and over weeks of exposure.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 10, 2019

The Neolithic precedents of gender inequality

The study analyzed life conditions, demographic aspects, funerary practices and genetic data to conclude that male domination emerged in later periods. Archaeological evidence suggests men's association with violence and force played a key role in shaping social complexity.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEuropean Journal of Archaeology·DateJun 10, 2019

New research could help predict seizures before they happen

Researchers at FutureNeuro have discovered molecules in the blood that are higher in people with epilepsy before a seizure happens. These molecules are fragments of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which could serve as an early warning system for predicting seizures.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 10, 2019

Body fat distribution linked to higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A prospective study found that higher levels of abdominal and thigh fat are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Men with a lower BMI showed a stronger association between visceral fat and advanced prostate cancer. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 10, 2019

Unique case of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome in palliative care

A new case study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine reports a unique example of a patient with ALS who overcame nausea and vomiting linked to chronic cannabis use by reducing, but not discontinuing, cannabis use. This finding adds to clinicians' ability to respond to rare adverse effects of medical cannabis use.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019

Mount Sinai study reports asthma control in older patients and shows lower ED visits

A Mount Sinai study found improved asthma control and quality of life in older patients, with a significant reduction in emergency department visits. The study tested a patient-tailored self-management support intervention, which targeted social determinants of health and achieved meaningful improvements.

The mantis shrimp's perfect shield

Research by David Kisailus and Pablo Zavattieri reveals the telson's secret, unlocking a helicoidal structure that prevents cracks from growing and dissipates energy. The study finds that the telson's carinae ridges stiffen it along its axis while flexing inward when forces are applied perpendicular to its long axis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 10, 2019

USC study: Exposure to videos of race-based violence online may be spurring mental-health issues

A new USC study suggests that viewing viral videos of police shootings and detained immigrants may be spurring mental-health issues in adolescents of color. The research found that Hispanic participants reported more depressive symptoms, while female participants reported more depressive and PTSD symptoms than male participants.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 10, 2019

Lettuce have it! Machine learning for cr-optimization

A machine learning platform called AirSurf-Lettuce uses computer vision and deep learning to categorize lettuce crops in fields, measuring quantity, size, and location. This technology can help reduce yield loss up to 30% by providing precise harvest times and improving crop management decisions.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 10, 2019

When it comes to food, one size doesn't fit all: world's largest scientific nutrition research project reveals even identical twins have different responses to food

The world's largest scientific nutrition research project found that individual responses to the same foods are unique, even between identical twins. This study challenges traditional dietary guidelines and suggests a personalized approach to nutrition for better long-term health benefits.

Canadian pediatric emergency department crowding not linked to death, serious adverse outcomes

A multicentre study analyzed over 1.9 million pediatric emergency department visits and found no significant association between overcrowding and death within 14 days or hospital admission within 7 days. However, the study saw an increase in admissions among sicker children and return visits from less sick kids with increasing crowding.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 10, 2019

BU finds iron may not improve fertility

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found no consistent association between iron consumption and conception. However, non-heme iron intake was associated with a slightly increased chance of pregnancy in certain groups, such as women who had previously given birth or experienced heavy menstrual cycles.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 10, 2019

A $12 pill test could save the lives of first-timers

A new study found that pill testing services at music festivals may be most effective in reducing harm for people trying ecstasy for the first time, as they are most cautious after a pill test. However, prior users who are high in sensation seeking are at the greatest risk of harm, even with a pill test. Introducing counselling and dru...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateJun 10, 2019

Fiber-optic probe can see molecular bonds

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a new technology that tunnels light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency. The device integrates a glass optical fiber with a silver nanowire condenser to squeeze visible light to the tip of the condenser and interact with molecules locally.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 10, 2019

Secondary students' sexual health survey

The sixth National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health found 47% of sexually active respondents had engaged in intercourse, with 76% having sex at home. The survey also showed that young Australians have good knowledge of sexual health, are behaving responsibly, and are actively seeking out trusted sources of info...

New study shows how climate change could affect impact of roundworms on grasslands

A new study found that extreme drought conditions can lead to an explosion of root-feeding nematodes in grassland ecosystems, decreasing grass root production and potentially exacerbating carbon sequestration loss. The research team hopes to learn more about the interaction between water and nematode stresses to plants.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

Courts' sentencing of Hispanic defendants differs by destination, citizenship, year

A study found that federal courts in areas with traditionally welcoming Hispanic immigration handed out similar sentences to non-Hispanic defendants. However, courts in new destinations and areas with limited Hispanic immigration sentenced U.S. citizen and non-citizen Hispanics more harshly, especially those who were undocumented. The ...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateJun 10, 2019

Radiation treatment increases cardiac risk for lung cancer patients

A retrospective study of 748 NSCLC patients found that the average radiation dose delivered to the heart was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death. The team's findings highlight the need for more stringent avoidance of high cardiac radiotherapy doses and collaboration with cardiologists to m...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 10, 2019

A bubbly new way to detect the magnetic fields of nanometer-scale particles

Researchers at NIST developed a method to measure magnetic properties of nanoparticles by rapidly enlarging magnetic bubbles, revealing the orientation of individual nanoparticle poles. This technique enables fast and economical measurement of magnetic stability for various medical and environmental applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 10, 2019

Survey: Majority of current gun owners support the sale of personalized guns

A majority of current gun owners (almost four out of five) support the sale of both traditional and personalized guns through licensed dealers. However, only 18% are likely to purchase a personalized gun for themselves due to added costs. Personalized guns offer safety features to prevent unauthorized use, but their high cost may limit...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 10, 2019