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Science News for June 3, 2019


Nanomaterial safety on a nano budget

Researchers at Rice University have developed a cheap and clean method to handle carbon nanotubes, improving lab safety. The protocol involves proper attire, containment systems, and efficient transfer procedures, making it possible for labs to safely work with these materials on a large scale.

SourceRice University·JournalSN Applied Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Vitamin D could help cancer patients live longer

A recent study found that taking vitamin D for at least three years may lower the risk of death among cancer patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 79,000 patients and discovered a statistically significant difference in mortality rates between those who took vitamin D and those who received a placebo.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 3, 2019

Is 'clean eating' just dirty rhetoric?

A study by Dickinson College researchers finds that young people's perceptions of 'clean eating' are overwhelmingly positive, but may signal a risk for eating disorders. The diet fad is often associated with extreme strategies like eliminating gluten or dairy.

SourceDickinson College·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateJun 3, 2019

Fathers aid development of larger brains

A study by University of Zurich researchers found that fathers' reliable care is crucial for brain development, while help from other group members is less essential. This discovery explains why some animal species with large-brained mammals have bigger brains due to their fathers' dependable assistance.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 3, 2019

Emotions from touch

Researchers created a database of 21 textures associated with different emotions, revealing soft surfaces tend to evoke pleasant feelings while rough ones elicit unpleasant sensations. The study also found people with high alexithymia levels experience more intense negative emotions when interacting with certain textures.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateJun 3, 2019

Six fingers per hand

A study found that people with polydactyly, having six fingers per hand, exhibit improved motor skills and ability to perform movements with one hand. The researchers discovered dedicated brain areas controlling the extra finger's movement, allowing for versatile manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2019

Hormone produced during pregnancy repurposed to treat painful joint condition

Researchers repurpose pregnancy hormone relaxin to alleviate symptoms of arthrofibrosis, a painful and debilitating joint condition, restoring range of motion and improving tissue health in an animal model. The findings suggest that relaxin could offer relief for millions of people affected by the disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Combination checkpoint blockade effective in pre-surgical setting for early-stage lung cancers

The combination immunotherapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab met the primary endpoint of the NEOSTAR trial with a 33% overall major pathologic response rate in early-stage lung cancer patients. The treatment was also shown to be effective in reducing tumor viability, with six out of 21 patients achieving a complete pathological response.

New genetic weapons challenge sickle cell disease

A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the sickle cell mutation in patients' hematopoietic stem cells, boosting their own protective fetal hemoglobin. The approach showed promising results, with up to 40% of edited cells fixed and a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin expression.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 3, 2019

To tackle child labor, start with consumers

A new study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that consumer education campaigns can be an effective countermeasure against child labor in global supply chains. The researchers used game theory to identify strategies that manufacturers and NGOs can use to tackle suppliers' use of child labor.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJun 3, 2019

Hearing through your fingers: Device that converts speech

A proof-of-concept study shows that a simple and inexpensive non-invasive device can improve speech understanding in hearing-impaired individuals and those with normal hearing. The device transforms low-frequency speech signals into tactile vibrations delivered on fingertips.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 3, 2019

Mangroves and storm protection

A study analyzed data on 2,000 coastal communities in 23 countries with substantial mangrove areas, finding that even modest coverage can protect economic activity from cyclones. The analysis estimated a permanent loss of 5.4-6.7 months' worth of economic activity for communities with minimal mangrove coverage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Oldest flaked stone tools point to the repeated invention of stone tools

Researchers discovered ancient stone tools in Ethiopia, older than previously known evidence, suggesting that humans invented stone tools multiple times throughout history. The tools, dated to around 2.6 million years ago, show a significant shift in tool-making skills and accuracy, highlighting the complex origins of human innovation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Grassland areas should be chosen wisely

A new study suggests converting farmland to grasslands near existing natural areas for maximum environmental benefits. The conversion should consider balancing multiple goals, including improvement of nature and aquatic environments, biomass production, and land usage.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJun 3, 2019

Evidence of multiple unmonitored coal ash spills found in N.C. lake

A new study finds high levels of coal ash contaminants in sediments from Sutton Lake, suggesting multiple unmonitored spills have contaminated the eastern North Carolina lake and potentially other lakes near coal ash ponds. The research highlights the risk of large-scale unmonitored spills occurring at coal ash storage sites nationwide.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 3, 2019

Lack of sleep may increase likelihood of teens engaging in risky sexual behaviors

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenagers who didn't get enough sleep were nearly two times more likely to engage in unsafe sex than those who slept in extra hours on weekends. The researchers suggest finding a middle ground for teens and encouraging school districts to delay school start times.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 3, 2019

What causes battery electrode failure?

A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that lithium-ion battery electrode failure is caused by the heterogeneity of individual particles, leading to inefficiencies in charging. The team used a synchrotron X-ray method to produce results and identified problems with batteries today, including uneven charging rates.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

Ready, jet... print!

Researchers from KAUST have exploited inkjet printing to generate high-efficiency solar cells, replacing inorganic semiconductors with lightweight and flexible organic materials. The technique allows for customized designs, rapid design changes, and low-cost manufacturing, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJun 3, 2019

Urban pollution enhances up to 400% formation of aerosols over the Amazon rainforest

Research reveals that urban pollution from Manaus significantly impacts cloud production and rainfall in the Amazon, with far-reaching consequences for regional and global climate patterns. The study found an average increase of 200% in secondary organic aerosols, leading to a 400% boost in aerosol formation.

Phosphorylation of Regnase-1 lets IL-17 run amok

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that phosphorylation of Regnase-1 allows IL-17 to trigger inflammation. Blocking this phosphorylation process could lead to therapeutic agents for treating autoimmune diseases related to IL-17, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Most detailed X-ray image of batteries yet to reveal why they still aren't good enough

A team of researchers developed a new technique using X-ray technology to map out damage in lithium-ion batteries. They created the most comprehensive view yet of battery electrodes, which are prone to degradation from repeated charging. The study could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for electric cars and smartphones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

A little formula in first days of life may not impact breastfeeding at 6 months

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that using limited formula in the first days of life does not negatively impact breastfeeding at 6 months. However, it may alter maternal attitudes towards breastfeeding and lead to shorter breastfeeding duration. The study tracked 164 babies born at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and P...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 3, 2019

How a leap of faith can take science forward

A new study found that uncertainty in early-stage inventions can lead to lower budgetary support. Researchers investigated how university-based academic inventions are selected for support and discovered that background familiarity and scientific complexity improve support chances. The study aims to develop models and tools to access, ...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalResearch Policy·DateJun 3, 2019

Drug-resistant tuberculosis reversed in lab

Researchers found a compound, C10, that prevented TB bacteria from forming biofilms, making them easier to kill with antibiotics. The compound reversed drug resistance in lab-grown bacteria, potentially shortening treatment regimens for millions suffering from the deadly infection.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Stalk antibodies provide flu protection in humans

A study published in Nature Medicine finds that targeting the stalk of the flu virus provides protection against infection. Researchers analyzed naturally occurring influenza cases and found that individuals with higher levels of stalk antibodies had a reduced risk of getting sick, correlating with a 42% reduction in influenza infection.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Brush your teeth -- postpone Alzheimer's

Researchers have discovered a clear connection between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease, finding that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain. Brushing teeth and using floss may help slow down Alzheimer's progression, according to the study.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2019

Accurate probing of magnetism with light

A team of researchers has developed a new experimental and theoretical framework to interpret spectroscopic signals from magnetic materials when probed with extreme ultraviolet radiation. This allows for the disentanglement of signals from different elements in the material, enabling the study of complex dynamic processes.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2019

New research addresses incidence of atrial fibrillation after aortic valve replacement

Researchers found that approximately 50 percent of hospitalizations for both TAVI and surgical aortic valve replacement were associated with the development of new atrial fibrillation. Hospitalizations with new atrial fibrillation had higher odds of in-hospital stroke and in-hospital death compared to those without, highlighting the ne...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Living healthier with digital technologies

A research network is investigating how digital technologies affect mental and physical health, with a focus on developing training approaches for children and adolescents. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of media literacy skills in preventing digital stress and promoting healthy media use.

Mapping groundwater's influence on the world's oceans

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a near-global map of fresh submarine groundwater discharge, showing that nearly half of groundwater flows into tropical regions. The study also found that areas with active fault lines send more groundwater to the ocean than stable regions, and dry arid regions have limited discharge.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 3, 2019

Scientists stack algorithms to improve predictions of yield-boosting crop traits

A team of researchers from the University of Illinois has developed a new technique to predict high-yielding crop traits by stacking six machine learning algorithms, improving predictive power by up to 15 percent. The approach empowers scientists to leverage computational analysis to translate their datasets into beneficial results.

An island haven for frogs in a sea of extinctions

A team of scientists has developed a 5-step program to keep New Guinea's frogs safe from the species-destroying chytrid fungus. The plan, published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, aims to prevent the fungus from reaching the island while building local capacity for science and disease surveillance.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJun 3, 2019

Organ and tissue donation in patients considering MAiD: new guidance helps navigate emerging area

A new publication provides recommendations for policy makers to support organ and tissue donation in patients who choose medical assistance in dying or withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting patient autonomy, ensuring consent is informed and withdrawn at any time.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 3, 2019

High-performance data processing technology through a new database partitioning method

DGIST developed a graph-based database partitioning method called GPT technology, which shows more than 4 times faster query performance on average compared to Spark SQL. The technology can be applied to various areas requiring fast join processing techniques and eliminates expensive network communication among machines.

Anonymous essay says sometimes 'choice' is a lie

A new essay published in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that physicians often have to make difficult decisions when faced with extreme political pressures. The author shares a personal story about caring for a pregnant woman who was forced to carry a baby without a brain, highlighting the need for compassion over 'choice' in patien...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Immune cells determine how fast certain tumors grow

Researchers found that immune cells recruited by tumor cells drive faster growth, suggesting targeting immune system cells could slow brain tumor growth in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The study suggests reprogramming T cells to shut down tumors, a promising new strategy for treating NF1.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJun 3, 2019

Ultrafast metal-ion batteries based on new organic cathode material have been developed

Researchers have designed a new polymer cathode material for ultrafast metal-ion batteries with superior characteristics, offering high energy density and impressive charge/discharge rate capability. The material successfully demonstrated excellent performance while charged and discharged at high current rates.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJun 3, 2019