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Science News for May 8, 2019


No developmental differences in children conceived via assisted reproductive technology

A study by Fertility Centers of Illinois found that children conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) achieve similar developmental milestones as those conceived naturally, with a slight advantage at 12 months. The study analyzed data from over 1,800 parents and showed no significant impact on childhood development.

SourceFertility Centers of Illinois·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMay 8, 2019

Development of graphene with enhanced speed of high frequency signal transmission

Researchers at DGIST developed a graphene-based transmission line with improved electron speed, contributing to faster processing speeds in semiconductor and communication devices. The team increased device concentration inside graphene, reducing resistance and enhancing electrical characteristics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 8, 2019

Study shows MD Anderson-developed drug effective in overcoming ibrutinib resistance in mantle cell lymphona

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered a small molecule drug, IACS-10759, that targets metabolic reprogramming and inhibits OXPHOS, leading to marked growth inhibition in ibrutinib-resistant mantle cell lymphoma cells. The study provides hope for patients with this incurable B-cell lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Grading conservation: Which reserves defend forests?

A recent study by Michigan State University researchers found that nature reserves close to cities are more effective at preventing deforestation than remote areas. The study evaluated China's protected areas and concluded that these reserves can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat global deforestation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateMay 8, 2019

Why some red wines taste 'dry'

Researchers have found that the structure, concentration and interactions of tannins in wine influence dryness perception. Trained sensory panelists perceived Cabernet Sauvignon as dryer due to its higher tannin content, while added tannins didn't change dryness perception in Pinot Noir.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

Why creative experts may be better at imagining the future

Research by Dartmouth College and Princeton University researchers finds that creative experts are better at imagining distant experiences due to a unique neural system. They use the dorsal medial system default network, associated with empathy, to think about other people and perspectives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMay 8, 2019

What makes athletes report or hide concussion symptoms?

Athletes consider concussion symptoms' impact on their health, team prospects, and performance culture, influencing their reporting decisions. The study highlights the importance of athlete education and organizational culture in encouraging concussion reporting.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 8, 2019

Vietnam can reduce emissions, save $2.3 billion by 2030 in ag, forestry and land use

A study by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture reveals that Vietnam can achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through affordable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and reducing inputs. Implementing these measures could eliminate up to 51% of p...

The art of the circus

Research from the University of South Australia reveals that circus skills programs deliver significant mental health benefits for Australian children, with a 7:1 return on investment. Children participating in these programs showed improvements in stress relief, self-esteem, confidence, and socialization.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·DateMay 8, 2019

Source credibility is key to derailing fake news

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people's beliefs about the source of information significantly impact how they process it. Establishing credibility for news sources is crucial to combatting fake news and mitigating its effects on democratic institutions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2019

Application of cardiac computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve

The article discusses the practical clinical applications of cardiac computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) in evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD). FFR-CT analysis may help reduce additive functional testing for patients with intermediate stenosis, providing a more efficient and accurate assessment of CAD.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMay 8, 2019

Gold makes invisible surfaces visible in CT

Researchers at University of Cologne and Bonn developed a method to visualize fine surface structures using gold-coated samples in computer tomography. This technique allows for detailed analysis of organisms with previously invisible features, with applications in biology, taxonomy, and education.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateMay 8, 2019

World-class research performance that bloomed in an undergraduate class

Undergraduate students from DGIST won an international journal publication on their research about MAOA genetic variations and aggression. The study found that individuals with '4.5R alleles' showed a stronger reaction to aggressive-inducing stimuli, suggesting a possible bioscientific interpretation for aggression.

Solar-powered hydrogen fuels a step closer

Researchers at the University of Bath have successfully waterproofed perovskite solar cells using a graphite coating, enabling the direct generation of clean hydrogen fuels from sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to more affordable and sustainable solar energy solutions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2019

Intelligence can link to health and aging

A new study suggests that mitochondrial function may explain the link between general intelligence, health, and aging. Chronic stress can damage mitochondria, leading to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy mitochondria through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 8, 2019

Mining microbial treasures from toxic sites

Researchers have found microorganisms in toxic sites like the Berkeley Pit, which produce potent molecules with potential human medicine uses. These molecules show anti-cancer and antibiotic activities, offering new hope for treating diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 8, 2019

Diabetes complications soar in the US, but not Canada, as teenagers become young adults

A new study found that hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) surge in the US among young adults, but remain relatively low in Canada. The disparity is attributed to differences in healthcare systems and access to insulin, with the US experiencing a significant increase in DKA rates as teenagers become young adults.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

The smell of dark chocolate, demystified

Researchers identified volatile compounds contributing to dark chocolate's distinctive aroma, including β-ionone and other essential components. By quantifying these substances using stable isotope dilution analysis, the team successfully reconstructed the scents of two dark chocolates with remarkable accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

When sand behaves like oil

Researchers have discovered that granular materials, such as sand and coffee, exhibit similar behavior to immiscible liquids when fluidized. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries like pharmaceuticals and energy production, where efficient processing of granular materials is crucial.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2019

Chronic kidney disease epidemic may be result of high heat, toxins

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Progesterone could increase births in women with early pregnancy bleeding and previous miscarriage

A large trial has found that progesterone treatment can increase the chances of a baby being born for women who experience early pregnancy bleeding and have a history of miscarriage. The study involved over 4,000 pregnant women and showed a significant increase in live births among those receiving progesterone treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Advancing cell therapy for diabetes

Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2019

Articles focus on psoriasis, risk of mental health disorders

Two studies found a significant association between psoriasis and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in Denmark and South Korea. The research highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 8, 2019

Teaching children to eat healthy: Repetition is the key

A new study found that repeated exposure and child-centered nutrition phrases increased preschoolers' willingness to try and consume new foods. The study suggests that consistent and accurate nutrition messages can help develop healthy eating behaviors in young children.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 2019

Campus energy advances can be optimized and replicated

A new study outlines a roadmap for expanding Stanford's energy system innovations to other campuses, maximizing purchases of electricity during renewable power hours and reducing carbon emissions. Thermal storage tanks offer an affordable alternative to traditional batteries, with costs about 15% lower.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 8, 2019