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Science News for November 12, 2019


Using cardiac-specific biomarkers to predict cardiovascular disease risk early

A review article highlights traditional and emerging cardiac-specific biomarkers to identify early risk factors for cardiovascular disease in childhood obesity. These biomarkers, such as cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, may help target treatment to high-risk individuals, reducing the risk of adult-onset cardiovascular disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateNov 12, 2019

Trauma and kids: The role of the early childhood teacher

Researchers found that early childhood teachers can help secure the emotional development of children dealing with trauma. Teachers can use holistic approaches, educate children about emergencies, and maintain trust to build self-esteem and resilience. They should also involve parents in emergency planning and provide consistent routines.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Early Childhood Teacher Education·DateNov 12, 2019

Esports gamers face same level of psychological pressure as pro-athletes, study finds

Researchers found that esports players faced 51 different stress factors, including communication problems and concerns with live audiences, mirroring the mental conditions experienced by pro athletes. The investigation recommended psychological training for top players to develop effective coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·JournalInternational Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations·DateNov 12, 2019

Bats don't rely on gut bacteria the way humans do

Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.

SourceField Museum·JournalmSystems·DateNov 12, 2019

Historic shadows in a glass house

Researcher Nora Wendl is re-examining the life and legacy of Edith Farnsworth, a pioneering female physician who commissioned Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to build Farnsworth House. By removing Mies-designed furniture, Wendl aims to showcase Farnsworth's own design vision and challenge traditional narratives of modern architecture.

Knowledge of the origin of the food makes it taste better

A study by Future Consumer Lab at the University of Copenhagen found that young Indonesians preferred traditional tempe made with local ingredients and produced using traditional methods. The researchers believe that the pride in a traditional dish can significantly impact its perceived taste. The study suggests that producers in Indon...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateNov 12, 2019

Magnetic skin ensures the force is with you

Researchers at KAUST have developed a wearable, flexible magnetic skin that can remotely control switches and keyboards without wired connections. The innovative technology has potential applications in human-computer interfaces for people with paralysis, gaming, sleep pattern analysis, and noninvasive biomedical device localization.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 12, 2019

Flame-retardant exposure increases anxiety, affects social behaviors in prairie vole

Research led by NC State University found that early life exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety and affects socioemotional behaviors in prairie voles. The study, published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, highlights the potential risks of chemical flame retardants on neurological development and social behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateNov 12, 2019

Drug dust

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a promising new tool called MagLev that can identify smaller concentrations of drug powders than any other device. The technology separates substances based on density and can handle far more substances than current quick-test options.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 12, 2019

Widespread misinterpretation of gene expression data

Researchers found a technical bias in RNA-seq data, leading to false results and misinterpretation of biological functions. The study highlights the importance of proper statistical handling to filter out false calls and preserve genuine findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

The thrust of the problem

A team of researchers from UC Riverside has determined a new geometric model for the Main Himalayan Thrust fault, allowing officials to better prepare for future earthquakes. The study found that the fault is still accumulating stress and may have increased the likelihood of another big earthquake nearby.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 12, 2019

Beware probiotics in ICU patients

A study found that probiotics can cause bloodstream infections in ICU patients, with 1.1% of cases linked to Lactobacillus bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation that made the bacteria resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the need for caution when using probiotics in critically ill patients.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Gender quotas in business -- how do Europeans feel?

A recent study published in Comparative European Politics found that EU attitudes on gender quotas in management boards are divided, with stronger support in countries like Cyprus and Portugal. The study revealed a paradoxical relationship between support for the quota and actual gender equality in each country.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalComparative European Politics·DateNov 12, 2019

What future do emperor penguins face?

A team of scientists predicts that emperor penguin colonies will decline drastically due to global warming, with 5-6°C temperature increase leading to near-total collapse. Climate models show that sea ice melting will deprive the birds of habitat and food sources, threatening their survival.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Scientists crack rabies virus weaponry

Researchers have discovered a way to stop the rabies virus from shutting down the immune system, solving a long-standing scientific puzzle. The breakthrough involves disabling the binding of viral proteins to host cells' STAT1 protein, paving the way for new oral vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Engineers help with water under the bridge and other tough environmental decisions

Civil engineers create a sustainability-based optimization algorithm to help policymakers make informed decisions on projects like bridges, school roofs and waterfront developments. The algorithm considers the costs of a project over its lifetime and externalized costs, providing a more comprehensive view.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Superconducting wind turbine chalks up first test success

A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Listening to music while driving reduces cardiac stress

A study by Brazilian researchers found that listening to instrumental music attenuates cardiac stress while driving, increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and reducing sympathetic nervous system activation. This can contribute to the creation of cardiovascular preventative measures for situations of acute stress.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019

Good noise, bad noise: White noise improves hearing

Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Long-term blood pressure variation and risk of dementia

A population-based cohort study found that people with substantial changes in blood pressure over time were at greater risk of dementia. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure led to similar findings, suggesting potential to prevent dementia through targeting blood pressure variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Penn team discovers epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants. The study found that Major ant soldiers can be successfully reprogrammed up to 5 days after they hatch, but not beyond 10 days, revealing a narrow window of epigenetic plasticity.

Applying biodiversity conservation research in practice

A collection of 14 articles in Biological Conservation explores the challenges of implementing conservation measures and presents solutions, including a transdisciplinary turn in conservation. The researchers emphasize the need for improved cooperation between science, politics, and practice to navigate the spaces between research and ...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 12, 2019

Getting glued in the sea

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2019

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology publish new joint 2019 Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults with High Blood Pressure

The new 2019 Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults with High Blood Pressure aim to accelerate translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. The measures evaluate patient care in accordance with the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines, including timeliness, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, equity...

Study reveals breach of 'dancing' barrier governs crystal growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a general mechanism governing crystal growth that scientists can manipulate when developing new materials. The 'dancing' barrier surrounding crystal-forming molecules is shown to fluctuate under different conditions, allowing molecules to break free and form crystals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2019

New material points toward highly efficient solar cells

A new type of perovskite material eliminates lead and improves stability for next-generation solar cells. These materials have been shown to be as much as 28% efficient compared to current panels capturing only 15-18%. The new organic-inorganic hybrid structure also offers a blueprint for other functional hybrid materials.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2019

More Americans struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep

A new study from Iowa State University found that nearly 1 in 6 adults experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, with those reporting healthy sleep length struggling the most. The research suggests that targeting factors influencing initiation and maintenance of sleep could be key to improving sleep health.

SourceIowa State University·JournalSleep Health·DateNov 12, 2019