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Science News for November 13, 2019


Researchers capture moving object with ghost imaging

Ghost imaging allows forming images with lower light levels but has been limited to stationary objects due to blurring from movement. Researchers developed a new method combining blurry image information with object location data to capture high-quality images of moving objects using ghost imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Secondary surgery does not improve overall survival for recurrent ovarian cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that secondary tumor-reduction surgery followed by chemotherapy did not result in longer survival than chemotherapy alone. The study involved 240 patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer and showed that complete tumor resection was associated with i...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 13, 2019

Theoretical tubulanes inspire ultrahard polymers

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of polymer that is nearly as hard as diamond and can deflect bullets more effectively than solid materials. The polymers are inspired by theoretical structures called tubulanes, which were predicted to have extraordinary strength.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateNov 13, 2019

Increased problematic use of marijuana in states where recreational cannabis is legal

A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that recreational cannabis legalization led to a 26% increase in past-month marijuana use and a 37% rise in cannabis use disorder among adults aged 26 and older. The researchers also observed a small increase in cannabis use disorder among adolescents.

Study finds links between early screen exposure, sleep disruption and EBD in kids

A new study found that early screen exposure, sleep disruption, and emotional behavioral difficulties (EBD) are associated in preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests that the presence of multiple screen devices in the bedroom and excessive daily screen time are key factors contributing to these issues.

SourceSingHealth·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateNov 13, 2019

New RNA molecules may play a role in aging

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used a new sequencing method to identify a sea of previously invisible RNA molecules that may play a role in aging processes. The study found that these cyclic-phosphate containing RNAs (cP-RNAs) are abundantly expressed throughout the body and change in number as tissues age.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 13, 2019

In states where recreational marijuana is legal, problematic use increased among adults and teens

A new study found that problematic marijuana use increased by 25% among adolescents aged 12-17, while past-month frequent use rose by 23% among adults aged 26 or older after recreational legalization. The study suggests investing in substance use prevention and treatment to prevent unintended harms.

Artificial intelligence tool predicts life expectancy in heart failure patients

Researchers developed an AI algorithm based on electronic health records data that accurately predicted life expectancy for heart failure patients, achieving an 88% success rate. The model identified eight readily available variables to determine low- and high-risk of death, providing valuable insight for informed medical decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateNov 13, 2019

How giant kelp may respond to climate change

A study by University of California - Davis researchers found that giant kelp populations from different regions have distinct responses to climate change, with those from Southern California being more resilient to heat stress. The research also showed that ocean acidification did not negatively impact reproduction in some populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateNov 13, 2019

Changing weight-loss strategies, attempts

The proportion of adults who tried to lose weight increased from 1999 to 2016. Despite this surge, observational study findings suggest the results may not be reliable due to limitations in self-reported data. Commonly reported weight-loss strategies included eating less food, exercising, and drinking more water.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 13, 2019

Could cytotoxic T-cells be a key to longevity?

Scientists have discovered that supercentenarians, people over 110, have an excess of cytotoxic CD4 T-cells, which may be key to their immunity. This finding could provide new insights into the mechanisms of healthy aging and immunosurveillance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Predicting evolution

A team of Harvard researchers has developed a new method to track rapid evolution in yeast, using DNA 're-barcoding' to follow specific genomes over approximately 1,000 generations. This approach could lead to more accurate predictions for the dominant influenza strains, enabling effective flu vaccine development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2019

Talking with trained doctors can help abused women

A new study found that trained family doctors can significantly reduce depression in abused women by improving their perceived doctor support and increasing their self-efficacy. Women who received counseling from a doctor trained to recognize and respond to domestic violence reported greater confidence, support, and reduced depression.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateNov 13, 2019

Spinal injuries: A new technology of electrostimulation for a more effective approach

The study's innovative approach uses a multi-electrode interface to deliver variable targeted stimuli to the spinal cord, increasing the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation and potentially treating a wider range of individuals. The technology has also shown promise in diagnostics, allowing for the assessment of residual activity in th...

Explosion in Tianjin Port enhanced atmospheric nitrogen deposition over the Bohai Sea

A recent study found that the Tianjin Port explosion significantly increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Bohai Sea, with a 308.49 micromole N increase per square meter per day. The study suggests that the impact area of the explosion on the Bohai Sea is approximately 1/5 of its total area.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Stretchable, degradable semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new material that combines semiconducting properties with intrinsic stretchability and full degradability. The material can be stretched to twice its normal length without compromising electrical performance and degrades completely within 10 days in a weak acid.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateNov 13, 2019

Rational transparent conductor design provides a boost to carbon nanotubes application

Scientists at Skoltech developed a novel p-type flexible transparent conductor using single-walled carbon nanotubes, which opens new avenues for its applications. The newly developed conductor achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 8.8% in solar cells, outperforming traditional amorphous silicon solar cells.

Few-cycle pulses break the 300 W barrier

A team of researchers has generated multi-millijoule 3-cycle pulses at an unprecedented average power level of 318 W, paving the way for industrial applications. The achievement marks a significant milestone in few-cycle laser technology and opens up new possibilities for highly parallelized material processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalOptica·DateNov 13, 2019

Mysteries behind interstellar buckyballs finally answered

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a mechanism creating complex carbon molecules, such as C60, in a simulated planetary nebula environment. The study suggests that these molecules are derived from silicon carbide dust made by dying stars and can be dispersed throughout the interstellar medium.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 13, 2019

Yale study finds 'hyperhotspots' that could predict skin cancer risk

Yale researchers have discovered hyperhotspots in the human genome that are up to 170-times more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, potentially leading to a new way of predicting skin cancer risk. By analyzing these hyperhotspots, doctors could gain a better understanding of a patient's exposure history and skin cancer risk.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Early ID of prenatal exposure to opioids, gabapentin improves timely treatment of newborns

Researchers at Marshall University found that universal maternal toxicology screening, including gabapentin, led to increased identification of co-exposure and improved timely treatment for newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This resulted in shorter hospital stays, averaging 48 days compared to 58 days before the screening began.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 13, 2019

Climate impact of hydropower varies widely

A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 13, 2019

Teaching group work to students with autism

A study by Kristina Scott found that a structured group work protocol increased social interactions among four children with ASD, aged 10-11, who had been excluded from peer groups. The protocol helped them maintain meaningful conversations with peers, although three of the subjects returned to baseline after the experiment.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Education Studies·DateNov 13, 2019

Climate change influenced rise and fall of Northern Iraq's Neo-Assyrian Empire

A new study suggests that climate change played a role in the collapse of the Neo-Assyrian Empire by exacerbating agricultural productivity declines. The research used high-resolution paleoclimate records from northern Iraq to show that a megadrought may have encouraged invading armies and led to political unrest.

Analysis of melanoma in US by age groups

A study analyzing US melanoma data found a decline in adolescent and young adult cases between 2006 and 2015, while older adults experienced an increase in melanoma rates during the same period. The research used registry data to determine age-specific annual rates of melanoma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 13, 2019

Use changes after recreational marijuana legalization

After recreational marijuana legalization, past-year cannabis use disorder among 12-17 year-olds increased from 2.18% to 2.72%. Frequent marijuana use among 26+ year-olds also increased, from 2.13% to 2.62%, and those with cannabis disorder rose from 0.90% to 1.23%. No association found among 18-25 year-olds.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 13, 2019

Rising from the ashes

A new study reveals European ash has moderately good resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that has devastated ash species in the USA and some parts of Russia. The research found that European ash can restrict EAB development, while also exhibiting similar resistance to Manchurian ash.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalPlants People Planet·DateNov 13, 2019

Puberty may offer window to reset effects of early deprived care on stress-response system

A new study found that puberty may offer a window of opportunity to recalibrate cortisol responses in children who experienced early life deprivation, such as institutional care. As these children age, their stress hormone levels increase and become more responsive to stress, similar to those who were not affected by deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

New technique aims to improve imaging of cells

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a new deep neural network to improve fluorescence lifetime imaging, enabling rapid and detailed analysis of cellular interactions in cancer cells. This technique requires less light while producing detailed images, bringing the field closer to clinical use for precision medicine.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019

Ten chemistry start-ups to watch

The American Chemical Society has identified 10 emerging start-ups revolutionizing the field of chemistry, from pharmaceuticals to green chemistry processes. These companies are addressing global issues such as microcontaminant removal, sustainable materials, and climate change.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 13, 2019

Tuna carbon ratios reveal shift in food web

A recent study found that the ratio of carbon isotopes in tuna has declined substantially since 2000, indicating shifts in phytoplankton populations. This change may be linked to increased ocean stratification and fossil fuel carbon capture, which could impact the marine food web.

SourceDuke University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 13, 2019