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Science News for October 29, 2019


Scientists find possible treatment for muscle contractures in childhood paralysis

A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that the drug bortezomib may help re-balance disrupted muscle growth and prevent muscle contractures in children with brachial plexus injury or cerebral palsy. The treatment shows promise in preventing loss of elbow and shoulder motion and disrupting skeletal growth.

Where to install renewable energy in US to achieve greatest benefits

A new Harvard study identifies the Upper Midwest as ideal for wind turbines and the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic region for solar power to achieve maximum benefits. The research, funded by Harvard University's Climate Change Solutions Fund, provides a guide for policymakers, businesses, and utilities on where to deploy renewable energy.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 29, 2019

Safeguarding our water supply

A novel membrane and chemical reduction process have been patented by University of Delaware researchers to remove perchlorate from drinking water. The technology has shown high efficiency in reducing perchlorate concentrations, making it a potential solution for mitigating human health risks associated with this contaminant.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Environmental Engineering·DateOct 29, 2019

Study finds 'cluster of disadvantage' behind BAME psychosis rates

A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that excess psychosis diagnoses amongst Black and South Asian men in deprived urban areas may reflect a cluster of disadvantage rather than individual factors. The team identified four markers of vulnerability: drug and alcohol dependence, criminality and violence, risky or c...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2019

Researchers led by Georgia State develop noninvasive method to detect early-stage liver disease

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a protein-based contrast agent that can detect early-stage liver diseases, including liver fibrosis, with high accuracy and sensitivity. The new method uses a lower dosage of contrast metal gadolinium, reducing the risk of metal toxicity and enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019

Ashes to concrete

Researchers at Drexel University have created a coal ash aggregate that helps concrete cure, reducing the time it takes for concrete to harden and improving its durability. The additive, called SPoRA, promotes a uniform hardening process from the inside out, providing a solution to concrete drying problems.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateOct 29, 2019

Ground-breaking work improves understanding of brain function

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding brain function by studying the role of lactate in memory formation and learning. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, used a novel technique to produce three-dimensional models of astrocytes, revealing their complex structure and metabolic coupling with neurons.

Pyschologists analyze language to categorize human goals

A team of researchers led by Ben Wilkowski analyzed goal-related words used by English speakers to categorize human goals. They identified four components: prominence (social status), inclusiveness (acceptance of diversity), negativity prevention (avoiding negative outcomes), and tradition (upholding cultural institutions).

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 29, 2019

Intuitive in the virtual reality

Researchers developed an electronic sensor that can process both touchless and tactile stimuli, enabling seamless interaction in virtual reality scenarios. The sensor's flexibility allows it to register a clear shift from touchless to tactile interaction, allowing for selective control of physical and virtual objects.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2019

Intraoral endoscopic thyroidectomy leaves no scar

A new study compares two surgical approaches to endoscopic thyroid removal, finding no significant differences in outcomes between the oral vestibular approach and the breast approach. Both methods are safe and effective, with the oral vestibular approach offering a better cosmetic result due to its scarless nature.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateOct 29, 2019

Do open relationships really work?

A team from the University of Rochester found that non-monogamous relationships succeed when all parties are comfortable with each other. Monogamous and consensual non-monogamous groups reported high levels of functioning in their relationships, while partially open and one-sided non-monogamous groups showed lower levels of functioning.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateOct 29, 2019

Significantly fewer pregnant women take antidepressants

A comprehensive register-based study from Aarhus University in Denmark found that the use of antidepressants by pregnant women decreased significantly by 33% between 2011 and 2023. This decline was mainly driven by a decrease in prescribing serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and citalopram, which is commonly used in Denmark.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateOct 29, 2019

Text-based nudges to high school seniors boost financial aid filing, college enrollment

A study found that text-based nudges from school counselors increased the likelihood of high school seniors completing financial aid applications and enrolling in college. The intervention, implemented in Texas in 2015, provided students with weekly messages from their school counselors, offering guidance and support.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateOct 29, 2019

Global warming's impact on undernourishment

A new study found that daily mean temperatures are associated with increased undernutrition hospitalization rates in Brazil. Heat exposure was estimated to be responsible for 15.6% of undernutrition hospitalization during the study period, with vulnerable populations showing the greatest impact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 29, 2019

US-born residents more than 5 times likely to use prescription opioids than new immigrants

A new study from the University of Michigan and Dartmouth University found that US-born residents are significantly more likely to use prescription opioids than new immigrants. The study analyzed data from the national Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found that US-born residents were more than five times as likely to use opioids a...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 29, 2019

Telehealth effectively diagnoses/manages fetal congenital heart disease in rural patients

A recent study found that telehealth effectively diagnosed and managed fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) in rural patients, achieving significant cost savings while maintaining high patient satisfaction. The study used real-time video consultation between medical experts and pediatric cardiologists, resulting in improved diagnostic ...

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 29, 2019

Testing HIV testers

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing used a mystery shopper methodology to evaluate the quality of HIV/STI testing services for young men who have sex with men. The results showed variable performance across cities and testing sites, emphasizing the need to improve these services.

When money is scarce, biased behavior happens faster

A Cornell University study reveals that discrimination may occur faster than the blink of an eye, especially when money is scarce. Under conditions of economic scarcity, participants took significantly longer to process black faces than white faces, allocating less money to black recipients.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 29, 2019

Bird bacteria is key to communication and mating

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that scents emitted by songbirds are produced by certain bacteria in preen glands, which identify a bird to other birds. Altering these bacteria can disrupt the bird's ability to communicate and find a mate, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 29, 2019

New method identifies aggressive breast cancer

A new method has been developed to identify aggressive breast cancer by analyzing tumor tissue signatures, showing a correlation with poor outcome in patients. The study used mouse models and bioinformatics expert to isolate macrophages from mice affected by breast cancer and compared them with those from healthy breast tissue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2019