Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 3, 2019


Combustion behavior of aromatics may provide keys to enhancing heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan University's In-Situ Combustion Lab have studied the combustion behavior of aromatic compounds and their impact on heavy oil extraction. The study found that certain aromatic compounds can promote high-temperature oxidation and inhibit low-temperature oxidation, leading to more efficient extraction methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2019

Golden ratio observed in human skulls

A recent study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that human skull dimensions follow the Golden Ratio. However, less related species such as dogs and monkeys diverged from this ratio, suggesting unique evolutionary patterns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 3, 2019

Heart failure and the obesity paradox

Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateOct 3, 2019

Sentinels in the mouth

Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2019

Scientists predict the areas of the brain to stimulate transitions between different brain states

Researchers developed a method to characterize brain states and simulate brain activity, enabling prediction of stimulation effects on brain state transitions. The study found that systematic external stimulation can awaken the brain in sleep states and may enhance recovery from psychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

Exposure to air pollution increases violent crime rates, study finds

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateOct 3, 2019

Response rate to albumin-bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A phase 1b/2 pilot clinical trial

A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found that adding cisplatin to a standard-of-care regimen resulted in 71% tumor shrinkage and increased survival beyond one year. The treatment showed encouraging results, with 64% of patients alive after one year and 40% alive after two years.

The phenological index

Researchers have developed a new quantitative measure of phenological status called the 'phenological index' to improve scoring of developmental stage in herbarium specimens. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

First maps of areas suitable for spotted lanternfly's establishment in US and world

Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 3, 2019

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2019

High lead levels during pregnancy linked to child obesity, NIH-funded study suggests

A recent NIH-funded study reveals that children born to mothers with high blood lead levels are more likely to be overweight or obese. Folate intake after giving birth may help reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort and found a significant association between maternal lead exposure and childhood obesity.

New method to purify cell types to high purity

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have created a new method called GateID that allows for the purification of cell types to high purity without using antibodies or genetic reporters. This enables the detailed study of individual cell types, such as stem cells and tumor cells, which are crucial for understanding their properties and...

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2019

Evaluating value of senses

A UK-based web survey found that balance and temperature were also highly valued by the general public. The study aimed to determine the relative importance of different senses in everyday life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 3, 2019

WVU researchers study link between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk

Researchers found a significant correlation between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in fifth-grade children, including high levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. The study suggests that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateOct 3, 2019

In Russia, declines in alcohol consumption and mortality have gone hand in hand

A new review shows that Russia's decline in overall alcohol consumption has gone hand-in-hand with a parallel decrease in the country's mortality rates. The study analyzed data on death rates, cause of death, life expectancy, and beer sales to find this correlation. Government policies, including restrictions on hours of sale, minimum ...

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateOct 3, 2019

A breath test for opioids

Researchers at UC Davis developed a breath test that can detect opioid drugs in exhaled breath, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The test was tested on patients receiving pain medications, showing promise in tracking medication usage and detecting potential overdose risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateOct 3, 2019

Identifying a gene for canine night blindness

An international team has identified the LRIT3 gene mutation responsible for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in dogs, a form of blindness also affecting humans. The researchers found that the mutation affects ON bipolar cells involved in dim light vision, but the retina's structure remains relatively unaffected.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2019

Anticipating performance can hinder memory

A study by the University of Waterloo found that anticipating performance at work or school can hinder memory recall. The presence of an audience may also contribute to this effect. Researchers suggest strategies like presenting first to avoid pre-performance anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Memory and Language·DateOct 3, 2019

Living a long chimpanzee life

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed data from over 1,000 captive chimpanzees in Japan, revealing an average life expectancy of 40 years for adults, with males reaching 41.5 years and females 39.2 years on average. The study highlights the importance of providing long-term care to these intelligent, long-lived creatures.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·DateOct 3, 2019

Implanted memories teach birds a song

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center has confirmed brain regions that encode behavioral-goal memories in songbirds. The researchers used optogenetics to implant these memories in zebra finches without tutoring, enabling them to learn syllables of their song. This discovery opens new avenues for research into identifying brain circ...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2019

Early menopause predictor of heart disease

Women who reach menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, according to researchers from The University of Queensland. Early menopause is associated with a 40% increase in cardiovascular conditions and nearly twice the likelihood of non-fatal cardiac events.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateOct 3, 2019

Daddy daycare: Why some songbirds care for the wrong kids

Scientists have observed a rare instance of interspecific feeding among songbirds, where an adult male Eastern bluebird is caring for the young of another species, the tree swallow. The unusual behavior is thought to be caused by the bluebird's confusion and 'place-based decision' to care for the wrong chicks.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Wilson Journal of Ornithology·DateOct 3, 2019

How to make carbon pricing palatable to air travellers

A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that consumers are more accepting of carbon pricing in air travel when the fee is labeled as a carbon offset and directed at fossil fuel producers. The study found that consumers were willing to pay more for flights if the extra money supported carbon emission reductions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 3, 2019

Breakthrough in sex-chromosome regulation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a chromosome-wide mechanism that maintains balance in sex chromosomes' gene expression. The study found that genes on the X chromosome produce waves of gene products at a faster tempo, driven by special DNA elements called enhancers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

Parkinson's disease is also present in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that Parkinson's patients have an immune imbalance in their blood, affecting the regulation of immune cells and anti-inflammatory molecules. This finding advocates for immune modulation as a potential alternative treatment for the disease.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMovement Disorders·DateOct 3, 2019