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Science News for September 11, 2019


Standardized medical residency exam may reduce pool of diverse and qualified candidates

A recent study found that a standardized medical school exam can bias the entry of diverse and qualified candidates into radiation oncology residency programs. The researchers suggest that using a holistic approach to evaluate applicants could help address these biases, incorporating emotional intelligence and other core competencies.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateSep 11, 2019

Study: Want more investors to your startup? Better make an impassioned pitch

A study from Case Western Reserve University found that entrepreneurs who pitch their startup ideas with passion are more likely to entice investors. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine the neural responses of investors' brains, revealing a causal relationship between passion and interest. As a ...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateSep 11, 2019

Little heaps of silver, all wrapped up

Scientists have successfully created a nanocluster of exactly 16 silver atoms stabilized by a wrapping of DNA strands. The crystal structure revealed that each nanocluster is tightly wrapped and almost completely shielded by two DNA strands, with novel silver-silver interactions observed within the cluster.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 11, 2019

Electrical-first cardioversion strategy for AFib results in shorter ED length of stay

A multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms an electrical-first approach is more effective in restoring sinus rhythm and shortening ED length of stay. The study found that patients managed with this strategy were discharged within four hours at a higher rate than those receiving a chemical-first approach.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Papillomaviruses may be able to be spread by blood

A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateSep 11, 2019

A precise chemical fingerprint of the Amazon

A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2019

Flexible solar cells a step closer to reality

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that organic solar cells only need 1% of their surface area to be electrically conductive, opening up possibilities for composite materials and improved device performance. This breakthrough could enable flexible solar cells to become a commercial reality sooner.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 11, 2019

Cutting acrylamide in fried and baked snacks

Researchers explore ways to minimize acrylamide formation in fried and baked snacks, such as using the enzyme asparaginase to convert asparagine into harmless compounds. Food companies like Novozymes, Kerry, and DSM offer products to reduce acrylamide levels, including non-GMO options for organic food producers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 11, 2019

Study of newly homeless ED patients finds multiple contributors to homelessness

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that unexpectedness, health and social conditions, lack of support from family or friends, and structural issues like job market and affordable housing availability contribute to homelessness. The findings suggest gaps in current homeless prevention services and can inform futu...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Corn one step closer to bacterial leaf streak resistance

A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age, finding that certain personality traits, such as vanity and entitlement, are associated with negative outcomes. However, most people experience a decline in narcissism over time, particularly those who enter into serious relationships or have children.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 11, 2019

Type 2 diabetes is not just about insulin

Researchers at UNIGE found that the liver can produce glucose independently of hormonal signals, challenging the long-held belief about its role in glucose regulation. This autonomous glucose production may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with a fatty liver syndrome.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 11, 2019

Talking receptors may affect relaxin at work

Researchers at Monash University have discovered that receptors can communicate and interact, affecting the therapeutic actions of relaxin. This finding has implications for clinical trials involving relaxin and other drugs acting on these receptors.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 11, 2019

Black hole at the center of our galaxy appears to be getting hungrier

Researchers analyzed 13,000 observations of the black hole from 133 nights since 2003 and found extreme variations in brightness, with one night seeing an area twice as bright as the next-brightest observation. The team is unsure whether this is an extraordinary singular event or a precursor to significantly increased activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 11, 2019

Bioengineers explore cardiac tissue remodeling after aortic valve replacement procedures

Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Insects as food and feed: research and innovation drive growing field

A new special issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases research on insect agriculture for food and feed. More than 1 million insect species are known, offering room for growth in the field. Insect-based industries could reach $50-100 billion by 2050, bolstering global ag sector while protecting environment.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateSep 11, 2019

Gene therapy helps functional recovery after stroke

Researchers have developed a new gene therapy that converts glial cells into neurons, improving motor function in mice and potentially treating stroke. The treatment uses the NeuroD1 gene and has been shown to increase neuronal density and reduce brain tissue loss in mouse models of stroke.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateSep 11, 2019

Increasing number of adolescents receive depression diagnosis

A study from Finland found that the proportion of adolescents diagnosed with depression in specialized services has been increasing, largely due to an earlier age of diagnosis. The increase in service use poses a burden on specialized mental health services as they provide evidence-based treatment for a growing patient population.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNordic Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2019

Opioid treatment for teens? Medications can help

A new study suggests that opioid treatment medications can increase the number of teens who remain in treatment and decrease their opioid use. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have shown promise in treating severe opioid use disorder in adolescents.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 11, 2019

Advanced breeding paves the way for disease-resistant beans

A new breeding method uses genetic profiles to predict disease resistance in beans, speeding up the process and reducing pesticide use. The method has been applied to 316 varieties of beans and shows promise for increasing crop yields and improving food security in Africa and Latin America.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateSep 11, 2019

Research on the good life

The conference examines the good life through interdisciplinary analyses of issues like infrastructure, politics, religion, and marriage. The project 'WelfareStruggles' investigates the welfare of migrant workers in China and Vietnam, grounding it in underlying ideas of the good life.

Female gorillas detect and avoid sick groups

A research team studied 593 gorillas over a decade, finding females migrate to healthier groups to avoid transmission of yaws, a contagious skin disease. The scientists discovered that females can detect one symptom of the disease: disfigurement.

SourceCNRS·JournalEcology·DateSep 11, 2019

Conductivity at the edges of graphene bilayers

Researchers found that graphene bilayer conductivity varies based on the states of carbon atoms at their edges, particularly in relation to quantum spin Hall and Rashba spin-orbit coupling. This property could be useful for spintronics applications, including quantum computing.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 11, 2019

Giant kangaroo had crushing bites

A new study by a University of Arkansas anthropologist suggests that feeding habits of an extinct kangaroo species were similar to the modern-day giant panda. The analysis of the skull biomechanics of a giant extinct kangaroo indicates that it had a capacity for high-performance crushing of foods.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Genetic discovery linked to rare eye disease, MacTel

Researchers at the University of Utah Health have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery linking MacTel to HSAN1, revealing that toxic biomolecules deoxySLs cause damage to the macula. The study also found that lipid-lowering medication fenofibrate shows potential in protecting the retina from these biomolecules.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Are we prepared for a new era of field geology on the moon and beyond?

The authors argue that space agencies should prioritize field geology training for all astronauts, including those with advanced degrees in geology. Developing new science operations strategies using emerging technologies will optimize mission productivity and unlock the full potential of scientific research on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.