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Science News for September 4, 2019


Can AI spot liars?

Researchers at USC Institute for Creative Technologies found that spontaneous facial expressions are often context-dependent and do not accurately reveal intentions. The study challenges the assumption that facial expressions can be used to predict feelings and actions.

School district secessions in the South have deepened racial segregation between school systems

A recent study by Kendra Taylor and her colleagues found that school district secessions in the South have increased racial segregation between school systems. The trend has led to more students being sorted into separate districts based on race, potentially harming educational opportunities for diverse student populations.

CU School of Medicine researcher makes key finding related to pre-mRNA splicing

A study led by CU School of Medicine researcher Rui Zhao sheds light on the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing, a complex process that converts precursor mRNA into mature mRNA for protein production. The research proposes a unified model explaining three fundamental phenomena in pre-mRNA splicing without requiring different spliceosomes.

European whitefish is healthy to eat, but the nutritional quality varies among season

Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.

Livestock disease risk tied to herd management style

A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.

SourcePenn State·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateSep 4, 2019

It's not aurora, it's STEVE

Scientists have confirmed that STEVE, a celestial phenomenon, has distinct differences from aurora. Its pinkish mauve color and 'picket fence' emissions set it apart. Researchers are now focused on understanding what causes STEVE and its potential impact on our infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 4, 2019

It is best not to fly to conferences

A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEuropean Political Science·DateSep 4, 2019

Hidden signals may hold key to mechanism of memory

Caleb Kemere and his team will investigate how sleep reorganizes information in the brain, aiming to identify critical time windows and neuronal activities involved in storing and stabilizing memories. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sleep impacts lives, including its impact on memory consolidation.

Realistic robots get under Galápagos lizards' skin

Researchers found that immediate robot responses stimulated wild Galápagos lizards to react more quickly and often than delayed responses. This may help lizards assess their competitors' aggression levels and avoid injury. The study used realistic robots to simulate displays, providing new insights into lizard communication.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 4, 2019

Natural ways of cooling cities

Cities with high rainfall can achieve cooler temperatures through targeted planting, while extremely dry regions benefit from increased wind circulation and shade. The study provides a preliminary classification of cities for urban heat island mitigation, highlighting the importance of regional climate characteristics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

Earthquake symmetry

A recent study analyzed 100,000 localized seismic events to search for patterns in the data. Researchers found that earthquakes of differing magnitudes share more similarities than previously thought, suggesting predictable characteristics may aid forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

Young adults exposed to incarceration as children prone to depression

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with a history of parental incarceration and juvenile justice involvement are nearly three times more likely to have depression or PTSD compared to peers without any experience with the criminal justice system. Anxiety is also nearly twice as common in this population.

Paper: As an act of self-disclosure, workplace creativity can be risky business

A new study by Jack Goncalo reveals that creativity in the workplace can lead to self-disclosure, as employees share unique perspectives and ideas that reflect their personal preferences. This can make the creative act feel risky and consequential, particularly when sharing ideas with colleagues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 4, 2019

New research offers solution to reduce organ shortage crisis

A new study in INFORMS journal Management Science proposes a two-part method combining the donor-priority rule and freeze-period to increase organ quality and quantity. The solution is estimated to boost social welfare by $235 million a year and add 18 years to patient life expectancy, while increasing organ availability by 13%.

Seeking moments of disorder

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a new material state with quantum disordered liquid-like magnetic moments in sodium ytterbium oxide. This finding confirms the existence of a long-sought 'quantum spin liquid state,' which is desirable due to its association with entanglement.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 4, 2019

Squirrels listen in to birds' conversations as signal of safety

Eastern gray squirrels in Ohio parks exhibit decreased vigilance when hearing bird species' casual chatter after a simulated hawk call, suggesting they can tap into cues of safety. The findings support the idea that non-alarm sounds like bird chatter could be as important as danger signals for these animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019

Single traumatic brain injury can have long-term consequences for cognition

Researchers studied tau protein accumulation after a single traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 32 individuals and found increased deposition of tau associated with poorer memory and cognitive performance. Higher tau levels were also linked to more severe neurodegeneration and damage to the brain's white matter.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 4, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a predictive model to identify veterans at risk of suicide, accelerating the process by running 300 times faster. Additionally, they discovered a lubricant that reduces friction in gears, increasing durability and efficiency. These breakthroughs aim to improve healthcare services f...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2019

Benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy for IBS continue 2 years after treatment

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for IBS can provide effective, long-term relief despite patients having no further therapy. The research indicates that easily accessible treatment could be provided to a large number of patients with IBS.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateSep 4, 2019

Secret messages hidden in light-sensitive polymers

Scientists at CNRS have created polymers that can change information stored on a molecular level using specific wavelengths of light. This technology allows for the storage and decoding of secret messages, with potential applications in designing new materials.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2019

Ageing research to accelerate with experimental validation in AI-powered drug discovery

Researchers have developed an AI-powered drug discovery tool that validates novel drug candidates in just 46 days, significantly reducing the traditional 2-3 year timeline. The foundation aims to motivate researchers to harness AI's potential in longevity research and encourage larger developers to adopt AI-powered programs.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 4, 2019

Why transporters really matter for cell factories

Researchers found that certain transporter proteins, such as MAE1 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, can improve the secretion of dicarboxylic acids in baker's yeast with minimal energy expenditure. Building a comprehensive library of transporters will enable more efficient strain development and precise drug development.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2019

New guideline clarifies role of radiation therapy in pancreatic cancer treatment

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline recommending the use of radiation therapy in pre-surgical, post-surgical, definitive and palliative settings. The guideline emphasizes a patient-centered approach integrating patients' values and preferences into treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateSep 4, 2019

Methane-producing microorganism makes a meal of iron

A new study by Penn State researchers proposes an updated biochemical pathway explaining how Methanosarcina acetivorans uses iron to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The microorganism can now be manipulated to alter greenhouse gas production, offering potential for climate change mitigation.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2019

Depression breakthrough

A recent study from the University of South Australia has found a causal relationship between depression and 20 distinct diseases, including respiratory, heart, and digestive issues. This research can help detect and manage high rates of physical illnesses in people diagnosed with depression.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2019

Genome mining reveals novel production pathway for promising malaria treatment

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new biochemical trick used by microbes to produce an antimicrobial compound effective against malaria. The discovery reveals a completely unknown production pathway, which may lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing similar compounds.

How do social networks shape political decision-making?

New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

The argument for sexual selection in bacteria

Bacteria can swap DNA through mechanisms similar to sexual selection in animals, and this genetic mixing may have benefits for cell survival and evolution. Researchers suggest that bacterial transformation, a process where cells release and take up DNA, could be governed by sexual selection.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 4, 2019

Laser-based ultrasound approach provides new direction for nondestructive testing

A team of researchers has developed a new technique that combines laser technology and candle soot to generate effective ultrasonic waves for nondestructive testing. The patch made from nanoparticles from candle soot and polydimethylsiloxane amplifies the signal, enabling temperature-independent measurement and wide range monitoring area.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 4, 2019

Has racial/ethnic representation changed among US medical students?

Despite an increase in medical school applicants from diverse backgrounds, racial/ethnic representation remains underrepresented among US medical students. The study analyzed data from 2002 to 2017 and found that absolute numbers and proportions of minority students have ticked up over time but haven't kept pace with the U.S. population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 4, 2019

Mathematical model provides new support for environmental taxes

A new mathematical model developed by Fan et al. suggests that environmental taxes can stimulate economic growth, decrease emissions, and improve resource utilization in China. The model's findings support the use of carbon taxes as an effective strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019

Study maps genetics of early progression in TB

A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2019

New peanut allergy treatment shows effectiveness and safety

A new peanut allergy treatment, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has shown effectiveness in protecting patients from severe allergic reactions. SLIT involves placing tiny amounts of peanut protein under the tongue, where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, desensitizing the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 4, 2019

Prehistoric AC

Researchers propose that the two large holes in a T. rex skull were filled with blood vessels instead of muscles, based on thermal imaging and studies of alligators. This new theory challenges over a century of previous beliefs about T. rex anatomy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateSep 4, 2019