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Science News for December 23, 2014


UC researchers find alternate drug therapy lowers antibodies

Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover a new drug therapy that effectively lowers antibodies in kidney patients, paving the way for more successful kidney transplants. The study suggests this approach could benefit up to 10-20% of heart and pancreas transplant candidates who are currently ineligible due to high antibody levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 23, 2014

'Mind the gap' between atomically thin materials

Scientists at Penn State have discovered a miniscule vacuum gap that creates an energy barrier for electrons moving between layers of material. This gap is crucial for designing next-generation electronic devices, such as vertical tunneling field effect transistors.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 23, 2014

Trends in indoor tanning among us high school students

According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, indoor tanning decreased among female US high school students from 25.4% in 2009 to 20.2% in 2013. Frequent indoor tanning was also on the decline, with 10.3% of females engaging in frequent use in 2013. Despite these reductions, indoor tanning remains a common practice among youth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 23, 2014

That smartphone is giving your thumbs superpowers

Regular smartphone use reshapes brain activity in response to touchscreen interactions, with the thumb being particularly sensitive to changes. The study found that smartphone users' brains show enhanced electrical activity when all three fingertips are touched, and this activity is directly proportional to phone use intensity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 23, 2014

To remove the gallbladder or not -- that is the question

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that patients in the highest risk category were less likely to receive gallbladder removal surgery. Despite this, only 22% of those in high-risk group had their gallbladders removed. The researchers used a predictive model to identify low-, moderate-, and high-risk ca...

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 23, 2014

Researchers confirm whole-genome sequencing can successfully identify cancer-related mutations

A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers confirms that whole-genome sequencing can successfully identify cancer-related mutations in patients. The method was used to analyze the genomes of 258 cancer patients, detecting nearly 90% of clinically identified mutations and discovering additional cancer gene mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 23, 2014

Bacteria could be rich source for making terpenes

New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2014

Study finds Facebook popularity hampers fundraising efforts

Research by an economist at the University of Warwick found a negative correlation between Facebook connections and charitable donations. People with fewer friends on Facebook raised more money for charity than those with lots of connections. Additionally, individuals who complete tougher fundraising activities generate more cash.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Economic Review·DateDec 23, 2014