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Science News for July 10, 2014


In the gut, immunity is a 2-way street

Scientists have discovered that gut immunity actively maintains healthy bacterial communities through precise regulation of immunoglobulin A production by regulatory T cells. This complex interplay between the immune system and bacteria is crucial for preventing autoimmune disorders associated with dysbiosis in the gut.

SourceRIKEN·JournalImmunity·DateJul 10, 2014

Chimpanzee intelligence depends on genes

A new study found that about half of the variation in chimpanzee intelligence can be attributed to genetic factors, shedding light on the cognitive abilities of primates. The research suggests that differences in cognition may have arisen around 5 million years ago in the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2014

Women under-represented in academic medicine

The article highlights female underrepresentation in academic medicine, citing a 53% proportion of women entering medical school. The lack of women in clinical academia is linked to implicit bias, affecting research agendas and future clinical practice.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJul 10, 2014

Understanding consciousness

Consciousness may be understood through scientific inquiry, despite current debates about its neural basis. Researchers argue that flawed assumptions about consciousness can be addressed through multiple scientific perspectives, potentially leading to breakthroughs in understanding human rights, disease treatment, and technology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJul 10, 2014

Chimpanzee intelligence determined by genes

A Georgia State University research study found that chimpanzee intelligence is largely determined by genes, while environmental factors may play a lesser role. The study's findings suggest that genes significantly influence cognitive abilities in chimpanzees, with some similarities to the structure of human intelligence.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2014

International science team solve biological mystery

An international team of researchers has solved a long-standing debate over the molecular structure of a vital biological chemical, identifying that the ferryl heme in Compound I is not protonated. However, one amino acid side chain is found to be doubly protonated, raising new questions about oxygen activation mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScience·DateJul 10, 2014

Cost of expensive medication in dialysis catheters may be offset by reduced complications

Using an expensive agent to prevent blood clots in kidney failure patients' dialysis catheters may reduce overall medical complications and lower healthcare costs. A recent clinical trial found that the increased cost of this medication was partially offset by lower costs for managing complications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 10, 2014

Active shooter training increases comfort level of emergency responders

A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·DateJul 10, 2014

Injected vaccine could help eradicate polio

A new study found that injecting a type of polio vaccine, which is rarely used today, can provide better and longer-lasting protection against infection when combined with the oral vaccine. The research suggests that this type of vaccine could be used to boost immunity in people traveling from or to polio-infected countries.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 10, 2014

Mediterranean fish stocks show steady decline

A recent report analyzed Mediterranean fish species from 1990 to 2010, showing a steadily increasing exploitation rate and deteriorating stocks. The researchers recommend advanced management plans, better enforcement, and investments in data collection to improve sustainability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 10, 2014

Working to loosen the grip of severe mental illness

A Rutgers researcher discovered consistent brain patterns in the human brain, regardless of activity level, which could lead to a better understanding of serious mental health conditions. The study's findings suggest that the prefrontal cortex, involved in high-level thinking, may be altered in people with severe mental illness.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 10, 2014

The millennial tofu surprise

A new study reveals that Millennials are eating tofu because it's convenient and filling, rather than for its nutritional value. The research found that highlighting the ease of cooking and taste can be a more effective way to convince others to try tofu.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating Behaviors·DateJul 10, 2014

New diagnostic test to distinguish psoriasis from eczema

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a diagnostic procedure that uses only two genes to reliably differentiate between psoriasis and eczema. The new test is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reducing the need for expensive treatments.

Urban Aboriginal people face unique health challenges

A new study reveals striking disparities between urban First Nations individuals and the general population, highlighting elevated emergency room use, multiple barriers to healthcare access, and significant rates of chronic disease. The findings also show that geography is not the only health care barrier for First Nations people.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 10, 2014

It's Your Game ... Keep It Real reduces dating violence among minority youth

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that It's Your Game…Keep it Real significantly reduced dating violence behaviors among minority youth. The program delayed sexual behavior and promoted healthy relationships, resulting in lower rates of physical and emotional victimization and perpetration.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 10, 2014

On the link between periodontitis and atherosclerosis

Researchers discover that P. gingivalis modifies its lipid A structure to evade host defenses and establish chronic infection, leading to persistent systemic low-grade inflammation. This mechanism contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis in blood vessels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 10, 2014

Low back pain? Don't blame the weather

Researchers found a slight increase in lower back pain risk with higher wind speed but it was not clinically significant. This contradicts previous studies that linked cold or humid weather to increased symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJul 10, 2014

University of Illinois study advances limits for ultrafast nano-devices

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to generate spin currents in nanoscale devices, enabling faster operation of magnetic memory devices. The technique uses temperature differences to transport spin-angular-momentum, overcoming limitations of traditional electrical current-based methods.

Astronomers find 7 dwarf galaxies with new telescope

Astronomers at Yale University have discovered seven previously unseen dwarf galaxies using a novel telescope that can detect low-surface-brightness objects. The finding suggests the possibility of a new class of galaxies in space, with potential implications for dark matter and galaxy evolution.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2014

Radio-burst discovery deepens astrophysics mystery

Scientists detect a split-second burst of radio waves from the Arecibo telescope, marking the first time such an event has been recorded using an instrument other than the Parkes radio telescope. The finding suggests that these mysterious pulses are truly of cosmic origin and may be caused by exotic astrophysical objects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 10, 2014