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Science News for April 9, 2015


New evidence for combat and cannibalism in tyrannosaurs

Researchers have discovered that the skull of a Daspletosaurus, a large tyrannosaurine dinosaur, suffered numerous injuries during life and also after death. The injuries included bites that healed, as well as those inflicted after death by another tyrannosaur, indicating evidence of combat between two large carnivores.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 9, 2015

A grateful heart is a healthier heart

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that gratitude was associated with better mood, sleep, and reduced inflammation in patients with asymptomatic heart failure. Writing down things for which they were thankful daily also showed reductions in inflammatory biomarkers and improved heart rate variability.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalSpirituality in Clinical Practice·DateApr 9, 2015

New evidence supports success of fecal transplants in treatment of Clostridium difficile infection

Research demonstrates dynamic nature of fecal microbiota in FMT donors and recipients, with healthy changes sustained for up to 21 weeks after transplant. The study's findings have implications for the regulation of treatment and could influence the use of fecal transplants for a range of diseases associated with microbial imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 9, 2015

Make your home a home for the birds

A University of Illinois Chicago study found that a neighborhood's small yards have a greater impact on the variety of native birds than larger landscape features. The researchers identified bird-friendly landscaping features such as fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to increase bird diversity in backyards.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEcological Applications·DateApr 9, 2015

Early physical therapy for low back pain reduces costs, resources

A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that early physical therapy following an initial episode of acute low back pain resulted in lower healthcare costs and reduced use of resources. Patients who received physical therapy within 14 days had significantly lower costs for advanced imaging, injections, surgery, and opioids.

SourceAmerican Physical Therapy Association·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateApr 9, 2015

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Being underweight in middle age associated with increased dementia risk

Research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that being underweight in middle age is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, obese middle-aged individuals are nearly 30% less likely to develop dementia than those of a healthy weight, contradicting previous research findings.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateApr 9, 2015

A pathfinder for optogenetics

A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.

UTSW researchers lead collaborative charge to uncover genetic diversity of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a wealth of genetic diversity in pancreatic cancer, including multiple mutated genes that were previously unknown. The study also revealed potential diagnostic biomarkers and defined cases where certain drugs are selectively effective against specific mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2015

Scientists tackle our addiction to salt and fat by altering foods' pore size, number

Researchers have discovered that manipulating porosity in processed foods can increase the release of salt during chewing, allowing for reduced salt content without sacrificing flavor. By controlling pore size and number, food manufacturers may be able to create lower-sodium alternatives to popular snacks.

Researchers find new approach to treat drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers have identified various ways that HER2-positive breast cancer tumors resist therapy and discovered a potential combination therapy to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance. A novel combination of lapatinib and a BET bromodomain inhibitor was found to block the growth of cancer cells, making the activity of lapatinib du...

Choice of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods may have big effects on long-term weight gain

A new study from Tufts University found that diets high in glycemic load, such as those with refined grains and sugars, are associated with more weight gain. In contrast, protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt are linked to weight loss, while dairy products with lower fat content do not seem to impact weight gain.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 9, 2015

Quantum physics -- hot and cold at the same time

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology discovered that a cloud of atoms can exhibit multiple temperatures at once. The experiment utilized a microchip to cool the gas near absolute zero, allowing scientists to measure its behavior. This breakthrough helps understand the fundamental laws of quantum physics and their relationship...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015

Chancellor helps OSC dedicate Ruby Cluster

The Ohio Supercomputer Center has dedicated the Ruby Cluster, a high-performance computing system built with HP-Intel Xeon Phi technology, to honor Ruby Dee. The cluster boasts an estimated peak performance of 144 TeraFLOPS and will support research collaboration, commercialization, and workforce development across Ohio.

Dispersant used to clean Deepwater Horizon spill more toxic to corals than the oil

A study published at Temple University reveals that the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is more toxic to cold-water corals than the spilled oil. The researchers found that a lower concentration of dispersant was lethal to the corals, highlighting the potential risks of using these chemicals to clean up oil spills.

SourceTemple University·JournalDeep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography·DateApr 9, 2015

How the brain balances risk-taking and learning

Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Dealing with death in deployment

A new University of Utah study found that exposure to killing and death while deployed is correlated with a 43% increased suicide risk compared to general deployment. The research suggests that seeing death and killing contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and negative self-perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 9, 2015

Touch-sensing neurons are multitaskers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that touch-sensing neurons integrate position and touch information as soon as it reaches the brain, challenging long-held views on how this is done. This integration enables complex sensory processing and informs efforts to improve prosthetic limbs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Drug regulations tied to fewer prescriptions of effective gout drug

A retrospective cohort study of nearly 217,000 patients with gout found that prescription rates for effective gout treatment decreased after the FDA increased prices. The study also showed significant increases in monthly total prescription bills, highlighting the negative impact of regulatory actions on access to affordable medications.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

Increased levels of radon in Pennsylvania homes correspond to onset of fracking

Radon levels in Pennsylvania homes have risen since 2004, coinciding with the onset of fracking. The study found higher readings in buildings near active gas wells compared to low-activity areas. Radon is a known carcinogen that can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation, increasing lung cancer risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 2015

TGen finds likely genetic source of muscle weakness in 6 previously undiagnosed children

Scientists at TGen discovered the likely cause of severe muscle weakness in six previously undiagnosed children using state-of-the-art genetic technology. The researchers identified pathogenic variants in genes such as CACNA1S, RYR1, COL6A3, and COL6A6, providing new insights into rare myopathies.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

The benefits of storytelling in video games

A new study suggests that non-violent video games with storytelling can have prosocial benefits, improving emotional intelligence and social skills. The research found that immersive gaming experiences foster theory of mind and empathy, which can be helpful in treating disorders like autism.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 9, 2015

New high-throughput screening method may uncover novel treatments for kidney disease

A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2015

Amniotic stem cells demonstrate healing potential

Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital scientists successfully used amniotic stem cells to promote blood vessel growth in hydrogels, enhancing tissue repair for infants with birth defects. The study paves the way for biocompatible patches for congenital heart defects.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A·DateApr 9, 2015