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Science News for August 10, 2015


Study of 83,000 veterans finds cardiovascular benefits to testosterone replacement

A study of over 83,000 veterans found that restoring normal testosterone levels through gels, patches, or injections reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Men who achieved normal levels saw significant benefits in cardiovascular health, while those who did not attained normal levels did not experience similar reductions.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 10, 2015

Seniors at high risk for readmission after ambulatory surgery

A new study from Northwestern Medicine finds that seniors are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of ambulatory surgery, with age being an independent risk factor. The likely cause is difficulty understanding medication dosing and discharge instructions, as well as cognitive impairment among older patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 10, 2015

New hydrogel stretches and contracts like a heat-driven muscle

A team of scientists from RIKEN has developed a new hydrogel that can stretch and contract in response to temperature changes without absorbing or excreting water. The material's unique property allows it to change shape rapidly and efficiently, making it suitable for practical applications such as artificial muscles.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 2015

Education intervention with residents improves understanding of transgender issues

A study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that educating medical residents about transgender identity improved their knowledge and willingness to assist with hormonal therapy. The intervention increased residents' willingness to provide care for transgender patients from 5% to 76% for female-to-male patients...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateAug 10, 2015

Scripps Florida scientists determine how antibiotic gains cancer-killing sulfur atoms

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute uncover a novel mechanism for incorporating sulfur into natural products, which has implications for advancing new therapies beyond cancer. The study provides insights into the chemistry of polyketide synthases and could lead to the development of new antitumor agents.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

Scientists present review of liposomes: A basis for drugs of the future

The review highlights the major achievements in liposome technology, including modern synthesis methods, drug delivery systems, and their use in disease diagnosis. Liposomes are being explored as a potential solution to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects for various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalChemical Reviews·DateAug 10, 2015

miR-7 suppresses stomach cancer

Researchers found that miR-7 directly targets and suppresses the activity of growth factor receptor IGF1R, as well as the pro-oncogenic NF-κB pathway. Increasing miR-7 levels reduced tumor growth in mice and correlated with improved patient survival.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 10, 2015

Southern diet could raise your risk of heart attack

A recent study published in Circulation found that a traditional Southern-style diet is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 adults and found that those who consumed foods conforming to the Southern dietary pattern had a 56% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who ate it ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 10, 2015

Big data analysis of state of the union remarks changes view of American History

A new study at Columbia University finds that World War I marks a significant shift in modern political thought, with keywords like 'democracy' and 'unity' emerging after 1917. The researchers analyzed nearly 1.8 million words from State of the Union addresses to chart the evolution of social and political discourses over time.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

Work, pedal, and be healthy

A study from the University of Iowa found that portable pedaling devices under desks can inspire active work habits in sedentary employees. Participants who used these devices for 50 minutes a day over 16 weeks showed significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 10, 2015

Stepping up the sexy

A study by Queen's University professor Nikolaus Troje found that attractiveness depends on internal consistency of appearance, with mismatched features perceived as less attractive. The researchers used hybrid walkers, combining movement styles and body shapes, to demonstrate the importance of consistency in appearance.

SourceQueen's University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateAug 10, 2015

Kids, teens win when mental health providers team with pediatricians, family doctors

A meta-analysis of integrated care for youth found that children and teens who receive combined mental health and medical treatment are 66 percent more likely to have a good outcome. The study also revealed that the likelihood of a positive outcome increases when primary care and mental health providers work together closely.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 10, 2015

Guam research aids native trees

Researchers from the University of Guam's Western Pacific Tropical Research Center found that three native tree species require contrasting levels of light for optimal growth, contrary to their co-occurring forest habitats.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateAug 10, 2015

Movie theaters in developing economies should consider the big screen

A new study from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business finds that movie house owners can maximize ticket sales by understanding the preferences of their local audience. The research reveals that urban markets with highly educated consumers prefer wider screens, while other regions favor more showtimes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·DateAug 10, 2015

Math boosts brain research

Researchers at the University of Basel used computational models to describe human memory processes for the first time. The study identified specific genetic profiles underlying distinct mental processes, such as learning and memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

How a female X chromosome is inactivated

A team of ETH Zurich researchers has identified seven genes central to X chromosome inactivation in females, including Spen, which prevents gene expression at the X chromosome. The discovery sheds light on how the human body maintains a delicate balance between genes, preventing disease.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 10, 2015

Bioengineers identify the key genes and functions for sustaining microbial life

Researchers define the core set of genes and functions that a bacterial cell needs to sustain life, providing a foundation for new cell engineering approaches. The study identifies 356 essential genes across various microorganisms, enabling the rapid construction of genome-scale cellular growth models.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

Life is but a DREAM

A crowdsourcing challenge in systems biomedicine has combined predictions from hundreds of scientists to estimate population-level response to toxic compounds. The study provides new methodologies for hazard evaluation and assessment, offering a way to accelerate toxicity testing.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2015

Stepchildren who view former stepparents as family maintain relationships after divorce

A study found that stepchildren who viewed their former stepparents as family maintained relationships after the dissolution of the stepfamily unit. The researchers noted that emotional reactions to the divorce, patterns of support and resource exchanges, and parental encouragement played a significant role in these relationships.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateAug 10, 2015

Fires near Lake Baikul, Russia

Forest fires in Siberia have grown over three times to 146 fires covering 63,600 hectares, with blazes reported in the Buryatia Republic and Zabaikalye Territory. A total of 10,700 hectares are registered in nature reserves, with firefighting efforts employing 3,500 people and 11 aircraft.

Volcanic vents preview future ocean habitats

Researchers used natural CO2 underwater seeps to study ecosystems in high-CO2 levels and adjacent ecosystems with present-day levels of CO2. The study found that acidification affects fish behavior, but some species thrive in acidified waters, while others decline or shift habitats.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2015