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Science News for January 22, 2015


New machine-perfusion organ preservation system keeps livers healthier for transplant

A new preservation system that uses machine perfusion keeps livers healthier for up to nine hours before transplantation, leading to better liver function and increased survival rates. The system has shown promising results in animal studies, with 100% of pigs surviving after receiving perfused livers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 22, 2015

Reducing Myc gene activity extends healthy lifespan in mice

A study at Brown University found that reducing Myc gene activity increased the healthy lifespan of laboratory mice by 15%. The mice exhibited better health and organ function, with reduced signs of aging. The study's findings offer encouragement for developing cancer drugs targeting Myc and potential benefits for human health.

SourceBrown University·JournalCell·DateJan 22, 2015

Low-income boys fare worse in wealth's shadow

New research from Duke University finds that low-income boys exhibit more antisocial behavior when living among affluent neighbors, while girls do not show a similar effect. The study suggests that neighborhood surroundings play a significant role in shaping the behavior of low-income children.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2015

These jellyfish aren't just drifters

Researchers tracked jellyfish movements with GPS loggers and observed their swimming direction to show they can actively swim counter-current in response to drift. The findings could help predict and avoid troublesome jellyfish blooms, improving management of these ocean ecosystems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 22, 2015

Using viruses to find the cellular Achilles heel

Two deadly viruses, hepatitis C and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, were found to target common host proteins that are critical for human biology. By studying protein interactions between viruses and cells, scientists have identified potential new targets for anti-viral treatments.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 22, 2015

Boston's leaky pipes release high levels of heat-trapping methane

A Harvard-led study reveals that up to 2.7% of the gas delivered to Boston households escapes into the atmosphere, with emissions accounting for 60-100% of regional methane release depending on the season. The findings highlight the need for innovative policymaking to address methane loss from natural gas infrastructure.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2015

Blame it on your brain: Salt and hypertension

A study by McGill University scientists found that high salt intake affects brain circuits, preventing the inhibition of neurons that release vasopressin and leading to increased blood pressure. The research suggests that limiting dietary salt may help mitigate hypertension.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 22, 2015

Is glass a true solid?

Researchers used computer simulations and information theory to study glass's behavior. They discovered that atoms in the glass organize into icosahedral configurations, which increase in size over time, suggesting that glass can become a true solid.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2015

Parents' belief that a child will attend college plays big role in early academic success

A UCLA study reveals that parents' long-term goals for their children play a significant role in predicting math and reading abilities. Children from poorer families tend to perform worse despite similar family incomes, due to factors like younger mothers, reduced parental interaction, and limited access to educational resources.

Pro-marijuana 'tweets' are sky-high on Twitter

Researchers analyzed over 7.6 million tweets about marijuana, finding that 77% were pro-pot, while only 5% were anti-marijuana. Pro-pot tweets often encouraged use and made claims about health benefits, reaching a large audience of young people at risk for substance abuse.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 22, 2015

Incidence of colorectal cancer increasing in young adults

A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateJan 22, 2015

Attractiveness speeds up performance

A study by British researchers found that aesthetically appealing visuals speed up people's ability to solve multi-step problems with visuals on websites or mobile phones. Simple and familiar icons were the easiest to find, but when the task got harder, pleasing aesthetics provided a performance boost.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJan 22, 2015

Climate affects the development of human speech

Researchers discovered a correlation between climate and language evolution, finding that complex tones occur more frequently in tropical regions. The study suggests that inhaling dry air can cause vocal fold dehydration, making it harder to achieve complex tones.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2015

Family voices and stories speed coma recovery

A Northwestern University study found that family members sharing familiar stories with coma patients who wore headphones recovered consciousness faster and had improved outcomes. This 'familiar auditory sensory training' stimulated the brain's memory circuits, helping patients wake up more easily and respond to their environment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateJan 22, 2015