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Science News for July 27, 2015


Quantum networks: Back and forth are not equal distances!

Scientists have developed a new type of photonic channel that allows them to control the direction of photon emission, enabling the creation of complex quantum circuits. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for building large-scale quantum computers and could lead to major advancements in chemistry and materials tec...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2015

3-D image of malaria 'conductor' aids search for antimalarial drugs

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a new class of antimalarial drugs by targeting the critical malaria 'conductor' protein plasmepsin V. The discovery could effectively kill two species of malaria parasites, including the deadliest form Plasmodium falciparum, which causes most malaria-related deaths.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 27, 2015

Past and present genomes tell the story of Native American biological origins

A study of ancient and modern genomes clarifies the history of Native American migration to the Americas, tracing their ancestry back to a single late Pleistocene event. Genetic analysis reveals two distinct populations: Athabascans and northern Amerindians, diverging from shared ancestors at around 23,000 years ago.

Many new mothers report no physician advice on infant sleep position, breastfeeding

A study funded by NIH found that many new mothers do not receive advice from physicians on infant care recommendations, including sleep position and breastfeeding. The survey showed that African American women and first-time mothers were more likely to receive advice than white women and mothers of two or more children.

Trigger found for defense to rice disease

Biologists at Australian National University discovered a molecule called RaxX that triggers the rice plant's immune response, allowing for containment strategies against bacterial leaf blight. The research may also provide insights into human health, as the chemistry is similar to HIV entering human cells.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2015

Breast cancer survivors who experience pain during intercourse may benefit from lidocaine

Researchers found that breast cancer survivors who used liquid lidocaine on the vulvar vestibule experienced reduced pain and improved sexual function. The study's results suggest that this non-invasive treatment could alleviate physical and emotional pain associated with sex, making it more enjoyable for both individuals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 27, 2015

One in 4 patients with defibrillators experiences boost in heart function over time

A Johns Hopkins-led study of 1,200 people with implanted defibrillators shows that within a few years, one-quarter experienced substantial improvements in heart function, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and device shocks. Improved heart function was primarily attributed to concurrent use of heart failure medications and pacemakers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 27, 2015

Gene therapy may improve survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer

A modified version of a protein that suppresses female reproductive organ development has been shown to inhibit the growth of chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumors in animal models. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a gene therapy approach using a viral vector to deliver this protein, which resulted in signif...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2015

Increased protein turnover contributes to the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered that increased protein turnover by the 26S proteasome is responsible for the activation of myofibroblasts, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibiting the 26S proteasome can prevent differentiation of primary human lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.

Weight loss for a healthy liver

Two studies published in Gastroenterology found that weight loss through lifestyle modification or bariatric surgery significantly reduces NASH features. Lifestyle modifications resulted in a 10% weight reduction needed to reverse scarring, while bariatric surgery eliminated NASH in 85% of patients after one year.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJul 27, 2015

Smaller, faster, cheaper

A new type of electro-optic modulator is smaller, faster, and cheaper than traditional models, using plasmon-polaritons to enhance its performance. The device consumes much less energy than current commercial devices, making it a crucial step towards reducing the environmental impact of data transmission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 27, 2015

Neural efficiency hypothesis confirmed

Researchers confirm the neural efficiency hypothesis, which suggests that intelligent brains require less cortical activation to solve tasks. The study found that highly intelligent individuals required fewer resources to complete moderately difficult tasks, but not very easy or very difficult ones.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalIntelligence·DateJul 27, 2015

Simple procedure using a nasal balloon can help treat hearing loss in children

A simple nasal balloon procedure has been shown to be effective in reducing the impact of hearing loss in children with otitis media with effusion. The procedure involves autoinflation three times a day for 1 to 3 months, and has been found to improve middle-ear pressure and reduce symptoms in children aged 4 to 11 years.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 27, 2015

Some vaccines support evolution of more-virulent viruses

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that imperfect vaccines can promote the evolution of nastier viral strains, increasing the risk of severe illness among unvaccinated individuals. The research highlights the importance of perfect vaccines in preventing not only disease but also transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 27, 2015

Twin discoveries, 'eerie' effect may lead to manufacturing advances

Scientists at Purdue University have made a groundbreaking discovery by finding that metal can be deformed into folds while being cut, contrary to long-held assumptions. The team found that suppressing this folding behavior can reduce cutting force by up to 50%, leading to faster and more efficient machining with improved surface quality.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2015

Greenhouse gas source underestimated from the US Corn Belt, University of Minnesota-led study shows

A University of Minnesota-led study reveals that nitrous oxide emissions from the US Corn Belt have been significantly underestimated, with estimates off by as much as 40%. The researchers found a strong relationship between stream size and emission strength, which can be used to scale up emission estimates. This discovery has importan...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2015

UTHealth experts provide insight on causes of child obesity, tactics to end it

According to UTHealth researchers, children who spend more time with friends tend to engage in physical activity, lowering their obesity rates. Weak school nutrition policies can also be counterproductive if they lead to increased consumption of alternate sugary drinks. Additionally, obesity has immediate consequences for school perfor...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 27, 2015

Predictors of climate change awareness and risk perception vary around the globe

Researchers analyzed data from 119 countries, finding that education is the strongest predictor of climate change awareness globally. In contrast, understanding human causes of climate change is a stronger predictor of risk perception in Latin America and Europe, while local temperature changes are more important in Africa and Asia.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 27, 2015

Narrowing in on pituitary tumors

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new technique to analyze specific hormones in tissue, allowing surgeons to distinguish tumor from normal gland. The technique, called MALDI MSI, can determine hormone composition in under 30 minutes, potentially improving surgical precision.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2015

Improved survival of HIV patients facilitates heart disease research

The improved survival rate of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa facilitates the study of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Studies have shown that highly active antiretroviral treatment is associated with a 50% reduction in HIV-related cardiomyopathy, and researchers now have access to a population with both HIV and cardiovasc...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 27, 2015

New treatment options for a fatal leukemia

Scientists have decoded the genome and transcriptome of an incurable subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revealing a novel program associated with leukemic cells. The study identifies key genes that trigger a reprogramming of the leukemia cells, leading to promising drug tests, including Venetoclax.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 27, 2015

Superfast fluorescence sets new speed record

Researchers at Duke University have developed a superfast fluorescence device that can emit light over 90 billion gigahertz, breaking the current speed record. This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize optical computing and communication.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2015

Lingering lymphocytes lash out against Leishmania

Researchers discovered that memory CD4+ T cells linger in the skin for up to a year after resolving Leishmania infection. These skin-resident memory cells help reduce parasite numbers during secondary infections by recruiting blood-borne memory cells, suggesting a new approach to developing anti-Leishmania vaccines.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 27, 2015

Scientists' silk structure is secret to process of regenerating salivary cells

Scientists have developed a novel process to regenerate salivary cells using silk fibers as a framework, which could help millions in the US with dry mouth due to Sjögren's syndrome. The process has been shown to retain salivary gland cell properties and is a significant step towards developing new cell-based therapeutics.