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Science News for October 19, 2015


The Canadian experience on pediatric liver disease: Early diagnosis is critical

A nationwide study in Pediatrics found 159 children under 18 with Autoimmune Hepatitis in Canada, with fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain as common presenting symptoms. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent worsening symptoms, and the study provides evidence-based data for family physicians and specialists to refer patients earlier.

Gene could hold key to treating Parkinson's disease

Researchers at King's College London have identified a new gene, HIFalpha, that regulates nerve signals from damaged mitochondria in fruit flies. Switching off the HIFalpha gene restores nerve function and prevents early failure of nerve cells caused by mitochondrial damage.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Study of pregnancy complications finds refugee women in Ontario have higher rates of HIV

A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 19, 2015

Solar energy's land-use impact

A new study found that most utility-scale solar energy facilities in California are located in natural habitats, leading to environmental conflicts. The researchers identified areas for more sustainable siting, including built-up lands and those already affected by human activities.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

The smell of death can trigger fight or flight in humans

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that exposure to putrescine, a chemical compound produced by dead bodies, increases vigilance and readiness for either escape or aggressive behavior. The researchers believe this discovery may help determine the sensory and brain pathways involved in chemosensory threat detection.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 19, 2015

X-citing X chromosome discovery could aid research on many sex-linked disorders

A team of scientists from the University of Michigan Medical School has discovered a new way for RNA to regulate genetic activity on the X chromosome in females. The finding, which could lead to better treatment for sex-linked disorders, shows that female cells produce a special type of RNA called XistAR to silence one of their two X c...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2015

Study reveals new, potent way to boost immunity and fight viruses

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have found a new component of the interferon system that enhances the body's innate immune defenses while attacking a protein relied on by many viruses. This dual mechanism could lead to effective antiviral drugs and may explain improved survival rates in genetically engineered mice.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 19, 2015

Electronics get a power boost with the addition of a simple material

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to give transistors a power boost by incorporating vanadium oxide into electronic devices. The material's metal-to-insulator transition property can enhance state-of-the-art non-volatile memories and improve the stability and energy efficiency of read, write, and maintain information states.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2015

Clear link between income and survival after cardiac surgery

A new registry study by Karolinska Institutet found a strong correlation between household disposable income and long-term survival after cardiac surgery. The study included 100,000 patients and showed that those with higher incomes had significantly lower mortality rates, even after adjusting for other risk factors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 19, 2015

The 20 lb. cereal box

A new Cornell study found that women who had breakfast cereal sitting on their counters weighed 20-lbs more than those without, while soft drinks contributed to a 24-26 lb weight increase. In contrast, households with fruit bowls showed a 13-lb weight loss.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateOct 19, 2015

Firstborn, middle child, last-born: Birth order has only very small effects on personality

A study of over 20,000 grown-ups found no substantial effects of birth order on central personality traits, including extraversion, emotional stability, and conscientiousness. Self-reported intellect showed a small effect, with firstborns reporting better vocabulary and less difficulty understanding abstract ideas.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Gene on-off switch works like backpack strap

A team of researchers has found that proteins forming loops in human chromosomes work like a sliding plastic adjuster on a backpack. This discovery could provide new clues about genetic diseases and allow for reprogramming cells by directly modifying the loops in genomes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

New study explains near-annual Monsoon oscillations generated by El Niño

A new study reveals the source of near-annual pressure and wind changes in the Southeast Asian Monsoon system, attributing them to El Niño's interaction with solar radiation. The research demonstrates that these oscillations are more predictable than previously assumed and provide a new mechanism for understanding climate phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Researchers learn how to steer the heart -- with light

A team of researchers from Oxford and Stony Brook universities has developed a way to precisely control electrical waves in heart cells using light. This allows for fine control over wave speed, direction, and orientation, enabling unprecedented direct control of organ-level function without manipulating individual cells.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 19, 2015

Seizures from solving sudoku puzzles

A young adult developed clonic seizures while trying to solve Sudoku puzzles after being exposed to oxygen deficiency during an avalanche. The patient stopped solving the puzzle and has been seizure-free for over five years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 19, 2015

Biomarker finder adjusts on the fly

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new tool to identify DNA and RNA sequences, which will help detect diseases and design therapies. The method allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple biomarkers by adjusting the brightness of fluorescent probes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 19, 2015

Side stream emissions from 'heated tobacco' products similar to secondhand cigarette smoke

A new study published in the Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry found that 'heated tobacco' products, like iQOS, release chemical compounds into the air when activated, similar to secondhand cigarette smoke. The findings suggest these devices should be regulated similarly to regular cigarettes in indoor spaces.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalJournal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2015

The missing 'recipe'

Researchers have developed a theoretical description of thermal conduction, accounting for both atomic and electronic behavior, allowing for accurate numerical simulations. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex materials and processes, such as those found on planets, with unprecedented precision.

Early childhood stress affects brain's response to rewards

A Duke University study found that early childhood stress can lead to a reduced response to rewards in adulthood, which may contribute to an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems. The research used fMRI scans to examine brain activity in adults who were closely monitored from kindergarten onwards.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2015

The phage is a lonely hunter

Researchers at San Diego State University discovered that bacteriophages employ subdiffusive motion to find and kill bacteria in mucosal surfaces. This novel hunting strategy is more effective when bacterial concentrations are high, making it a unique approach among predators on Earth.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Unveiling distribution of defects in proton conductors

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new idea to improve proton mobility in rare-earth doped BaZrO3 perovskite-type proton conductors. By creating pairs of oxygen vacancies and rare-earth elements, the team found that this inhibits proton trapping, leading to higher proton concentration around Zr

SourceTohoku University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateOct 19, 2015

Are cars nanotube factories on wheels?

Researchers detected carbon nanotubes in Parisian children's lung cells and exhaust pipes, suggesting widespread exposure to the pollutants. The findings prompt further investigation into the potential health effects of nanotubes, which are found naturally but also produced by human activities.

SourceRice University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 19, 2015

How proteins age

Researchers at UCSB have discovered a mechanism by which secreted proteins age and turn over, shedding light on a crucial aspect of health and disease. The discovery identifies over 600 proteins with molecular signs of aging and turnover, including regulators of proteolysis, blood coagulation, and immunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections in hospitalized infants

Researchers found invasive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) caused more infections and deaths in hospitalized infants than methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The study suggests that measures to prevent MSSA infections should be included in addition to MRSA, alongside hand hygiene as a primary prevention strategy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 19, 2015

How proteins age

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a mechanism by which secreted proteins age and turnover, shedding light on health and disease. The discovery highlights the importance of N-glycan remodeling and lectin recognition in regulating protein abundance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

More rain leads to fewer trees in the African savanna

Researchers at Princeton University found that intense rainfall leads to a decrease in tree growth and an increase in grass growth on the African savanna. This is because trees struggle to utilize excess water, while grasses can absorb it quickly, giving them a competitive advantage.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Gout risk high in patients with sleep apnea

A new study shows that patients with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing gout. The incidence rate of gout was found to be 60% higher among those with sleep apnea compared to similar-weight comparators.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateOct 19, 2015

How wind might impact birds' migration routes

A study using 21 years of global wind data found that following optimal routes reduces travel time by 26.5% and increases survival rates. This suggests migratory routes may be under strong natural selection, with potential evolutionary advantages.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 19, 2015