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Science News for October 29, 2015


Key findings to develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2015

Gut bacteria could be blamed for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 29, 2015

Pregnancy antibiotics no cause for concern

A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateOct 29, 2015

UTMB study finds obese pregnant women who lose weight save money, have healthier newborns

A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.

Using superlatives in the media for cancer drugs

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that superlatives like 'breakthrough' and 'miracle' were used to describe unapproved cancer drugs, often without clinical data. Targeted therapy was the most commonly referenced class of drugs, with immunologic checkpoint inhibitors also being frequently described as 'game-changers'.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 29, 2015

Exercise could give margin of safety to women who want to delay preventive mastectomy

Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 29, 2015

What's done in the lab applies in the field, econ study shows

A new report by Daniel Herbst and Alexandre Mas found that lab-based estimates of the spillover effect, how one worker's productivity impacts another's, are similar to field results. The study analyzed more than 30 lab and field studies across various occupations and continents, suggesting that insights from lab experiments can be gene...

Improving risk-cost-benefit analysis

Baruch Fischhoff reviews four types of analysis to guide policymakers' decisions: estimating risks, deciding on worst-case scenarios, achieving maximum benefits with minimal risk, and weighing risks and benefits. He proposes making the analysis process more transparent and relevant to increase trust.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

What blocks pro-vaccine beliefs?

Researchers identify cognitive barriers that hinder pro-vaccination views, including the need for trust in medicine and government. They argue that transparency and efficient science communication can increase public trust in vaccination.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 29, 2015

To scratch an itch is a hairy problem

Researchers at the Salk Institute have found evidence of a dedicated neural pathway that transmits the itchy feeling triggered by light touch. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms of chronic itch and may help explain why some people are unresponsive to antihistamine drugs.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

Bright idea for lowlight photography

University of Utah engineers develop a new color filter that lets in three times more light than conventional filters, resulting in cleaner and more accurate pictures taken in lowlight. The filter can be used for smartphone cameras and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptica·DateOct 29, 2015

Caught in the act: New wasp species emerging

A study from Rice University and colleagues found that evolutionary changes in a native North American fruit fly are driving the emergence of three new wasp species, which exploit new habitats created by the changing fruit fly populations.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2015

Transplanted human umbilical cord blood cells may offer therapy for Alzheimer's sufferers

Researchers have found that transplanted human umbilical cord blood cells migrate to brain tissue and remain active for up to 30 days, without promoting tumor growth. The study suggests that these cells may confer therapeutic effects through modulation of the inflammatory response associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Who mothers mommy?

A study by Arizona State University researchers found that four factors - unconditional acceptance, feeling comforted when needed, authenticity in relationships, and friendship satisfaction - play a crucial role in keeping mothers happy, healthy, and able to give of themselves. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 well-educated, upper-...

SourceArizona State University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 29, 2015

Possible new explanation for ALS

Researchers discovered a new way in which ALS kills nerve cells by disrupting protein synthesis, highlighting the importance of RNA-binding proteins in disease progression. The study provides a potential key to treating both ALS and dementia.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNeuron·DateOct 29, 2015

How to make Web advertising more effective

Researchers found dynamic ads are more attention-grabbing than static ads, but it's not just about attention. Ads with kinetic property influence consumer perceptions of product innovation in products with small improvements, like tablets and smartphones. This effect is strongest in fast-changing industries.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 29, 2015

Researchers advance understanding of mountain watersheds

Scientists estimate volume of open pore space in subsurface using geophysical surveys and computer models, revealing new theoretical framework for understanding watershed porosity. The study predicts distribution of pore space based on stress in the earth's crust, with implications for streamflow, aquifer systems, and landscape evolution.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

New class of DNA repair enzyme discovered

Scientists have identified a new class of DNA repair enzyme that can recognize and remove positively charged lesions, including bulky ones. This discovery expands the understanding of DNA damage repair pathways and offers insights into alternative mechanisms for repairing genetic information.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateOct 29, 2015

Allergy is the price we pay for our immunity to parasites

A recent study published in PLOS Computational Biology identifies molecular similarities between environmental allergens and parasitic worm proteins, suggesting that allergy is a flawed immune response. The research provides tools for predicting protein molecules that may cause allergic reactions and could lead to new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

Long-term aerobic exercise prevents age-related brain changes

A study found that long-term aerobic exercise can prevent structural deterioration associated with old age in mice, improving blood-brain barrier function and reducing inflammation. Exercise was particularly beneficial for animals lacking the Apoe gene, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

The cell membrane winds up like a watch

Cell membranes deform when viruses detach and during cell division, thanks to the ESCRT-III protein complex forming a molecular spring. Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe the complex's movements in real-time, validating their theoretical models.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2015

'Ensemble' modeling could lead to better flu forecasts

A research team developed predictive models of flu-like activity combining data from Google, Twitter, EHRs, and crowd-sourced flu data. Ensemble modeling outperforms individual data sources and rivals CDC's retrospective reporting accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 29, 2015

People with MS may be more physically fit than tests indicate, study finds

A study by University of Illinois researchers found participants with MS had significantly higher peak aerobic capacity and muscle strength when using computerized dynamometers and recumbent steppers. This challenges conventional methods that may underestimate participants' capabilities, highlighting the need for more effective exercis...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·DateOct 29, 2015