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Science News for October 6, 2015


Treatment for heparin-induced blood disorder revealed in structure of antibody complex

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has elucidated the structure of a protein complex at its root, which may hold therapeutic potential for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The study found that an antibody called RTO disrupts this complex, preventing platelet activation and clot ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Double the (quantum) fun

A team of researchers has developed a detailed analysis of the electrical characteristics of double-quantum-dot transistors, which could help design better devices for manipulating single electrons. The device's stability and geometry were found to be crucial in determining its electrical parameters.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 6, 2015

New species discovered: Hog-nose rat

Scientists have discovered a new genus and species of shrew rat on Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, featuring an extremely large nose, long hind legs, and unusual dental characteristics. The Hog-nosed rat is genetically distinct from other rodents and has a weak jaw musculature, indicating a diet that does not require vigorous chewing.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 6, 2015

Now anyone can run a climate model

Researchers at University of New South Wales have developed a simple online climate model that allows anyone to explore Earth's atmosphere and environment. The model enables users to compare how the world would change with different climate scenarios, making complex concepts clearer for students and the general public.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateOct 6, 2015

Study: Burnout impacts transplant nurses

A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over half of transplant nurses in the US suffer from emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. The researchers suggest that organizations must create environments that nurture both patients and caregivers to prevent burnout.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalProgress in Transplantation·DateOct 6, 2015

Rebates a cost-effective way to boost healthy eating among low-income people, study finds

A new study suggests that providing low-income households with financial incentives to buy fruits and vegetables can encourage them to purchase and consume more healthy food. According to the study, these incentives, in the form of rebates, are unlikely to prompt consumers to increase their spending on junk food.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 6, 2015

American placebo

A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPain·DateOct 6, 2015

Restoring vision with stem cells

A new technique using human embryonic stem cells has been developed by Professor Gilbert Bernier, allowing for the production of light-sensitive retina cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for currently non-curable eye diseases like Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2015

New surfaces delay ice formation

Researchers create biphilic surface that repels water in some areas and attracts it in others, delaying frost formation even at 6 degrees below freezing. The unique condensation dynamics on the surface cause small droplets to merge and release energy, delaying freezing for over 3 hours.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 6, 2015

Repeating aloud to another person boosts recall

A study by Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal found that repeating aloud boosts verbal memory, especially when done in a context of communication. The research showed that repeating aloud to someone else increased information recall compared to repeating silently or in one's head.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateOct 6, 2015

Preferences for a good end-of-life experience

Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalHealth Policy·DateOct 6, 2015

New microscopy technology augments surgeon's view for greater accuracy

The new augmented microscopy technology overlays real and computer-generated images to help surgeons visualize blood flow, cancerous tissue, and anatomical structures more accurately. This innovation aims to improve the translation of research into clinical practice, particularly in neurosurgery and laser surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 6, 2015

Super yellow blends for light efficiency

Researchers have developed a polymer blend that significantly improves light output from LEDs by manipulating hole-mobility and exploiting the difference in energy levels of the polymers. The optimized device achieves an ultrahigh efficiency of approximately 27 candelas per amp, outperforming a similar device using only Super Yellow.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateOct 6, 2015

Surgical trainees retain information, master skills better when honed beyond proficiency

A new study found that surgical trainees who continue to practice beyond achieving initial proficiency retain information longer and master surgical skills better. The study, presented at the American College of Surgeons Annual Clinical Congress, showed that overlearning can decrease the learning curve and improve overall scores.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 6, 2015

Long-term contraception in a single shot

A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2015

Tolerant immune system increases cancer risk

Researchers found that a tolerant immune system, characterized by high levels of regulatory T cells, increases the risk of certain types of cancer. The study analyzed blood samples from EPIC participants with cancer and controls, revealing a strong link between immunotolerance and increased lung and colon cancer risks.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 2015

The hand and foot of Homo naledi

The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Bowel screening kit with extras could help save more lives

A study by Cancer Research UK found that adding extras like gloves and 'poo catchers' to the bowel cancer screening kit can increase participation rates. The London study saw a rise in uptake from around 43% to 54% among 60-74 year olds, with nearly 26,000 extra people taking up screening in London alone.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBioMed Research International·DateOct 6, 2015

How the brain's wiring leads to cognitive control

Research reveals fundamental rules governing brain regions' ability to exert control over thoughts and actions, using structural imaging techniques and network science. The frontal cortex's role in cognitive control is mechanistically explained, shedding light on its dynamic control of trillions of individual neurons.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Studies suggest new ways to inhibit oncogenes, enhance tumor-suppressor activity

Researchers at Ohio State University suggest new ways to treat cancer by inhibiting overactive cancer-promoting genes and enhancing sluggish tumor-suppressor genes. The findings, published in Nature Communications and Nature Genetics, provide insights into the role of glucocorticoid receptors and epigenetic marks in cancer development.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015