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Science News for April 20, 2016


Mice flown in space show nascent liver damage, says CU Anschutz researcher

Researchers found that mice flown aboard the space shuttle developed early signs of liver disease, including increased fat storage and changes to genes responsible for breaking down fats. This study has implications for future missions to Mars, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of spaceflight on human physiology.

Land grant university programs helped keep farmers on the farm

The cooperative extension program has been instrumental in keeping farmers on the farm, with the federal program helping to retain over 137,000 agricultural businesses. By leveraging research from land grant universities, the program provides education and learning opportunities to farmers and citizens alike.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateApr 20, 2016

Gene therapy pioneered at St. Jude shows early success against 'Bubble Boy' disease

A novel gene therapy developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has shown promising results in rebuilding the immune system of young adults with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID-X1). The treatment, which combines lentivirus gene therapy with busulfan conditioning, resulted in improved health and reduced c...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2016

Brighter prospects for chronic pain

Scientists at McGill University used optogenetics to reduce the sensitivity of mice to touch and heat by shining yellow light on specific neurons. The research offers new hope for treating chronic pain without the side effects of traditional medication.

SourceMcGill University·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 20, 2016

All powered up

Researchers at University of California, Irvine have invented a nanowire-based battery material that can be recharged hundreds of thousands of times without cracking. The breakthrough work uses a gold nanowire coated in a manganese dioxide shell and encased in an electrolyte made of a gel-like substance.

A targeted agent to mitigate sepsis

Researchers at IBS Center for Vascular Health have created a new targeted agent to mitigate sepsis progression by strengthening and protecting blood vessels. This approach, utilizing the Tie2 receptor and anti-angiopoietin-2 antibody ABTAA, has shown enhanced survival rates in severe sepsis models up to 70%.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 20, 2016

Herbicide resistance in waterhemp continues to grow

A recent University of Illinois study found that waterhemp populations in the Midwest are resistant to multiple classes of herbicides, including HPPD-inhibitors and ALS-inhibitors. Researchers recommend using integrated pest management strategies, such as mechanical soil preparation and seed control, to reduce resistance.

IADR/AADR publish advances issue on ICCC recommendations

The IADR/AADR published an issue on International Caries Consensus Collaboration's (ICCC) recommendations for managing carious lesions, focusing on evidence-based, patient-centered guidelines. The recommendations support less invasive carious lesion management by preserving tooth tissue and retaining teeth long-term.

Consuming too much fructose during pregnancy raises the child's risk for heart disease

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that consuming high fructose during pregnancy increases the child's risk for heart disease. The research, conducted by UTMB researchers, showed that female offspring had higher peak glucose levels, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 20, 2016

Targeted missiles against aggressive cancer cells

Researchers at Lund University have developed a method to target and destroy aggressive cancer cells using 'missiles' that can deliver lethal cell toxins. The study identified specific proteins on the surface of stressed cancer cells, which can be used as targets for delivering drugs into the cells, leaving healthy tissue unharmed.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2016

Should the food industry fund health research?

Leading experts argue that food industry funding can support health research, but only if safeguards are in place to prevent bias. Anna B Gilmore and Simon Capewell suggest that industry funding distorts the research agenda and produces biased results. In contrast, Paul Aveyard and Derek Yach recommend co-funding with clear guidelines.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 20, 2016

Does a 'triple package' of traits predict success?

A new study by Union College psychology professors Joshua Hart and Christopher Chabris found that a 'triple package' of traits, including intelligence, conscientiousness, and economic advantage, are more likely to predict success than previously thought, contradicting Amy Chua's theory.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 20, 2016

The contrarian dance of DNA

Research by Georgia Institute of Technology's Harold Kim reveals DNA's movements defy intuition, with entropic forces prevailing over elastic ones. The study improves understanding of how DNA snaps free from proteins and may help predict the lifespans of DNA loops.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 20, 2016

Team builds first quantum cascade laser on silicon

A team of researchers has successfully built the first quantum cascade laser on silicon, paving the way for applications in chemical bond spectroscopy, gas sensing, astronomy, and free-space communications. The breakthrough integrates lasers directly on silicon chips, overcoming challenges posed by silicon's indirect bandgap.

SourceOptica·DateApr 20, 2016

Accounting for volcanoes using tools of economics

A new technique combines economics and volcano science to identify past eruptions from tree-ring temperature reconstructions, potentially pinpointing previously unknown eruptions. The method may help separate volcanic impacts on climate from random variability, informing policy and scientific applications.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalJournal of Economic Surveys·DateApr 20, 2016

Antimatter helps to unveil the secrets of liquid crystals

Researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow used antimatter to study liquid crystals. The measurements revealed that positronium forms in nanopores with a diameter of approximately six angstroms, confirming a new model variant. This provides insight into the structure and dynamics of liquid crystals.

Non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease

Non-inflammatory destructive periodontal disease (NIDPD) is a severe destructive periodontal disease marked by generalized gingival recession and periodontal pocket development. The disease's etiology is linked to endogenous opportunistic bacteria, anatomical factors, occlusion pattern, emotional stress, and mouth breathing condition.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Dentistry Journal·DateApr 20, 2016

Taking the fight against risky pain pill use to the ER: Study shows promise

A new study suggests that a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit can motivate people to reduce their use of prescription opioid painkillers and lower their risk of overdose. The study found a significant reduction in risky behaviors among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 20, 2016

Why you can't teach an old mouse new tricks

Researchers found that an age-related decline in a brain circuit impairs mice's ability to adjust to environmental changes, causing interference between old and new learning. This decline leads to motivation problems and potentially cognitive decline and dementia.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 20, 2016

New report calls for effort to reduce negative attitudes toward people with disorders

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends a multipronged evidence-based national strategy to reduce stigma toward people with mental and substance use disorders. The report highlights the need for coordinated efforts supported by government, long-term funding, and ongoing evaluation.

Researchers develop new semiconducting polymer for forthcoming flexible electronics

Researchers developed a new n-type semiconducting polymer with superior electron mobility and oxidative stability, boosting charge transport in polymer semiconductors. The modified polymer formed a superstructure composed of polymer backbone crystals and side-chain crystals, resulting in high semicrystalline order.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2016

High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in large population of kids with type 1 diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice reveals that children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of low vitamin D levels, affecting bone health, glucose metabolism, and immune function. The research emphasizes the importance of vitamin D screening for all children with type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateApr 20, 2016

Strength training helps older adults live longer

A large analysis found that older adults who met strength-training guidelines had significantly lower mortality rates, even when controlling for demographic variables and health behaviors. The study suggests that strength training is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function.

SourcePenn State·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateApr 20, 2016

Bringing nitrogen out to pasture

Researchers discover that tree legumes can significantly contribute nitrogen to silvopastoral systems, benefiting both livestock and the environment. The study found two types of legume trees with different decomposition rates and nutrient cycles, but both show promise as alternatives to industrial fertilizers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateApr 20, 2016

Micro heart muscle created from stem cells

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a new method to create three-dimensional human heart tissue from stem cells, addressing limitations of existing techniques. This breakthrough enables scientists to study heart cells in their proper context, enhancing the discovery of treatments for heart disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2016

Building a CRISPR rainbow

Researchers have developed a new technology using CRISPR/Cas9 to label and track up to seven different genomic locations in live cells. This allows for real-time study of chromosome dynamics and gene expression, enabling better understanding of biological processes and health outcomes.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 20, 2016

New tool calculates economic costs of methane leak detection

A new tool, FEAST, calculates economic costs of different methane leak detection technologies and identifies the most cost-effective methods. The study found that selectively targeting super-emitters can help mitigate methane leakage at lower costs, while expensive instruments can be used if leak detection is performed rapidly.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2016