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Science News for April 7, 2016


Fruit flies live longer on lithium

A UCL-led study reveals that low doses of lithium prolong the lives of fruit flies by blocking GSK-3 and activating NRF-2, a molecule important for cell defense. The benefits were seen in both male and female flies, with average lifespan increases ranging from 13% to 18%.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2016

Combination therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that combining tyrosine kinase inhibitors with an FAK inhibitor synergizes to decrease tumor growth in mouse models of BCR-ABL1+ B-progenitor ALL. This combination approach is a promising treatment strategy for this subset of ALL.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 7, 2016

New report identifies 6 practices to improve health care for disadvantaged populations

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has identified six promising practices to improve healthcare for individuals with social risk factors. These practices include commitment to health equity, data and measurement, comprehensive needs assessment, collaborative partnerships, care continuity, and engaging patient...

Climate change may reduce vulnerable salmon populations

Rising temperatures in Northern Mongolia are causing salmon metabolism to increase exponentially, putting some species near their limits of tolerance for warm water. This could push these species out of one of their last refuges as the climate continues to warm.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Of Freshwater Fish·DateApr 7, 2016

Do differences in anatomy matter for achieving orgasm?

Differences in anatomy may affect an individual's ability to achieve orgasm, particularly for females where physical characteristics play a significant role. Research suggests that variations in clitoral migration and penis entry angle can influence sexual experiences.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateApr 7, 2016

USC Roski Eye Institute researchers publish largest Chinese American eye study

The USC Roski Eye Institute's largest Chinese American eye study found a higher percentage (85 percent) of neovascular or 'wet' AMD among Chinese Americans compared to other ethnic groups. The study also revealed that participants with diabetes were three times more likely to experience significant visual impairment.

No more broken hearts

A team of Russian scientists has identified a gene responsible for the development of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. The study found that mutations in the T-cadherin protein are associated with an increased risk of cardiac ischemia, highlighting a potential new target for preventing cardiovascular disease.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research·DateApr 7, 2016

Research finds that wisdom is a matter of both heart and mind

New research identifies conditions under which psychophysiology impacts wise judgment, finding greater capacity for wiser reasoning in individuals with more varied heart rates and a distanced viewpoint. This study extends previous work on cognitive underpinnings of wise judgment to include consideration of the heart's impact on the mind.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2016

Open operations for gallbladder removal drop 90 percent at 1 institution over 30 years

A study found that the number of open cholecystectomies performed by general surgery residents has decreased significantly since laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced 30 years ago. This decline is raising concerns about whether surgeons will have enough technical experience to perform traditional open cholecystectomy procedures.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 7, 2016

Mobility and motivation: Job switching stokes competitive behavior

A study by LMU researchers found that employees who switch jobs to a competitor often intensify their competitive behavior against their former employer. However, this phenomenon may be linked to identity conflict rather than performance concerns. The study suggests that poaching individual talent from competitors can have mixed results.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 7, 2016

When will a neutron star collapse to a black hole?

Physicists have found a simple formula for the maximum mass of neutron stars, which depends on their rotation rate. The research, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, suggests that rotating neutron stars can support masses up to 20% higher than non-rotating ones.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 7, 2016

What really happened on Easter Island?

Recent research reveals that Easter Island's culture was affected by droughts and wet seasons, which influenced population dynamics and cultural exchange. Complete sedimentary samples show a continuous record of the last 3000 years, shedding light on the island's ecological and cultural development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 7, 2016

Improving models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) researchers have improved their models of the disease by understanding how cancer cells differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells in mice. Patient-derived T cells play a crucial role in this process, and therapies promoting differentiation may offer new treatment options for CLL.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 7, 2016

Kidneys have an innate clock that affects many metabolic processes in the body

A study found that kidneys possess an innate circadian clock regulating various functions, including urine formation and excretion, which adapt to daily light-dark cycles. This internal clock also influences the levels of amino acids and lipids in the blood and affects drug elimination in individuals taking medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 7, 2016

Protein SIRT5 linked to healthy heart function

A new study by Cornell University researchers identifies protein SIRT5 as a key player in maintaining healthy heart function. The study found that SIRT5 can remove harmful protein modifications, allowing the heart to burn fatty acids more efficiently. This discovery could lead to new therapies for cardiomyopathy and improved lifespan.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2016

Heavy drinking endangers the health of liver transplants

New research reveals that heavy drinking after liver transplantation can cause significant damage to newly transplanted livers, leading to severe health issues. Early alcohol assessments and multidisciplinary interventions are crucial to prevent relapse and ensure patient success.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateApr 7, 2016

Review examines functioning, disability, and health in autistic patients

The review provides clarity on assessing functional abilities and disabilities in autistic patients, shedding light on the complexities of autism spectrum disorder. Key findings highlight the importance of understanding ability and disability in individuals of all ages, allowing for more effective diagnosis and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAutism Research·DateApr 7, 2016

Penn study brings new understanding to how fundamental DNA sequences govern gene activity

Researchers from Penn School of Medicine shed light on how DNA sequences called enhancers govern gene activity, influencing which genes are 'on' or 'off' in each type of cell. They found that pioneer factors help expose DNA to regulatory proteins, allowing enhancers to activate genes and promote normal cell functions.

HPV vaccine effective in youth with kidney disease, but less so in those with a kidney transplant

A recent study found that HPV vaccination stimulates robust immune responses in girls and young women with chronic kidney disease and dialysis, but less optimal responses among those with a kidney transplant. This highlights the need for additional research to protect kidney transplant recipients from HPV infections.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 7, 2016

Cancer thwarts treatment by 'stealing' blood vessels

A new study reveals that cancer cells can adapt to treatment by actively co-opting blood vessels from nearby tissues, leading to drug resistance. The researchers hope their findings will lead to the development of new therapies targeting vessel co-option, which could be particularly effective when used alongside existing treatments.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 7, 2016

HIV can develop resistance to CRISPR/Cas9

A recent study reveals that single mutations can inhibit HIV-1 replication using CRISPR/Cas9, but some also lead to unexpected resistance. Targeting multiple viral DNA regions may be necessary for the antiviral aspect of CRISPR/Cas9 to be effective.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2016

Paper critically examines the politics of asylum accommodation in the UK

A new article analyzes recent changes in UK asylum accommodation, revealing how economic interests prioritize competition and profit over social justice. Local authorities' expertise in supporting asylum seekers has been lost due to contracting out, leading to diminished services and charitable provision.

SourceWiley·JournalTransactions of the Institute of British Geographers·DateApr 7, 2016

Young arthritis patients have unique concerns about treatment

Young arthritis patients experience physical, emotional, social, and vocational consequences from treatment, emphasizing the importance of discussing concerns with healthcare providers. Active encouragement is necessary to achieve balance between disease control and treatment burden.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 7, 2016

Primate evolution in the fast lane

Researchers at Cornell University and Bar-Ilan University discovered a novel mechanism for mutation in primates triggered by the APOBEC family of virus-fighting enzymes. These enzymes can rapidly generate large changes in genes through 'friendly fire' events, which may have been passed on to subsequent generations.

SourceCornell University·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 7, 2016