Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 15, 2016


Work productivity is key factor in assessing recovery of depressed patients

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that medications improved work productivity in most patients with depression, but those who showed rapid improvement had more significant reductions in depressive symptoms and were more likely to recover. The study suggests that patients requiring additional treatments l...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2016

New insights into how the mind influences the body

Neuroscientists at the University of Pittsburgh identified key brain regions influencing the adrenal medulla, shedding light on the mind-body connection. The study provides a neural basis for psychosomatic illness and suggests meditation and exercise can modulate stress responses by targeting specific cortical areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Nanoribbons in solutions mimic nature

Graphene nanoribbons exhibit properties similar to those of biological materials when in solution, forming folds and loops. The researchers found that their rigidity increases as oxide molecules are removed, making them suitable for designing and fabricating GNR-biomimetic interfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2016

Sewage sludge could make great sustainable fertilizer

Thermally conditioned sewage sludge serves as an excellent fertilizer improving soil properties and reducing phosphorus waste. The nutrient-rich sludge stimulates microbial activity, inducing competition between microorganisms and plant roots for phosphorus uptake.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateAug 15, 2016

Brown dwarfs reveal exoplanets' secrets

New research on brown dwarfs has found that atmospheric properties may be behind their incredible variation in size, temperature, chemistry, and more. The discovery may also apply to planets outside the solar system, making brown dwarfs a valuable tool for studying exoplanet evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateAug 15, 2016

Flu nasal spray provides similar protection against influenza as flu shot: Study

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that flu nasal sprays provide similar protection against influenza as standard flu shots. The study, conducted over three years in a Hutterite colony, shows that the nose spray had a similar effect to the standard flu shot in protecting both children and community members.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

New family of bacterial cell wall builders

Harvard Medical School scientists have identified a new family of proteins that virtually all bacteria use to build and maintain their cell walls. The discovery of this new family, called SEDS proteins, reveals potential targets for much-needed therapies that target the cell wall as a way to kill harmful bacteria.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2016

Researchers discover that DNA naturally fluoresces

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA naturally fluoresces under certain conditions, allowing for label-free super-resolution imaging without the need for toxic fluorescent stains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the understanding of biological processes by providing more accurate images of living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Gaming camera could aid MS treatment

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method using the Microsoft Kinect to evaluate gait abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients. The device detects movement and computer algorithms quantify walking patterns, reducing human error. The technology shows promise for diagnosing gait pathology and tracking treatment effects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateAug 15, 2016

New findings on flu nasal spray

Researchers found that immunizing children with the flu nasal spray did not provide better direct or community protection against influenza than the inactivated influenza vaccine, but offered similar protection. This contradicts earlier studies suggesting the nasal spray vaccine provided better herd immunity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Study examines 'weekend effect' in emergency surgery patients

A new study assessed the 'weekend effect' in emergency general surgery patients, revealing a significant reduction in mortality rates from 5.4% to less than 2.9% over 15 years. The study found great improvements in outcomes overall and notable differences in care provided within the week and at the weekend.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateAug 15, 2016

Physician incentive program to improve care for complex patients did not result in improvements

A Canadian study found that a $240 million incentive program aimed at improving primary care for patients with complex health conditions had no measurable impact on access to physicians, hospital admissions or healthcare costs. The researchers concluded that other strategies are needed to improve care for this patient group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 15, 2016

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researcher uncovers 340 million year-old oceanic crust in the Mediterranean Sea using magnetic data

Scientists have identified the world's oldest oceanic crust, dating back to around 340 million years ago, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The study used magnetic data from a 4,300-mile-long marine profile to analyze the nature of the underlying igneous crust.

Defect in process that controls gene expression may contribute to Huntington's disease

Researchers identify Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) as a key player in maintaining medium spiny neurons' identity and function throughout adulthood. The study reveals that PRC2's dysfunction contributes to Huntington's disease-like symptoms in mice, highlighting its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders.

Many life-saving defibrillators behind locked doors during off-hours, study finds

A study by U of T Engineering researchers found that up to 30% of AEDs are locked inside closed buildings, leading to a 21.5% coverage loss during evenings, nights, and weekends. The researchers propose a model to optimize AED placement considering location and availability, which could improve accessibility by an average 25%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

Scientists take big step toward recreating primordial 'RNA world' of 4 billion years ago

Researchers at TSRI successfully created a ribozyme capable of synthesizing complex RNA molecules with mixed sequences, showing promise for replicating the ancient RNA world. The new ribozyme can perform both RNA synthesis and replication, a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining RNA-based life form.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Humble moss helped create our oxygen-rich atmosphere

Early land plants like moss helped create modern levels of atmospheric oxygen, according to researchers. The study suggests that these simple plants' emergence and evolution permanently increased the flux of organic carbon into sedimentary rocks, driving up oxygen levels in a second oxygenation event.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Expanding the stable of workhorse yeasts

A team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of over 29 yeast species, revealing a wider diversity than expected. The study identifies new genetic pathways and enzymes that can be used to produce biofuels and other valuable products from a range of sugars.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Accelerating materials discovery

A powerful materials discovery platform developed at Harvard University has been licensed to Kyulux, a developer of OLED display technologies. The platform enables the rapid identification of promising molecules for use in next-generation electronic displays.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 15, 2016

Computer programming made easier

Researchers have developed a technology that provides human operators with automated assistance in creating working code, expanding the number of people engaged in programming. The ExCAPE project aims to simplify program development and has already been tested in classrooms and online learning platforms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateAug 15, 2016

Genomics solutions to the riddle of the tobacco hornworm sphinx moth

The sequencing of the tobacco hornworm moth's genome has opened new avenues for research, including understanding insect physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The study identified over 600 genes involved in defense against pathogens, highlighting the potential for genetic insights into this important agricultural pest.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateAug 15, 2016

Don't scan so close to me

A study using brain scans of musician Sting found unexpected connections between seemingly disparate songs, including Beatles' "Girl" and Piazzolla's "Libertango". The research employed novel techniques to analyze brain activity patterns, revealing rich representations of desired soundscapes in great musicianship.

DASH diet may help prevent gout flares

A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that the DASH diet can effectively lower blood levels of uric acid, a known trigger of gout. The DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, was found to lower uric acid by an average of 0.35 mg/dL.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 15, 2016

New DCIS consensus guideline could curb unnecessary breast surgery and reduce health system costs

The new guideline establishes a two millimeter margin as the standard for adequate margins in DCIS treated with whole breast radiation therapy, potentially reducing re-excision rates and improving cosmetic outcomes. This recommendation is supported by evidence and aims to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateAug 15, 2016