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Science News for August 22, 2016


Severe obesity revealed as a stand-alone high-risk factor for heart failure

A Johns Hopkins study of over 13,000 participants found that severe obesity is a standalone high-risk factor for heart failure, but not other types of heart disease. Morbidly obese individuals were nearly fourfold more likely to develop heart failure even after controlling for risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 22, 2016

Study suggests ways to improved immunity in older people

A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that preserving immune function in older people is possible through the identification of critical factors like transcription factor Foxn1. By understanding how Foxn1 regulates T cell development, researchers have identified potential strategies for maintaining thymus function with age.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Map helps maximize carbon-capture material

Researchers at Rice University have developed a recipe to make carbon capture materials the best they can be. Experiments showed that once a sorbent material achieved a surface area of 2,800 square meters per gram, neither more surface area nor larger pores made it more efficient at capturing carbon dioxide.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 22, 2016

Genetic regulation of the thymus function identified

A team of researchers has identified the genes controlled by Foxn1, a protein essential for thymus development and function. The study reveals that Foxn1 regulates vital functions in the postnatal thymus, providing insights into its role in autoimmune diseases, vaccination responses, and tumor defense.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Better understanding seismic hazards

A team of ASU researchers has found that major earthquakes can actually down-drop mountains while uplifting the surrounding foothills, challenging conventional wisdom on the mechanisms of mountain building. This new understanding may help anticipate seismic hazards in advance of devastating earthquakes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 22, 2016

Urban pumping raises arsenic risk in Southeast Asia

A new study from Columbia University and MIT found that large-scale groundwater pumping is contaminating aquifers in Southeast Asia with high levels of arsenic, posing a significant risk to human health. The researchers discovered clear patterns of contamination that can help farmers and communities locate lower-risk sites for wells.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 22, 2016

Full adherence to guideline-recommend therapies associated with lower rate of MACE

The MINERVA study found a significant association between higher medication adherence rates and improved patient outcomes, including reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and healthcare costs. Fully adherent patients had a lower risk of MACE compared to partially and non-adherent populations.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 22, 2016

New understanding of pulmonary hypertension leads to promising drug targets

Researchers have discovered a new group of compounds that could treat pulmonary hypertension by altering vessel stiffness and its downstream control of metabolism. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, highlight the use of these drugs to target the molecular origins of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 22, 2016

Strong external governance makes top managers more prone to cheat

A new study by Rice University researchers found that strong external governance mechanisms can actually increase the likelihood of financial fraud among top managers. Higher levels of dedicated institutional ownership and increased analyst pressure were linked to higher rates of fraud. The findings challenge traditional agency theory,...

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateAug 22, 2016

Gene therapy via ultrasound could offer new therapeutic tool

Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach using ultrasound energy and microbubbles to selectively open cells, allowing delivery of therapeutic agents. The study's findings will help refine this technique as a clinical tool and translate it into an effective gene or drug delivery tool for patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

How cell nuclei squeeze into tight spaces

Fascin protein plays a crucial role in deforming the cell nucleus to navigate through tight spaces. The study suggests that this ability may be exploited by cancer cells to invade tissues, making fascin a potential target for therapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 22, 2016

Religious actions convey pro-social intent, finds study

A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that regular churchgoers are perceived as more generous and hardworking compared to others. The researchers suggest that this is due to the potent signal sent by these individuals, demonstrating their generosity, devotion, and commitment to contributing to their communities.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateAug 22, 2016

Chimpanzees choose cooperation over competition

Researchers found that chimpanzees choose to cooperate five times more frequently than compete, using various strategies to overcome competition. The study suggests shared roots of human cooperation with other primates and provides insight into human evolution.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

Light and matter merge in quantum coupling

Researchers successfully merge light and matter, creating a new condensed matter state with strongly coupled electrons. The discovery could advance technologies like quantum computers and communications by revealing new phenomena in cavity quantum electrodynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2016

Fighting barnacle buildup with biology

A new study identifies a specific chain of proteins activated during barnacle metamorphosis, suggesting bacteria play a crucial role in their development. The findings could lead to the development of ship coatings that inhibit bacterial cues, mitigating biofouling issues.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

Immune breakthrough: Unscratching poison ivy's rash

A Monash University and Harvard researchers have discovered the molecular cause of the itchy, painful rash caused by poison ivy. The finding identifies CD1a as a crucial immune molecule in mediating skin inflammation and irritation after contact with urushiol, a key player in triggering skin-based allergic reactions.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Cells' steering wheel

Researchers at IBS find PLEKHG3 plays a crucial role in cell polarity and migration, allowing fibroblasts to move faster. The discovery can benefit fields like cancer, immunology, and neurological research.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2016

How often should you have a mammogram? Breast density and risk can inform decision

Breast density and risk can inform decision to adjust mammogram screening frequency; average-risk women with lower breast density may safely extend screening interval to once every three years. Higher-risk women with dense breasts would reap greater benefit from annual screening, according to the American College of Physicians.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 22, 2016

Elongation by contraction

Scientists have found that cell boundary elongation is driven by the activity of actomyosin networks in neighboring cells, not within the same cell. This discovery sheds light on the complex processes involved in tissue development and organ specialization.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2016