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Science News for August 30, 2016


Pets and children are a potential source of C. difficile in the community

A new study found that household transmission of C. difficile can occur through contact with pets and children, highlighting the need for simple hygiene practices like hand washing in the home. The study revealed that 13.4% of household contacts were infected with the bacterium, with younger children being more susceptible.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 30, 2016

Stem cell breakthrough unlocks mysteries associated with inherited heart condition

Researchers created a human heart tissue model using induced pluripotent stem cells to study hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an excessive thickening of the heart associated with rare genetic disorders. The model revealed a previously unknown role for fibroblasts in triggering cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, offering new therapeutic possibilities.

Two-photon imaging of Meissner's corpuscle mechanoreceptors in living tissue

Researchers developed an in vivo imaging method to observe Meissner's corpuscle mechanoreceptors in living tissue using two-photon microscopy. This method could unlock the mechanism of touch sensitivity and provide a novel diagnostic tool for neural diseases. The study's findings have applications to human health, particularly in under...

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Haptics·DateAug 30, 2016

New optical material offers unprecedented control of light and thermal radiation

Researchers have discovered a new phase-transition optical material that can dynamically control light over a broad wavelength range. The material, samarium nickelate (SmNiO3), can be electrically tuned between transparent and opaque states, opening up applications for smart windows, infrared camouflage, and optical communications.

People with alcohol dependency lack important enzyme

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry identified an enzyme whose production is turned off in nerve cells of the frontal lobe when alcohol dependence develops. This deficiency leads to continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences. The research team hopes to develop effective medicines for treating alcoholism and contributin...

SourceLinköping University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 30, 2016

Variation in 'junk' DNA leads to trouble

A new study reveals that variation in repetitive genetic code, once considered 'junk', can affect genome stability and lead to an increased risk of cancer, birth defects, and infertility. The research found that genomic variation at specific regions determines the location of centromeres on human chromosomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 30, 2016

Cell phone conversations hinder child pedestrian crossing abilities -- Ben Gurion U. study

A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that cell phone conversations significantly impact children's ability to safely cross roads, slowing their reaction times and reducing visual attention. The study suggests that increasing public awareness among young pedestrians can help improve road safety.

UAB biomarker outperforms current gold standard to detect brain shunt infections

Researchers at UAB found that the biomarker detected 14 of 15 bacterial infections in cerebrospinal fluid, outperforming the current diagnostic gold standard. The test showed excellent diagnostic capability with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86%. This breakthrough could improve patient care and reduce healthcare expenses by d...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 30, 2016

Vegetation matters

A new study by UCSB researchers indicates that shifts in vegetation type resulting from warming and other factors may have an equal or greater effect on stream flows in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Vegetation change can lead to changes in water availability for urban, agricultural, and environmental needs.

Functional human tissue-engineered liver generated from stem and progenitor cells

A research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has successfully generated functional human tissue-engineered liver from adult stem and progenitor cells. The tissue-engineered liver exhibited normal structural components, including hepatocytes, bile ducts, and blood vessels, and demonstrated in vivo secretory function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

The Lancet Oncology: Nationwide study sets benchmarks for 30-day mortality following chemotherapy for breast and lung cancer in England

A nationwide study in England has collected data on 30-day mortality for patients with breast and lung cancer treated with chemotherapy, identifying factors such as age, general well-being, and NHS trusts with higher-than-expected rates of mortality. The study aims to improve patient care and inform clinical decision-making.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 30, 2016

Plastic surgery seeks to help women gain leadership positions and break through the 'plastic ceiling'

Women plastic surgeons face unique challenges in achieving leadership roles, including a 'confidence gap' and disproportionate family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, organizations must promote diversity and support women's career development through mentorship opportunities, equal pay, and institutional support.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 30, 2016

Cancer: Molecularly shutting down cancer cachexia

Researchers have identified AMPK as the central enzyme in cancer cachexia, a condition that results in weight loss due to metabolic complications. A peptide was developed to selectively reactivate AMPK, which has been shown to prevent increased fat breakdown and promote 'healthy' adipose tissue.

Longer duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stent placement improves outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Concomitant PAD is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of ischemic events, but not bleeding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2016

New species of pterosaur discovered in Patagonia

Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 30, 2016

New research suggests specialized nutrition cost-effectively extends lives of malnourished hospitalized adults

A new study found that malnourished older adults who received a specialized nutrition supplement had an additional 8.5 months of estimated life expectancy compared to a placebo group. The analysis also showed that the treatment was cost-effective, costing only $524 for each year of life saved.

SourceMSL Group - New York·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·DateAug 30, 2016

Increased complications after 2011 Ohio abortion law

A study found that medication abortions in Ohio required more interventions, side effects, and higher costs after an outdated protocol was implemented. Women who had abortions post-law period were three times more likely to need additional interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

Planet Nine could spell doom for solar system

Research from the University of Warwick suggests that Planet Nine's existence could lead to the elimination of a giant planet and its ejection into interstellar space. The hypothetical planet's presence could cause a 'pinball' effect, hurling planets out of the solar system as the sun dies in around seven billion years.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2016

Towards better treatment of cystitis

Scientists discovered the mechanism behind E. coli's ability to spread and cause cystitis by developing an artificial bladder model. The research found that the bacteria alter their form to become long and thin, improving their attachment to the bladder wall and evading immune response. This discovery offers hope for new treatment stra...

Attitudes towards traffic safety worldwide

The study analyzed responses from 142 respondents in 36 countries to identify key findings on traffic safety cultures worldwide. The results revealed two approaches to traffic safety culture: an objective reality-based approach and a threat-elimination focus, with poorer countries emphasizing safety.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Psychology Journal·DateAug 30, 2016

Smarter brains are blood-thirsty brains

A University of Adelaide-led project found that the human brain evolved to become more energetically costly and blood-thirsty, increasing in size by 600% while its metabolic activity grew. This increase is linked to the development of complex thinking and learning abilities.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 30, 2016

Transplantation with human placental stem cells improves diabetes complications in rats

Researchers found that transplantation of human placental stem cells into diabetic rats improved blood flow and reduced critical limb ischemia, a condition leading to diabetic foot and amputation. The study suggests that mesenchymal stem cells have the potential to treat diabetes-related complications.

Experts urge rethink on health target

A University of East Anglia academic and experts argue that the premature mortality target sends a clear message that prioritizing younger groups over older ones is necessary. They propose redefining or abandoning this target to avoid ageism, saying it distracts from palliative care challenges for older people.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 30, 2016

Monkeys in zoos have human gut bacteria

A new study found that captive monkeys in zoos lose their native gut bacteria diversity and acquire a set similar to humans. The researchers suggest that a low-fiber Western diet may be the cause, as it led to a loss of microbial diversity in both captive and semi-captive populations.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2016

IU study: 'Morning people' self-sabotage less at night, night owls' less at sunrise

A study by Indiana University researchers found that people are more likely to undermine their performance at stressful tasks when they're operating at 'peak capacity' based on their preferred time of the day. This behavior, known as self-handicapping, was more common among morning people in the morning and night owls in the evening.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 30, 2016

Transplanted bone marrow-derived cells reduce recurrent miscarriage in mice

Researchers discovered that transplanted bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can contribute to better blood vessel growth, leading to reduced recurrent miscarriages. The study found that EPCs homed to the placenta and worked to normalize uterine blood vessel patterns, resulting in a reduced rate of miscarriage.

Defend or grow? These plants do both

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a genetic combination that allows plants to both grow and defend themselves from insects and disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for farmers trying to increase crop yields and feed the world's growing population.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2016