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Science News for December 19, 2016


First use of graphene to detect cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene system that can differentiate between cancerous and normal brain cells, detecting hyperactivity in single interfaced cells. This technique uses Raman spectroscopy to pinpoint changes in atomic vibration energy, allowing for early cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 19, 2016

Gut bacteria may hold key to treating autoimmune disease

Researchers discovered that replacing missing gut bacteria or restoring a key metabolite called inosine could help treat children with IPEX syndrome, an often fatal autoimmune disease. The study found that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri and A2A receptor agonists inhibited T cell-mediated autoimmunity, extending the animals' life span.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 19, 2016

Findings in tuberous sclerosis complex on the role of inflammation and epilepsy

Researchers have found that inflammation plays a role in the development of epilepsy in TSC patients and that targeting this process could be a potential therapy. Studies using a mouse model of TSC found increased levels of inflammatory molecules in brain tissue before seizure onset, which were reversed by anti-inflammatory compounds.

How to make health systems learning organizations

Johns Hopkins Medicine's model focuses on a patient-oriented purpose, aligning stakeholders toward common goals. By continuously studying its own performance, the health system can expand its ability to measure quality, safety, and other important variables.

SourceWiley·JournalLearning Health Systems·DateDec 19, 2016

Topical treatment activates immune system to clear precancerous skin lesions

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a combination of calcipotriol and fluorouracil can rapidly clear actinic keratosis lesions by activating the immune system, achieving an 88% reduction in facial lesions. The treatment's effectiveness was compared to standard treatments, which elicit unpleasant side effects.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Alzheimer's advance: Early stage study in mice show new drugs restore memory loss and prolong life

A new class of drugs targeting a specific protein receptor has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and extending the life-span of terminally ill mice with neurodegeneration. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Irish surgeon identifies emerging area of medical science

Professor J. Calvin Coffey reclassified the mesentery as a single, continuous structure connecting the intestine to the abdomen, leading to potential advances in surgeries and disease diagnosis. Further study of mesenteric science could result in less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 19, 2016

The deepwater horizon aftermath

Researchers analyzed 125 major petroleum hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to determine their long-term environmental impact. They found that smaller, simpler compounds degrade faster, while larger ones persist longer, and that physical context plays a significant role in this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

New prehistoric bird species discovered

A new species of bird, Tingmiatornis arctica, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, dating back to approximately 90 million years ago. The fossil finds reveal a hyper-warm interval during the late Cretaceous period, with conditions allowing large birds to thrive.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2016

Multi-social millennials more likely depressed than social(media)ly conservative peers

A national survey found that young adults who use seven to 11 social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who use zero to two platforms. Multitasking, navigating platform rules, and committing social media faux pas may contribute to these negative outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 19, 2016

Low-carb diet alleviates inherited form of intellectual disability in mice

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been shown to alleviate symptoms of a rare inherited intellectual disability in mice genetically engineered with a Kabuki syndrome-like condition. The study suggests that correcting an imbalance in chromatin's open and closed states may improve mental function, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

The transgender 'bathroom bill': Who wants it -- men or women?

A study analyzed public comments on online news articles about transgender individuals using female-only bathrooms. Men were found to be more concerned about safety and privacy, while women expressed muted concerns about potential 'perverts'. The study's findings suggest that male transphobia may be linked to traditional masculine roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateDec 19, 2016

Exhausted T cells

LJI researchers identified key factors controlling T cell fate, shedding light on molecular mechanisms behind T cell exhaustion. This study offers new approaches to clinical intervention strategies to modulate T cell activity and improve immune function.

Hypoxia signaling plays a physiological role in the formation of the heart

Scientists have discovered that hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) establish metabolic boundaries between cardiomyocytes to regulate maturation and contraction of the muscle. This pathway challenges previous models on heart metabolism, playing a critical role in correct formation of ventricles.

Mimicking biological movements with soft robots

Researchers have developed a method to automatically design soft actuators for complex motions, enabling the creation of soft robots that can bend and twist like living tissues. This breakthrough streamlines the process of designing soft robots, allowing for the creation of robots with enhanced mobility and dexterity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Newly identified pathway in mitochondria fuels tumor progression across cancer types

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel protein pathway in mitochondria that controls energy production for cell invasion and metastasis across multiple cancer types. This pathway, previously observed in neurons, has strong clinical implications and represents a potential therapeutic target for several types of cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2016

Investing in fisheries management improves fish populations

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that successful fisheries management is critical to maintaining productive fish populations. The research found that science-based stock assessments, limits on fishing pressure, and adequate enforcement are key attributes of effective management systems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Radiologists positioned to detect elder abuse but additional training and research needed

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists may be uniquely positioned to detect elder abuse due to their role in identifying injury patterns. However, most diagnostic radiologists have limited training or experience in this area, and all participants reported missing cases of elder abuse.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 19, 2016

Genetics link sleep disturbance with restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia and obesity

A team of scientists has identified genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders, including restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study found novel genetic links with insomnia symptoms, as well as associations with schizophrenia risk, measures of obesity, and abnormal glucose metabolism.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 19, 2016

New stem cell delivery approach regenerates dental pulp-like tissue in a rodent model

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have successfully regenerated dental pulp-like tissues in animal model experiments using a collagen-based biomaterial to deliver stem cells. The approach shows promise in restoring normal tooth function and may offer an alternative to traditional endodontic treatments.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 19, 2016

White matter structure in the brain predicts cognitive function at ages 1 and 2

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016