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Science News for February 18, 2016


Florida's monkey river

A study by San Diego State University researchers found that only a small percentage of the Silver River macaque population's diet comes from human-provided food, with most relying on environmental sources. Human-monkey interactions were also largely benign, with concerns about disease transmission appearing to be overblown.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 18, 2016

Engineered mini-stomachs produce insulin in mice

Researchers have discovered that tissue from the lower stomach has the greatest potential to be reprogrammed into beta-cell state. Engineered mini-organs produced insulin and refreshed themselves with stem cells, giving the tissue a sustainable regenerative boost.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 18, 2016

Survey examines Americans' use of and satisfaction with homeopathic medicines

A survey of Americans' use of homeopathic medicines found that they are primarily used for common self-limited conditions such as the common cold or back pain. Homeopathy users tend to be more likely to use complementary and integrative medicine modalities, and report finding these products helpful in addressing their health problems.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

A tunnel through the head

Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2016

Indiana University study: Commercial weight loss system expands diabetes prevention access

A new randomized controlled study found that adults with prediabetes who followed a nationally-available weight management program with a prediabetes-specific component, Weight Watchers, lost significantly more weight and experienced better blood glucose control than those following a self-initiated program. The study suggests that nat...

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

NYU research: Hair sampling shows unintended 'bath salt' use

A recent study by NYU researchers found that four out of ten nightclub/festival attendees who use ecstasy tested positive for 'bath salts', despite reporting no use. The study used hair sampling to detect novel psychoactive substances in ecstasy users, highlighting the need for education and awareness about the risks of adulterated drugs.

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 18, 2016

Diet soda and fries, please

Researchers found significant balancing behavior across product categories and consumer health segments. Consumers made tradeoffs on healthy/unhealthy mixes based on priorities, contradicting stated behaviors. Retailers can use this research to promote healthier foods through targeted marketing strategies.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateFeb 18, 2016

Engineered gene drives and the future

Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateFeb 18, 2016

Key hurdle overcome in the development of a drug against cystic fibrosis

Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology and McGill University have successfully transported the defective CFTR protein to cell walls, a crucial step towards developing a cystic fibrosis drug. The researchers discovered a naturally occurring substance called fusicoccin-A that enables this transport process.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2016

A primitive advance

Researchers characterize primitive fungi to understand how they break down plant material and convert biopolymers into sugars. This breakthrough could lead to effective plant waste conversion and new chemical production methods, offering a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.

Sauropod swimmers or walkers?

A new study of fossil tracks in northern China suggests that sauropod dinosaurs were walking, not swimming, despite previous theories. The tracks, dating back over 120 million years, show four or five claw marks at the front and are matched perfectly by the feet of medium-sized sauropod dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Rapidly building arteries that produce biochemical signals

Researchers have created artificial arteries containing both endothelial and media layers, demonstrating normal communication and function. The new technique allows for miniaturized arteries to test drugs for efficacy and side effects, potentially enabling quicker experimentation and more accurate testing.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Teaching stem cells to build muscle

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found that fetal muscle stem cells can remodel their microenvironment to encourage adult muscle regeneration. This discovery provides rationale for developing drugs to trigger this transition, offering new hope for treating muscular dystrophies and muscle-wasting disorders.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Algorithm makes hyperspectral imaging faster

Researchers at NC State University have developed an algorithm that can quickly and accurately reconstruct hyperspectral images using less data. This breakthrough enables faster imaging times and reduced memory requirements, making it suitable for applications such as security, defense, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateFeb 18, 2016

VA and non-VA hospitals similar in quality, study shows

A Yale University study found VA hospitals to have slightly lower mortality rates among older men with specific conditions, but higher readmission rates compared to non-VA hospitals. The differences were small, indicating that the VA healthcare system is doing comparatively well for these vulnerable patient groups

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 18, 2016

The brain gives up more secrets

Montreal scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables brain cells to adjust their support for neurons, potentially improving brain function or restoring lost potential in disease. The discovery sheds light on the complex functioning of astrocytes, star-shaped cells that protect and support brain neurons.

Why do we still have mitochondrial DNA?

Mitochondrial genes are retained to build organelle structure, resist damage from free radicals, and facilitate energy production. This design allows mitochondria to withstand the extreme environment and maintain their independence from the nucleus.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateFeb 18, 2016

Mapping the world for climate sensitivity

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure ecosystem sensitivity to climate variability by analyzing satellite data gathered over the past 14 years. The Vegetation Sensitivity Index (VSI) reveals ecologically sensitive regions with amplified responses to climate changes in various parts of the world.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature·DateFeb 18, 2016

Masked hypertension in kidney disease patients may affect kidney and cardiovascular health

A study of 1492 patients with chronic kidney disease found that nearly 28% had masked hypertension, which increases the risk of kidney, heart, and vascular damage. Measuring blood pressure outside the clinic is recommended to assess patients' risks for hypertension-related health problems.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 18, 2016

Overdose deaths from common sedatives have surged, new study finds

A new study found that benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased more than four-fold from 0.58 deaths per 100,000 adults in 1996 to 3.14 deaths per 100,000 adults in 2013. The rate of overdose deaths leveled off since 2010, but for certain groups, such as those aged 65 and over and blacks and Hispanics, the rate continued to rise.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2016

Longest-lasting stellar eclipse discovered

Astronomers have discovered a binary star system with the longest duration stellar eclipse, lasting three and a half years, and the longest period between eclipses in a binary system. The system, TYC 2505-672-1, is approximately 20 astronomical units from Earth and consists of two red giant stars.

Is there a digital hood?

A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

Bariatric surgery before knee replacement cost-effective in improving outcomes in obese patients

A study finds that bariatric surgery prior to total knee replacement improves quality of life in morbidly obese patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis. The research suggests a cost-effective option to reduce complications and costs associated with joint replacement, with a predicted cost per QALY of $13,910.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 18, 2016

Adimab scientists report the isolation of highly potent anti-Ebola virus antibodies from recent Zaire outbreak

Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.

Sensory loss affects 94 percent of older adults

A recent study found that sensory loss is a common issue among older adults, affecting 94 percent of those in the US. The most prevalent deficit was decreased sense of taste, with 48% of participants rated as poor. Understanding the underlying causes and developing prevention strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

Motion-controlled video games may improve real world skills

Researchers found that motion-controlled video game players outperformed those with push-button controllers and no training in real-world putting, suggesting a potential for these games to enhance fine motor coordination. Further research is needed to explore the effects of motion-controlled games on larger-motor coordination skills.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations·DateFeb 18, 2016