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Science News for February 29, 2016


New genetic insights into mesothelioma

Scientists have identified a spectrum of genetic alterations, including some that may be clinically actionable and others that could improve diagnostics and screening for patients. The study's findings suggest targeted therapies and immunotherapies could be effective treatments for mesothelioma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 29, 2016

How useful are microsatellites?

Researchers warn about the limitations of microsatellites in genetic diversity studies, highlighting the importance of sequencing flanking regions to minimize homoplasy. The study's findings suggest that using markers designed for a different species can lead to inaccurate conclusions.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

Public health should be part of Canada's missing and murdered Aboriginal women inquiry

The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges that public health be involved in the upcoming inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women. The root causes of interpersonal violence and health disparities are linked to a legacy of colonization, cultural genocide, and societal neglect, Dr. Kirsten Patrick explains.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 29, 2016

Watching new species evolve in real time

Researchers discovered a new species of threespine stickleback in Lake Constance that diverges rapidly, even when breeding alongside other populations. This finding challenges traditional speciation theories and highlights the importance of genetic analysis in understanding evolutionary processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 29, 2016

Shaving time to test antidotes for nerve agents

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a simulation to predict the permeability of drug molecules across cell membranes, enabling faster testing and development of nerve-agent treatments. The simulation shaved weeks off compound testing, reducing the time required from six weeks to just 16 hours.

Do we have free will?

A study by UCSB psychologists found that challenging a person's belief in free will corrupts intuitive cooperation and leads to impulsive selfishness, but allows for recovery with time. Participants who were asked about their agreement with the statement 'I have free will' showed significant differences in their level of cooperation.

Stanford-led study underscores huge gap between rich, poor in global surgery

A new study led by Stanford University researchers found that the number of surgeries performed worldwide has grown, yet there remains a huge gap in surgical care between rich and poor nations. The most frequently performed operation in poor countries was cesarean section, suggesting other significant surgical needs are being given low...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateFeb 29, 2016

Activity monitoring devices provide reliable records of activity

A recent study found that Fitbit-Flex is a valid and reliable device for monitoring physical activity, particularly in cardiac patients. The device accurately tracks step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.

SourceSAGE·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Students binge drink less in locales with more affirmative LGBTQ school climates

A new study found that students who attend schools with programs and policies supporting LGBTQ youth are less likely to binge drink, regardless of their sexual identity. Living in states or cities with more affirmative school climates was associated with fewer binge drinking days for gay/lesbian and heterosexual students.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 29, 2016

Chronic conditions rise in older people

A study of over 15,000 people found a 10% rise in older adults developing second or third chronic conditions, while physically active individuals were healthier. The prevalence of multimorbidity increased from 31.7% to 43.1% between 2002/03 and 2012/13.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 29, 2016

Sexual health communication between Asian-American adolescents and health-care providers

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research found that Asian-American adolescents desire more open discussions about sexual health with healthcare providers. Key themes included confidentiality concerns, a general lack of knowledge regarding STIs and contraception, and hesitation to discuss sexual histories. Providers can a...

SourceMedica Research Institute·JournalJournal of Adolescent Research·DateFeb 29, 2016

Survey: Americans would pay more to support biodiversity

A national survey found that most Americans are willing to pay more taxes to support biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Mexico. The survey showed that people value preserving biodiversity for future generations and are willing to pay between $35 to $107 more annually for the expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sa...

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Resource Economics·DateFeb 29, 2016

Offsetting climate change's effects

A Harvard University study finds that grasslands across North America will experience an earlier start to the spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures, offsetting climate change's negative effects. However, this shift in seasonal patterns presents new management challenges for farmers and ranchers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 29, 2016

Is rare wildlife traded on the darknet?

Research by the University of Kent finds that illegal wildlife trade is facilitated by the global internet, but trade on the darknet is surprisingly low. The study suggests that poor enforcement and easy access to online platforms have led to a negligible amount of trade on anonymous networks.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalConservation Biology·DateFeb 29, 2016

High-protein canola meal beneficial for growing pigs

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that high-protein canola meal is a valuable ingredient in swine diets, offering similar digestible energy and amino acid profiles to soybean meal. The study found improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids in high-protein canola meal compared to conventional canola meal.

Lung-MAP precision medicine trial makes exciting changes

The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) trial is a groundbreaking collaboration that uses genomic profiling to match patients with promising new treatments. With the addition of nivolumab, an FDA-approved immunotherapy, the trial offers innovative therapies for advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer.

SourceSWOG·DateFeb 29, 2016

Three 'twisted' photons in 3 dimensions

Researchers have achieved a new milestone in quantum physics by entangling three particles of light in a high-dimensional quantum property. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum encryption and secure communication, enabling multiple parties to share information with unconditional security.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 29, 2016

NYU study defines social motivations of urban farms

A new NYU study reveals that three out of four top reasons urban farmers grow crops are driven by social motivations, including food security, education, and community building. The research also finds that many urban farms operate as nonprofits, shifting financial focus from sales to donations and grants.

SourceNew York University·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateFeb 29, 2016

Nuclear export of opioid growth factor receptor is CRM1 dependent

Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that the nuclear export of the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) is CRM1 dependent. OGFr must translocate into the nucleus to facilitate its role in cell cycle regulation and does so utilizing nuclear localization signals and β and Ran proteins.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 29, 2016

Why the 'Johnny Depp Effect' doesn't always work

A recent study found that when people rate the attractiveness of gender-blended face morphs, they tend to judge them as less appealing if initially classified by gender. However, this effect only occurs when people are asked to categorize the face by gender before being shown the blended image

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016

Snoring in children can affect their health

A Swedish study found that approximately 5% of children aged 0-11 years snore several times a week, with only one-third receiving medical help. Children with persistent snoring often experience reduced quality of life, including daytime tiredness and learning difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Laryngology & Otology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Engineered swarmbots rely on peers for survival

Duke University researchers have engineered microbes that can't run away from home; those that do will quickly die without protective proteins produced by their peers. The system could be used to reliably program colonies of bacteria to respond to changes in their surrounding environment, such as releasing specific molecules on cue.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Understanding ageism prolongs your life

A study published in Nordic Psychology suggests that ageism can have a significant impact on lifespan, regardless of age. Negative attitudes towards aging are linked to a shorter lifespan, highlighting the need for awareness and debate about this complex issue.

SourceUmea University·JournalNordic Psychology·DateFeb 29, 2016

When less is more

A new study by NOAA and CIRES scientists reveals that the US is responsible for 8% of global CCl4 emissions, with hotspots in the Gulf Coast region and Colorado. The findings contradict previous reports and highlight the need for further research to understand the source of excess emissions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

Injustice can spread

A study published in Scientific Reports found that writing a message to the perpetrator can disrupt the chain of unfair behavior, calming negative emotions and leading to fairer interactions. The researchers suggest this strategy as a way to stop the spread of injustice.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 29, 2016

Illuminating the broad spectrum of disease

Researchers developed a new method called PRISM to test potential drug compounds on cancer and other cell lines simultaneously, allowing for pooling and testing of multiple cell lines. This approach promises to accelerate the search for targeted therapies by better representing the broad genetic diversity of disease.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Increased risk of obesity with increased time in the US in Filipino immigrants in New York

A study led by SUNY Downstate Health Science University found increased risk of obesity among Filipino immigrants living in the New York City metropolitan area. The findings suggest that prolonged US residency erodes the health advantage initially carried by immigrants, a process known as 'unhealthy assimilation'.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalFamily & Community Health·DateFeb 29, 2016

Helmholtz researchers identify genetic switch regulating satiety and body weight

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified a new component regulating body weight and food intake, with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) playing a significant influence on leptin's effect. The study found that HDAC5 is essential for the brain to recognize fat depot levels, enabling adaptation to food intake and reducing obesity.

A new way to discover DNA modifications

Scientists have developed a systematic approach to discovering unknown DNA modifications, using a combination of bioanalytical chemistry, comparative genomics, and single-molecule real-time sequencing. This approach has led to the discovery of a new epigenetic mark, dADG, which helps bacteria defend their genomes from viral infection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

Immune therapy breaks down wall around pancreatic tumors for chemo to attack

Researchers have discovered a novel role for CD40 antibodies in re-educating macrophages to break down the tumor microenvironment, allowing chemotherapy to target pancreatic cancer more effectively. The optimal timing of delivery is critical, with chemotherapy being most effective when administered five days after CD40 treatment.

Imaging algorithm gathers information about how cells move

Brown University engineers developed a new technique to understand how cells move through complex tissues, building on mean deformation theory. The algorithm analyzed images of human neutrophils moving through collagen matrices, revealing differences in contractility and rotation between healthy and sepsis models.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2016

New vaccine could save thousands of lives

Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a vaccine that offers high-level protection against melioidosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and sepsis. The new vaccine, which has been tested on mice, holds promise for preventing a disease that affects thousands in tropical regions and is often misdiagnosed.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 29, 2016