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Science News for February 8, 2016


Common colds at school a primary driver of asthma hospitalizations for children

A new study confirms that school reopenings are a primary driver of asthma exacerbations in children, with cold viruses being largely to blame. The research found a significant correlation between the timing of school starts and hospitalizations, highlighting the importance of preventive measures during peak viral transmission periods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Circadian misalignment helps explain higher risk for cardiovascular disease

A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that circadian misalignment increases blood pressure and inflammatory markers in healthy adults. Researchers measured these factors in 14 participants during two eight-day stays in the sleep laboratory, one with circadian alignment and the other with misalignment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Nature's mirror -- the code for chirality

Researchers discovered that biological molecules can change the shape of minerals by controlling how they link together, a process that could lead to the development of new drugs and synthetic materials. The study's findings shed light on the importance of chirality in drug development, as seen in the devastating Thalidomide tragedy.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 8, 2016

ACP publishes depression recommendations; news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians recommends using either cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants to treat adults with major depressive disorder. Both treatments are found to be similarly effective for treating depression, and physicians should consider a discussion with the patient about treatment effects, a...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016

Stanford study finds possible new jet-lag treatment

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine developed a possible new method for preventing jet lag by exposing people to short flashes of light while they sleep. The study found that this method can speed up the brain's adjustment to time changes, reducing the delay in onset of sleepiness.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2016

AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award goes to psychologist Jean Maria Arrigo

Jean Maria Arrigo received the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for her tireless efforts to expose the American Psychological Association's (APA) complicity in torture and abuse. She stood against the APA's Task Force on Psychological Ethics and National Security, which justified coercive interrogations, and instead adv...

Newer pain management strategies can lead to quicker, shorter recovery after TKRs

A new literature review suggests that a team-based care approach, combining newer pain management strategies, is key to maximizing patient outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) procedures. Multimodal protocols, including regional anesthesia and intra-operative pain injections, have been shown to lower patient pain severity rating...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 8, 2016

Terrestrial laser scanning in California

Researchers evaluated the performance of Riegl Z620i and LPM-800HA terrestrial laser scanners on characterizing natural surfaces. They established a procedure to test componential uncertainty budgets and demonstrated the relationship between reference network uncertainty and imaged surface repeatability.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 8, 2016

Oregano may reduce methane in cow burps

A four-year project aims to investigate the effect of supplementing dairy cows with organic oregano on reducing methane emissions. The goal is to show a 25% reduction in methane production through the addition of oregano, benefiting both the climate and organic farmers.

Zika virus: 5 things to know

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Physicians should be aware of symptoms in travelers returning from affected regions and consider Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly as potential complications.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 8, 2016

New study links traffic-related air pollution to facial dark spots

A large-scale study found a significant link between traffic-related air pollution and the formation of lentigenes (facial dark spots) on cheeks of Asian women over 50. The study also showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide gas had a stronger impact on dark spot formation than particulate matter.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateFeb 8, 2016

Making sense of metallic glass

Researchers at Carnegie Institution explore the rules behind metallic glasses, materials that are stronger and more resistant than traditional metals. By studying alloys under extreme pressures, they found a consistent numeric relationship between structure and properties, which could aid further discovery and synthesis.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

A step closer to understanding fertilization

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have determined the 3D structure of Juno, a mammalian egg protein essential for triggering gamete fusion. The study reveals that changes in Juno's shape alter its ability to bind with sperm protein Izumo1, bringing scientists closer to understanding fertilization.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2016

Will more states ban nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccination?

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health review vaccination policies, finding that states like Mississippi and West Virginia have high immunization rates with strict exemption laws. The authors suggest alternatives to eliminating nonmedical exemptions entirely, including making them more difficult to obtain.

Researchers find new cause of strong earthquakes

A research team found that a geologic event known as diking can cause strong earthquakes, with the potential to pose hazards to nearby communities. The team investigated ties between two natural disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo and discovered that a dike intrusion could have induced a magnitude 6.2 earthquake.

Yale study examines evolution of cancer

A Yale study applying evolutionary biology tools sheds light on cancer's genetic origins and tumor progression. The research mapped genetic mutations in normal, primary, and metastatic tumor tissue, revealing that metastases originate from different paths within primary tumors and can diverge early in cancer history.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Sleep deprivation linked to false confessions

A groundbreaking study from Michigan State University found that sleep-deprived individuals are 4.5 times more likely to sign false confessions than those who have slept eight hours the night before. This raises complex questions about police interrogation practices and the use of sleep deprivation in interrogations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

NREL explains the higher cellulolytic activity of a vital microorganism

Researchers discovered a new type of enzyme assembly in C. thermocellum that allows the microorganism more freedom to explore for additional biomass, providing redundancy in its cellulolytic system. The findings have important implications for industry and could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2016

Wholesome wholegrain

A study by Aarhus University found that wholegrain foods, such as rye bread, contain bioactive compounds called benzoxazinoids. These substances have been shown to pass through the gut wall and circulate in the body, potentially regulating the immune system.

New evidence gives women informed choice in the prolapse surgery debate

A new Cochrane systematic review provides comprehensive insights into the surgical treatment of vaginal prolapse, comparing tissue repair with artificial mesh. The study found that while mesh reduces awareness of prolapse, its overall benefit is small and comes with increased risks, including reoperation and bladder injury.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateFeb 8, 2016

Scientists propose 'pumpjack' mechanism for splitting and copying DNA

Researchers proposed a new mechanism for DNA replication called the 'pumpjack' mechanism, which involves a molecular machine with two distinct conformations that rock back and forth to split the DNA double helix. This linear translocation mechanism appears different from previously thought mechanisms in more primitive organisms.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 8, 2016

Putting a price on nature, literally

Arizona State University researchers develop an equation to estimate monetary value of natural resources like groundwater and forests, accounting for ecosystem changes and human behavior. The framework enables valuation of natural capital on a balance sheet with traditional assets, guiding sustainable use.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Engineers 3-D-print a new lifelike liver tissue for drug screening

A team of engineers at the University of California, San Diego has successfully created a 3D-printed liver tissue model that closely mimics human liver structure and function. The new model can be used for patient-specific drug screening and disease modeling, potentially saving pharmaceutical companies time and money.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

ACP: CBT and antidepressants are similarly effective treatments for adults with depression

The American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and second-generation antidepressants (SGAs) as similarly effective treatments for adults with major depressive disorder. CBT is a reasonable approach for initial treatment, particularly when discussing treatment effects and patient preferences.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016

Double dose of bad earthquake news

A team of researchers found that an earthquake initiating on one thrust fault can spread 10 times farther to a second nearby fault, vastly expanding the possible range of 'earthquake doublets.' This could lead to twice as much devastation in areas like Los Angeles, where multiple thrust faults are close together.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2016

Wbp2 is a novel gene implicated in deafness

Researchers discovered a direct link between Wbp2 and progressive high-frequency hearing loss in mouse models and human clinical cases. The study found that Wbp2 expression loss leads to reduced hormone receptor expression and hearing impairment.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016

A new role for vitamin B6 in plants

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in nitrogen metabolism, informing plants of their ammonium content and helping regulate its use. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to prevent overuse of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which harm the environment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016

National underutilization of preemptive and early kidney transplants

A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that only one-third of patients receive preemptive or early living donor kidney transplants, despite research suggesting improved patient outcomes. The study highlights the need for education and access to information about living donor kidney transplantation to improve long-term outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 8, 2016

Clean energy from water

A team of researchers led by Catherine Housecroft and Edwin Constable developed a water oxidation model that simulates fuel cells powered by light radiation. The model uses compounds of ruthenium as a catalyst, enabling the self-assembly of individual components in a hierarchical structure.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 8, 2016

Device hits pancreatic tumors hard with toxic 4-drug cocktail, sparing the body

A new implantable device delivers a toxic 4-drug cocktail directly to pancreatic tumors, limiting widespread side effects and increasing drug delivery by at least three times. This innovative approach shows promising results in halting tumor growth and shrinking tumors, offering new hope for patients with this deadly cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

More detailed analysis of how cells react to stress

A new method called 'ADPr-ChAP' allows researchers to identify chromatin sites modified by ADP-ribosylation in response to cell stress, enabling a better understanding of the cellular stress reaction. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of intervening in disease-making processes such as chronic inflammation and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016