Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 27, 2016


CRISPR used to repair blindness-causing genetic defect in patient-derived stem cells

Researchers used CRISPR to repair a genetic mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition causing blindness in at least 1.5 million cases worldwide. The study marks the first time researchers have replaced a defective gene associated with a sensory disease in stem cells derived from a patient's tissue.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2016

What a moth's nose knows

Researchers found that moths with transplanted antennae responded to novel pheromone blends not seen in nature. The moths' brains integrated signals from the antennal lobe to create a sense of reality, even when the sensory input was altered.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2016

Good boss? Bad boss? Study says workers leave both

Research by a University of Illinois business professor reveals that high-quality boss-worker relationships are positively related to higher salaries and greater responsibility in the next job. However, employees still leave their good managers due to limited internal opportunities for growth. Retaining valued employees can lead to inc...

'Lifespan machine' probes cause of aging

A study published in Nature suggests that aging does not have a single molecular cause but is rather a systemic process. Researchers found a statistical regularity in how genetic and environmental factors affect the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans worms, revealing an unexpected uniformity among life span distributions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJan 27, 2016

Mercury levels in rainfall are rising in parts of North America, study finds

Researchers found recent increases in mercury concentrations in rainfall at many sites across the continent, with positive trends in central regions consistent with increased emissions from Asia. The findings suggest that reductions in North American mercury emissions are primarily benefiting the eastern United States.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 27, 2016

New detection method for Goby invasion

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a simple and effective test to detect Ponto-Caspian gobies in streaming and stagnant water. The method uses environmental DNA analysis, reacting exclusively to the genetic material of invasive gobies, making it a cost-efficient alternative to traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2016

Eating soy may protect women from health risks of BPA

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that consuming soy regularly may protect women undergoing infertility treatments from poor success rates linked to bisphenol A exposure. Women who did not eat soy foods had lower embryo implantation rates and fewer live births with ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 27, 2016

Four factors predict neurodevelopmental outcomes for children with low birth weight

A new study found that medical complications at birth, maternal education, early motor assessments, and early cognitive assessments are key predictors of later cognitive function and motor performance in children born premature. Research also shows that mild impairments remain a challenge for preterm children into later childhood.

SourceNew York University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 27, 2016

New way to detect human-animal diseases tested in lemurs

Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to screen for blood-borne diseases in wild lemurs and found several strains of parasites similar to those causing Lyme disease. The approach could pave the way for earlier detection of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that move between animals and people.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 27, 2016

Sedentary lifestyle spells more menopause misery

A large study of over 6,000 Latin American women found that sedentary lifestyles are associated with severe menopause symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and obesity. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of various health problems, including breast and colon cancer, dementia, and heart disease.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJan 27, 2016

Study shows zinc supplement boosted serum zinc levels and immunity in older adults

A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that zinc supplementation significantly improved serum zinc concentrations and T-cell function in older adults with low zinc levels. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and the number and effectiveness of T-cells.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 27, 2016

Drug provides better kidney transplant survival rates than current standard of care

A worldwide study led by UC San Francisco and Emory University investigators found belatacept to be a better option for kidney transplant recipients, with lower mortality and graft loss rates. The drug's long-term benefits are seen in preserving kidney function and suppressing antibodies that cause late graft loss.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2016

Nano-coating makes coaxial cables lighter

Researchers create flexible, high-performance coating that replaces metal braid with carbon nanotubes, benefiting airplanes and spacecraft. The new cable reduces weight by 97%, meeting military-grade standards for shielding and strength.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 27, 2016

How can peers, parents, schools and new media stop bullying?

A multi-tiered approach to stopping bullying is proposed, with recommendations for peers, parents, schools, and new media platforms. Peers can defend victims by sharing emotional reactions and offering support, while parents can facilitate communication about incidents through training.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJan 27, 2016

Prenatal exposure to flame retardants linked to poorer behavioral function in children

A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that prenatal exposure to flame retardants and PFASs may have a lasting impact on executive function in children, characterized by impairments in focus, working memory, delegation of tasks, and emotional control. The research evaluated levels of PBDEs and PFASs in mothers during pr...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJan 27, 2016

Fun with Lego (molecules)

Scientists develop a system to assemble giant molecules with 'orthogonal' ends, allowing for precise control over superstructures ranging from cubes to wheels and sandwiches. This breakthrough enables potential applications in device creation and nano-architecture design.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 27, 2016

An alternative to platinum: Iron-nitrogen compounds as catalysts in graphene

Researchers have discovered a new class of catalysts that use iron-nitrogen compounds in graphene, achieving levels of activity comparable to platinum-based catalysts. The purification process allows for the creation of exclusively FeN4 centres, which provide high catalytic efficiency even without promoters.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 27, 2016

Recommendation to omit radiation therapy after lumpectomy is not frequently implemented

A new study found that nearly two-thirds of women aged 70 and older with stage I breast cancer who are eligible to safely omit subsequent radiation therapy do not receive it. Despite guidelines recommending against radiation therapy for this group, the study suggests a lack of compliance or poor awareness among healthcare providers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 27, 2016

Depressive symptoms prevalent among Division I college athletes

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that nearly a quarter of Division I college athletes reported depressive symptoms. Women were almost twice as likely to experience symptoms than their male peers. The researchers also discovered significant differences in depression rates across different sports, with fe...

SourceDrexel University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJan 27, 2016