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Science News for July 11, 2016


Warmer body temp puts the heat on the common cold

A new Yale study found that warmer body temperatures impaired key immune system proteins in human airway cells, but did not completely disable the immune response. Researchers also identified two additional mechanisms that contribute to defense against the cold virus at core body temperature.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2016

Link found between traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's, but not Alzheimer's

Researchers linked traumatic brain injury with later development of Parkinson's disease, but not Alzheimer's disease or incident dementia. The study, involving over 7,000 participants, found an association between TBI and Parkinson's disease, contradicting common assumptions about the relationship between TBI and Alzheimer's.

Insurance mandates lead to more children diagnosed and treated for autism spectrum disorder

New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that state insurance mandates have led to a significant increase in children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from three major health insurers and found that mandates resulted in a 12.7% i...

Spying on chemistry in real-time

Scientists at the University of Bath will monitor chemical reactions in real-time with a new £1.3 million facility. This allows researchers to develop more efficient catalysts for producing hydrogen fuel and synthesizing paracetamol from waste citrus fruit.

Veggie juice that illuminates the gut

Researchers have developed a spinach-like, nanoparticle juice that can help doctors get a better look at the human gastrointestinal tract. The drink, made from chlorophyll-based nanoparticles, has shown promise in improving imaging techniques such as photoacoustic and PET imaging.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 11, 2016

Thumb-sucking and nail-biting have a positive side

Research published in Pediatrics found that children who engage in thumb-sucking or nail-biting habits have a lower risk of developing allergic sensitization. The study, which followed over 1,000 New Zealand children from age 5 to 32, also found no association between these habits and the development of asthma or hay fever.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 11, 2016

Phage therapy: Fundamental action mechanisms revealed

Researchers from Institut Pasteur and Université catholique de Louvain identify genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of a bacteriophage. The study reveals that RNA metabolism plays a crucial role in the infection strategy of the bacteriophage, with control mechanisms involving small RNA and antisense RNA.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2016

New findings concerning hereditary prostate cancer

A study of over 50,000 brothers of men with prostate cancer found that those with a family history were at increased risk of developing the disease. The risk was particularly high for those with an affected father or brother, and may be underestimated due to lack of awareness.

SourceLund University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 11, 2016

Inhibiting ApoC-III reduces triglyceride levels in mice

Researchers found that inhibiting Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) decreases triglyceride levels in blood by targeting similar pathways as LDL cholesterol. Treating mice with an ApoC-III inhibitor lowered triglycerides, but the effect was blocked in mice lacking key components of the LDL signaling pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 11, 2016

Is the agile wallaby man's new best friend?

A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science ranks the suitability of mammals as pets, with Agile Wallaby, Sika Deer, Tamar Wallaby, Llama, and Asian Palm Civet making the top five list. The research developed a methodology to assess mammal suitability for domestic ownership, considering behavioral needs and welfare risks.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJul 11, 2016

The true cost of crime -- in carbon footprints

A University of Surrey study estimates the carbon footprint of crime in England and Wales, revealing burglaries contribute 30% to the total footprint. The study also found that reducing crime does not necessarily reduce carbon emissions, due to the 'rebound effect', where money spent on addressing crime is spent elsewhere.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJul 11, 2016

Discovery of insulin-producing beta cell subtypes may impact diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered at least four separate subtypes of human insulin-producing beta cells, which could lead to a better understanding of the disease process and the development of new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The study found that these cell subtypes produce different amounts of insulin and may regenerate at varying rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2016

Use it or lose it: Visual activity regenerates neural connections between eye and brain

A study in mice funded by the National Institutes of Health shows that high-contrast visual stimulation can help regenerate optic nerve fibers, allowing for partial restoration of visual function. The research demonstrates that adult regenerated central nervous system axons are capable of navigating to correct targets in the brain.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 11, 2016