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Science News for July 18, 2016


Stem cells engineered to grow cartilage, fight inflammation

Researchers have developed a technique to program stem cells to grow new cartilage on a 3-D template shaped like the ball of a hip joint. The cartilage can release anti-inflammatory molecules to fend off arthritis. The discovery may provide an alternative to hip-replacement surgery, particularly in younger patients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

The pains and strains of a continental breakup

Researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Potsdam have uncovered a distinct two-phase separation process for continental breakup, involving gradual rifting and eventual rapid subsidence. The study highlights a phenomenon difficult to explain within conventional plate tectonics, shedding new light on the process.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2016

Weight gain studied for second-generation antipsychotics for autism spectrum disorders

A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that Zyprexa (olanzapine) is linked to the highest risk of weight gain, while Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) were not associated with an increase in body mass index. The study suggests balancing treatment risks and benefits for children and teens with ASD.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 18, 2016

'Jumping film' harnesses the power of humidity

Scientists create a film that curls up and straightens autonomously when exposed to tiny changes in humidity, using it to transform environmental fluctuations into mechanical energy. The film can jump high and repeatedly bend and straighten without deterioration.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 18, 2016

Scientists delve into 'black box' of DNA research

Researchers reveal that unusual DNA repeat elements on inactive X chromosomes are crucial for maintaining the three-dimensional structure of this female-specific genetic phenomenon. The study uses genome engineering techniques to demonstrate the importance of these repeats, opening a new era of genomics research.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Gas sensors 'see' through soil to analyze microbial interactions

Researchers have created gas biosensors that enable real-time monitoring of microbial gene expression in soil samples, allowing for the study of horizontal gene transfer and its impact on environmental processes. The technique has the potential to improve crop growth through more efficient watering and fertilizer use.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 18, 2016

Rise in avoidable diabetes hospital visits

Researchers at the University of Leicester found that hospital admissions for hypoglycemia have risen by 39% between 2005 and 2014, with almost 80,000 people admitted. The average cost per admission is estimated to be £1,000, with the total cost of treating severe episodes in the UK around £13 million.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 18, 2016

Study: Fracking industry wells associated with increased risk of asthma attacks

A new study found that people with asthma living near larger or bigger fracking industry wells in Pennsylvania are 1.5-4 times more likely to experience asthma attacks. The researchers identified a significant increase in asthma attacks among patients living closer to these wells, particularly during the production phase.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

ANU leads effort to develop drought-proof crops

International researchers at ANU have discovered an enzyme that senses adverse drought and sunlight conditions, enabling plants to respond with beneficial chemical compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation drought-proof crops, crucial for global food security.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Design tool transforms objects into intricate works of art

A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables users to create delicate, yet structurally sound, 3D objects with interconnected shapes. The tool helps identify and strengthen weak areas in the designs, making it possible for the general public to create beautiful artifacts that also withstand handling and shipping.

Publication of HPTN 052 final results

The HPTN 052 study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) provides durable protection against HIV transmission from infected individuals to their uninfected partners. The trial showed a 93% reduction in HIV transmission when ART was started early, with no observed transmission when viral replication was stably suppressed.

SourceFHI360·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2016

A glimpse inside the atom

A research team has demonstrated that energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) can be used to image individual electron orbits within atoms. This technique allows for penetration down to the subatomic level, opening up new possibilities for the study of atomic structures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 18, 2016

Lemur DNA paints a picture of Madagascar's forested past

Researchers at Duke University used fast-changing mouse lemur DNA to paint a picture of Madagascar's forested past. The study suggests that the island was not as tree-covered as previously thought, with grasslands and woodlands dominating the center of the island before human arrival.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Ridiculously cute mouse lemurs hold key to Madagascar's past

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed DNA from five different mouse lemur species to understand Madagascar's past. The analysis revealed that the island was once linked by a patchwork of forested areas, enabling mouse lemurs to disperse over tens of thousands of years between different regions.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

For frozen embryos in dispute, scholars propose guidelines

Scholars propose five guidelines to prevent disputes over frozen embryos, including clear contract language, requiring a binding agreement, and anticipating potential tragedies. These recommendations aim to provide clarity for the estimated million frozen embryos in the US, reducing uncertainty and shifting terrain of varying state laws.

SourceBrown University·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 18, 2016

Rice's 'antenna-reactor' catalysts offer best of both worlds

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for uniting light-harvesting photonic nanomaterials with high-efficiency metal catalysts. The 'antenna-reactor' design produces a significant improvement in selectivity, turning a poison into a valuable commodity and offering potential energy savings and improved efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

Secrets of the human brain unlocked

The study found that brains with more variability and frequent connections tend to have higher IQs and creativity. This discovery could lead to advancements in artificial intelligence and a better understanding of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and ADHD.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBrain·DateJul 18, 2016

Blue, green or 'nol'?

A new Northwestern University study shows that infants can discern between categories as early as 9 months old, depending on the names used to describe them. This finding highlights the impact of language on cognitive development, suggesting that naming influences the identification of discrete categories in infants.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognition·DateJul 18, 2016

Discovery yields answers for family with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection

Researchers identify LOX gene mutations as cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in family study, providing biological mechanism and possible therapeutic targets. The discovery illuminates the genetic basis of a rare disease and may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for patients with this condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

No blood vessels without cloche

Researchers identify Cloche, a bHLH-PAS transcription factor, as the key gene controlling blood vessel and blood cell development in embryos. The discovery, made after 20 years of searching, has significant implications for regenerative medicine and personalized stem cell therapy.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2016

New guidelines OK less antibiotics for hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated pneumonia

The Infectious Diseases Society of America and American Thoracic Society recommend a 7-day or fewer antibiotic course for most hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) infections. Hospitals should create antibiograms to determine causative strains and ensure effective treatment.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 18, 2016

Some adolescent cancer survivors may require more comprehensive mental health screening

A study of childhood cancer survivors found that most had no reported psychological symptoms, but those who did often experienced multiple symptoms and distinct profiles. The researchers emphasize the need for robust screening efforts and identification of appropriate treatments to help prevent behavioral, emotional, and social problems.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 18, 2016