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Science News for July 19, 2016


High fat diet improves cartilage repair in mice

A high fat diet and increased body weight do not impair but may even accelerate cartilage repair in a mouse model. The study's findings suggest that the mechanism behind this phenomenon is related to inflammatory and metabolic changes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateJul 19, 2016

New study uses computer learning to provide quality control for genetic databases

A new study uses computer learning to create a standardized atlas that can automatically annotate samples, including lost metadata such as tissue type. By combining data from over 7,000 samples and 200 labs, the work represents a way to leverage publically available 'omics data while improving quality control.

CVIA special issue on Intervention

This CVIA special issue explores the latest research and treatments for resistant hypertension, including renal denervation and percutaneous coronary intervention. The featured papers examine the role of radiation exposure in coronary interventional procedures and the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJul 19, 2016

Researchers discover altruism is favored by chance

A team of international researchers found that altruism is favored by random fluctuations in nature, proposing a simple answer to the longstanding puzzle as to why cooperation evolved. This discovery suggests that cooperators benefit more than they lose out due to random decreases in cheating populations.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2016

Protein found to bolster growth of damaged muscle tissue

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a protein that boosts the growth of damaged muscle tissue, potentially contributing to treatments for age-related muscle degeneration and diseases like muscular dystrophy. The protein, β1-integrin, promotes stem cell growth and restoration after muscle injury, with results showing...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 19, 2016

What hibernating toads tell us about climate

A 24-year study of Fowler's Toads has created a model to predict the impact of climate change on animal behavior. The model uses weather records to forecast when toads will emerge from hibernation, revealing that warming temperatures are causing this shift to occur earlier.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 19, 2016

Paths to Autism: One or Many?

Researchers suggest that widespread brain alterations in infants at risk for autism may affect multiple systems, rather than just social brain networks. Early behavioral and imaging studies provide evidence for general abnormalities during the first year of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 19, 2016

Home-cooked meals for infants not always better than shop-bought ones

Research suggests that home-cooked meals designed for infants and young children often exceed energy density and dietary fat recommendations, yet are cheaper than commercially available baby foods. The study found that commercial products met dietary recommendations on energy density more frequently than home-cooked meals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 19, 2016

After psychiatric hospital discharge, many patients are still taking multiple antipsychotic drugs

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 10 patients discharged from state psychiatric hospitals continue to take multiple antipsychotic drugs. The high rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy is attributed to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and extended hospital stays, highlighting the need for revised standards and definitions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateJul 19, 2016

Fighting life-threatening bacteria without antibiotics

Cirrhosis patients experience impaired immunity due to gut bacteria migration into the liver. Scientists identify that Type-1 IFN released by immune cells incapacitates the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial infections. Strengthening the immune response may now treat life-threatening infections without antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGut·DateJul 19, 2016

Beware of antioxidants, warns scientific review

Antioxidant supplements have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other conditions due to their impact on oxygen radicals. However, the review suggests that targeting specific sources of oxygen molecules may be a more effective approach.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Expanding development associated with declining deer recruitment across western co.

A new study from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, WCS, and CSU finds that dramatic increases in residential and energy development are associated with declining early winter recruitment in western Colorado's mule deer populations. The study suggests that these impacts on habitat may be having a greater effect on deer populations than previ...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 19, 2016

Metastatic prostate cancer cases skyrocket

A recent study by Northwestern University found that metastatic prostate cancer cases have increased by 72% between 2004 and 2013, with men aged 55-69 being disproportionately affected. The study suggests that both more aggressive disease and lax screening may be contributing factors.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProstate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases·DateJul 19, 2016

Minimalist swimming microrobots

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a fabrication method for swimming microrobots using just two conjoined microparticles coated with magnetic debris. The microswimmers can be controlled by an external magnetic field, allowing for control over speed and direction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 19, 2016

Adults born with heart disease have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Children born with heart disease have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after age 30, according to a new study. Those with cyanotic congenital heart disease face the highest risk. The incidence of diabetes by age 45 was significantly higher in CHD subjects compared to the general population.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 19, 2016

To catch a wireless thief

Researchers are developing a crowdsourced system that allows users to contribute in helping detect and locate unauthorized radio frequency use. The system uses software-defined radio technology and smartphone apps to monitor for suspicious activity, potentially aiding authorities in combating wireless theft.

Virgin olive oil and hypertension

Epidemiological studies support the consumption of virgin olive oil as an effective antihypertensive agent. The unique bioactive properties of oleic acid and minor constituents in virgin olive oil protect against hypertension by influencing vascular contractibility and heart/kidney cellular loss, leading to reduced blood pressure.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Vascular Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Risk of low blood sugar differs among similar diabetes drugs

A new systematic review found that gliclazide confers the lowest risk of hypoglycemia when added to metformin. This suggests prescribing a medication with a lower risk of low blood sugar may be a rational and affordable alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Juicy news about cranberries

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth discovered flavonols in cranberry juice significantly reduce E.coli adhesion, which can cause bacterial infections. The findings may lead to new antibiotic drug targets and alternative treatments for 'superbugs'.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 19, 2016

Teaming up against sepsis

A multidisciplinary team of UCSB faculty members and clinicians will conduct biomedical research on sepsis, a severe response to infections, thanks to a $12.8 million NIH grant. The program aims to develop radically different approaches to treating sepsis, with the goal of reducing disability and death.

Ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages

A recent study reveals that ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages, a key component of the immune system. The toxic effects of these emissions on macrophages can lead to pro-inflammatory reactions and other biological processes, highlighting the need for efficient particle-reducing measures.

Electron spin control: Levitated nanodiamond is research gem

Purdue University researchers have successfully controlled the electron spin of a levitated nanodiamond using lasers in a vacuum, enabling potential applications in quantum information processing, sensors, and fundamental physics studies. The technique could also be used to detect and measure gases, such as oxygen, with improved accuracy.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2016