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Science News for June 1, 2016


New approach to nuclear structure, freely available

A new approach to nuclear structure calculations uses relative coordinates to describe quantum mechanical states of nuclei, reducing complexity and computational power required. This method enables other groups to perform their own nuclear structure calculations with limited resources.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateJun 1, 2016

Combination of cells and genes repairs damaged heart tissues in animal models of MI

Researchers have discovered a combination of cells and genes that can repair damaged heart tissues in animal models of myocardial infarction. The study found that different biological treatments target various aspects of cardiac function and scarring, with some showing significant improvements in contractile function and angiogenesis.

State of the art management of aortic disease

The June 2016 issue of Vascular Medicine explores the latest developments on aortic disease, medical technological advances, and treatment options. Original research articles and reviews highlight the mechanisms of aortic pathology and novel indices for thoracic aortic size.

SourceSAGE·JournalVascular Medicine·DateJun 1, 2016

The organizer of body axes

Researchers have found a blastoporal organizer in sea anemone embryos, using the same signaling molecules as vertebrate organizers. This principle existed in the common ancestor of vertebrates and sea anemones over 600 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2016

Deployed US military service members more likely to suffer noncombat bone and joint injuries

A literature review found that deployed military service members are three times more likely to suffer non-combat musculoskeletal injuries than combat-related ones. Non-combat injuries common among service members include ACL injuries and ankle sprains, with 50% of surgical procedures on the knee or shoulder.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJun 1, 2016

A vision for revamping neuroscience education

Experts in neuroscience education call for reinvestment in graduate training to prepare students for the challenges of brain science and disease. The paper proposes creating two types of training programs: those that extend traditional neuroscience training and those that engage students with backgrounds in other disciplines.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 1, 2016

Spotlight on fair wages

A new study challenges common industry claims that introducing a national living wage would result in excessive costs and job losses. Instead, it finds that including incentives can have a positive impact on productivity, particularly in service sectors.

SourceAustralian Catholic University·JournalBritish Journal of Management·DateJun 1, 2016

Brainwaves could be the next health vital sign

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a simple way to measure brain health over time using non-invasive electrodes, tracking the brain's electrical activity for key functions. This breakthrough technology makes it possible to translate complex brainwaves into objective and practical brain vital signs.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 1, 2016

Nanocars taken for a rough ride

Researchers at Rice University tested nanocars in ambient conditions, finding they stuck to surfaces due to hydrophobicity. The vehicles slowed down as molecules absorbed from the air created obstacles that acted like sticky foam, eventually trapping them.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 1, 2016

Innovative surgical practices using tissue-based regenerative therapies may be tightly regulated

The FDA draft guidelines aim to restrict the use of human cell and tissue products in various surgical procedures, potentially hindering the development of new therapies. This could impact surgeons performing reconstructive surgeries, such as breast, chest, and abdominal wall reconstructions, as well as pelvic floor reconstruction.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering·DateJun 1, 2016

Street lighting disrupts pollinating moths

Research reveals that street lights change moth behavior, causing them to shift from vegetation level to lamp-post height, disrupting night-time pollination. Moth populations play a crucial role in plant pollination, and their decline could have significant effects on ecosystems.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 1, 2016

New muscular dystrophy drug target identified

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new potential treatment for muscular dystrophy by identifying an enzyme that impairs muscle repair. Elevated levels of elastase, which breaks down connective tissue, were found to impair muscle stem cell function and survival.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers report clinical utility of personalized medicine program for cancer patients

A new study from Mount Sinai researchers reports a high success rate for a personalized medicine program that uses an integrated genomic approach to guide cancer treatment. The program led to therapeutic recommendations for 91% of patients, outperforming targeted cancer panels in clinical use.

De-coding the character of a hacker

A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that individuals with a strong drive to understand and build systems, known as systemizing, tend to excel at hacking. This skillset is positively correlated with code-breaking performance, suggesting new opportunities for autistic individuals in security professions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 1, 2016

Wildfire on warming planet requires adaptive capacity at local, national, international scales

Researchers highlight the importance of fire-adaptive communities in managing wildfires, which have successfully coexisted with flames for centuries. These communities use social institutions to balance individual benefits with preservation of the common good, offering valuable lessons for designing local fire management strategies.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 1, 2016

Nurses cite language barriers to educating parents about 'shaken baby syndrome'

A study by Dr. Leslie Rideout found that language barriers were a significant hindrance to educating non-English speaking parents about shaken baby syndrome, with hospitals providing multilingual brochures being three times more likely to meet guidelines. Supportive leadership was also identified as a key facilitator of implementing th...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Trauma Nursing·DateJun 1, 2016

Software turns webcams into eye-trackers

A new software, WebGazer.js, uses integrated webcams to infer where users look on a webpage. This allows for more accurate web analytics than traditional methods, which often require expensive eye-tracking devices. The software can be added to any website with a few lines of code and provides insights into user behavior.

Pot-smokers harm gums; other physical effects slight

A long-term study found that cannabis users had more gum disease, while tobacco smokers showed worse lung function and metabolic health. However, the researchers noted that heavy recreational cannabis use has some adverse consequences, but does not appear to cause significant damage to physical health.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2016

A variation on a gene brings unexpected benefits

A new study discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in people taking antidiabetic medications, contradicting previous assumptions about these drugs' safety. The variant was linked to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and may provide valuable insights for predicting drug side effects earlier in th...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 1, 2016

CRFR1 -- only for emergencies

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism shows that neurons in the brain have a significant role in regulating metabolic responses to stressful situations. The CRFR1 receptor, typically associated with the sympathetic nervous system, is found to be expressed on cells involved in appetite regulation and energy expenditure.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 1, 2016

Springer to launch the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement

The Journal of Cognitive Enhancement will investigate how social cognitive processes can be enhanced through various methods, including meditation, video games, and cognitive training. Research in this area aims to delay cognitive decline in the elderly, reducing welfare costs and improving overall quality of life.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateJun 1, 2016

The deadly toxin acrolein has a useful biological role

Researchers at RIKEN discovered that acrolein can combine with polyamines to form substances that prevent the aggregation of amyloid-beta peptides, a process linked to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that acrolein may have an anti-fibrillation effect, potentially influencing the progression of neurological disorders.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 1, 2016

West African genes lower the risk of obesity in men, suggests study

African American men with high West African genetic ancestry have lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, indicating reduced central adiposity. In contrast, African American women do not show a similar association, suggesting that genes from West Africa may offer protection against obesity in men but not women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateJun 1, 2016