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Science News for June 14, 2016


Stop cells in the brain

Researchers identified 'stop cells' in the brainstem of mice and lampreys that quickly end movement by activating neural networks. The study provides new insights into the neuronal control of movement termination in vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 14, 2016

Islands and their ecosystems

Biologist Juliano Sarmento Cabral's research focuses on understanding island ecosystems' diversity and its connection to the past. He simulates nature in virtual worlds to study how environmental factors affect plants and animals, including the impact of climate change on epiphytes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2016

Protein structure paves the way for new broad spectrum antifungals

A team of Duke researchers has solved the structure of an enzyme required to synthesize trehalose, a chemical cousin to table sugar that pathogenic fungi need to survive in human hosts. The research paves the way for designing new antifungal drugs against three deadly fungi: Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Origin of a myth: The second trauma cure for amnesia

Despite medical community's understanding of brain function, the double-trauma amnesia cure belief persisted due to anecdotal evidence and flawed theories. A French scientist named Francois Xavier Bichat proposed the idea that a second blow could restore memories in the late 18th century, but his claims were not backed by specific cases.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 2016

Discovery of a new mating position in frogs

Scientists have described a new mating position in the Bombay night frog, where males straddle over females' backs to release sperm without physical contact. This behavior is unique among anuran amphibians and has significant implications for understanding reproductive strategies.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 14, 2016

A new business model is needed to drive antibiotic development

A new business model is required to drive antibiotic development, driven by market failures and perverse incentives that hinder conservation efforts. The proposed delinkage of rewards from sales volume could transform the industry and ensure the development of much-needed new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Blood pressure medications reduce stroke and heart attack in peritoneal dialysis patients

A new study found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The study involved 4,879 patients and showed a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular events with...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2016

Study compares effectiveness of weight-loss drugs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide were associated with the highest odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss. The study included nearly 30,000 overweight or obese adults and identified the efficacy of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss agents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2016

Polymer 'pens'

The University of Delaware-DuPont team has received an NSF grant to investigate a new approach to manufacturing small-scale structures that are cheaper, lighter and defect-free. The research aims to create ultra-small features using self-assembling macromolecules and block copolymers.

Youth with parents, household members in prison more likely to have first baby before marriage

A Princeton University study examines the impact of parent incarceration on a child's future and finds youth who experience household member imprisonment are 41% more likely to give birth before marriage. This risk is highest for fathers or extended family members, highlighting the need for interventions targeting vulnerable populations.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJun 14, 2016

Study enables first-time analysis of earliest stage of HIV infection

A prospective, multinational study investigating virological and immunological changes due to HIV prior to clinical symptoms has identified 112 people with newly acquired infections just days after HIV exposure. The study provides valuable insights into the early stages of HIV infection and its impact on immune defense mechanisms.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

'Traffic-light' and numeric calorie labels cut calorie consumption by 10 percent

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that adding color-coded calorie labels to online food ordering systems reduces total calories ordered by about 10%. The simple traffic light labeling had a particularly strong impact among participants with low math skills and those who are obese.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 14, 2016

MicroRNAs help to predict disease progression in brain tumors

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to predict disease progression in glioblastoma patients. By analyzing four specific miRNAs, they can identify patients who are at high risk of poor treatment outcomes and may benefit from alternative or intensified treatments.

IBS breakthrough in the treatment of cancer

The IBS team identified baicalein as a suitable antagonist to battle malignant cancerous cells, binding to mismatched DNA and causing cancerous cells to self-destruct. The research found that baicalein significantly shrunk MutSα-deficient tumors in mice models, offering a viable option for patients with DNA MMR deficient tumors.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 14, 2016

Antiphonal singing in indris

Indris sing in antiphony to synchronize their songs, which produces louder voices for territorial defense. Young indris prefer antiphonal singing to advertise fighting ability and signal individuality.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 14, 2016

Antibiotics against severe salmonella infections in Africa increasingly ineffective

Researchers have found that antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains are becoming increasingly common in sub-Saharan Africa, posing a significant threat to public health. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, particularly among non-typhoid salmonella infections, is a major concern due to the lack of effective treatments.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJun 14, 2016

Helping co-workers can wear you out

A new study suggests that helping coworkers can be draining for employees, especially those with high pro-social motivation. Employees should exercise caution when agreeing to help and consider the magnitude of the issue before seeking assistance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 14, 2016

Hurricane Sandy: Collection of post-disaster studies published by DMPHP journal

A collection of studies investigated the effects of Hurricane Sandy on public health, highlighting factors contributing to community resilience and healthcare system impacts. Research also explored the effect on at-risk individuals, with funding allocated through the US Department of Health and Human Services.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJun 14, 2016

Cats seem to grasp the laws of physics

Researchers at Kyoto University found that cats use causal logic to infer object presence based on sounds. The study revealed cats' expectations are shaped by what they hear, enabling them to predict prey locations.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 14, 2016

Study shows that plasma protein supplementation helps prevent cell death in diabetes

A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.

How citizen journalism can lead to cyber bullying

Agneta Mallén's study reveals how citizen journalism can perpetuate cyberbullying through the sharing of low-quality videos that are perceived as truth. The researcher found that even when video clips are later debunked, the damage is already done and the person is subjected to virtual punishment.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention·DateJun 14, 2016

DNA in 'unbiased' model curls both ways

Researchers at Rice University used computer simulations to study DNA's twisted-ladder form, finding that chromosomes can emerge with either right- or left-handed superhelices. The discovery could help explain how cells regulate gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2016

Research reveals pain and pleasure of sad music

A study of 2,436 people found that listening to sad music can lead to feelings of pleasure, comfort, and relief, but also painful experiences related to personal loss. The research has implications for music therapy and rehabilitation, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in response to sad music.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 14, 2016

Americans are getting heart-healthier: Coronary heart disease decreasing in the US

A new study found significant improvements in coronary heart disease rates among the US population, particularly among those without established risk factors. The prevalence of CHD decreased by 1.3% from 2001-2002 to 2011-2012, with notable declines seen among women, non-Hispanic white and black adults, and those with health insurance.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016