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Science News for June 27, 2016


Foot wrap offers alternative to medication for patients with restless legs syndrome

A pilot study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found an adjustable foot wrap to be significantly more effective than standard pharmaceutical treatment for restless legs syndrome. The device caused a 1.4 times increase in sleep for those with moderate to severe symptoms.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJun 27, 2016

Household fuels a major contributor to Beijing's infamous air pollution

A new study found that household use of coal and dirty fuels in households is a major contributor to Beijing's notorious air pollution. Eliminating these emissions could reduce particulate levels by up to 22%. Regional efforts are crucial to address this issue, as individual cities may not have control over surrounding regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Getting a grip on slippery cell membranes

Researchers at WPI and Penn used laboratory experiments and computational modeling to study the interactions between molecular motors, filaments, and membranes. They found that a single myosin-1 molecule is not enough to generate sufficient force against slippery membranes, requiring up to 124 molecules working together.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 27, 2016

Household fuels exceed power plants and cars as source of smog in Beijing

New research reveals that households in Beijing contribute significantly to outdoor pollution, producing 50% of black carbon emissions and 69% of organic carbon emissions. The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in homes is a major source of ill health in China, with air pollution ranking as a leading cause of premature death.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

State medical home initiative slashes healthcare costs for complex Medicaid patients

A state medical home initiative has been shown to slash healthcare costs for complex Medicaid patients by an average of $4,145.28 per patient per year. The integrated care model reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic illnesses and substance abuse or psychiatric conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016

Flipping a protein switch to illuminate brain functions

Scientists at Kyoto University have engineered an artificial switch that can selectively activate neurotransmitter receptors, a breakthrough that could contribute to the development of new drugs for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. This innovation sheds light on the role of these receptors in memory formation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2016

How the spleen filters blood

A new study finds that the spleen filters blood cells by imposing a 'physical fitness test' through its narrow passages, which defines the shape and size of red blood cells. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases affecting blood cell shape, such as malaria, and developing novel drug targets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Could ancient wheat be the future of food?

Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 27, 2016

Four newly identified genes could improve rice

A Japanese research team has discovered four new genes in rice that could significantly improve crop breeding and help address global food shortages. The newly identified genes, found through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), influence traits such as flowering date, panicle number, and grain yield.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 27, 2016

Antibodies to dengue may alter course of Zika virus infection

Scientists have found that antibodies developed in response to dengue virus can cross-react with and neutralize Zika virus, but also enhance its infection in laboratory experiments. These findings suggest a complex relationship between the two viruses and offer potential insights for vaccine design and treatment.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Softwares for fMRI yield erroneous results

Researchers at Linköping University found that common fMRI analysis methods produce false positives, leading to inflated false positive rates. The team's alternative method yielded more accurate results, reducing the false positive rate from 60% to 5%.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Researchers look into the brains of music fans

A study by the University of Bonn reveals that when participants were given the freedom to set prices themselves, their brains showed increased activation in the lingual gyrus, an area associated with social stimuli. This suggests that social considerations, such as fairness, played a significant role in their decision-making process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 27, 2016

Researchers develop method to map cancer progression

A team of scientists has developed a computational method to map cancer progression, which offers new insights into the factors that spur this affliction. The researchers used gene sequencing data to create a model that predicts how a tumor's genomes will change over time.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Electronic medical practice environment can lead to physician burnout

A national study of US physicians reveals that the use of electronic health records and computerized physician order entry leads to lower satisfaction and higher rates of professional burnout. The findings highlight the need to find ways to incorporate these tools without increasing clerical burden or reducing efficiency for physicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 27, 2016

Anthrax capsule vaccine completely protects monkeys from lethal inhalational anthrax

A new anthrax capsule vaccine has been found to completely protect monkeys from lethal inhalational anthrax infection. The study suggests that the capsule is a highly effective vaccine component that could be incorporated into future generation anthrax vaccines, offering a safer alternative to existing protective antigen-based vaccines.

Genome technology boosts malaria control efforts

Researchers have performed the first large-scale genomic analysis of P. vivax malaria infections, revealing patterns of variation that result from ancient events and recent selection. The study provides valuable information on parasite diversity within individuals and globally, which is essential for understanding how malaria is transm...

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 27, 2016

Study finds higher rates of distress and impaired physical health among LGBT populations

A large-scale survey found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults report higher rates of severe psychological distress, heavy drinking, and smoking compared to heterosexuals. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals and public health practitioners to address the unique health needs of this vulnerable population.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016

New pathway to treat heart failure

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found a new way to keep the heart pumping, which could lead to new drugs for heart disease. By activating the beta2-adrenergic receptor, they can promote the contraction of heart muscle cells and potentially treat heart failure.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Changes to mitochondrial metabolism allow the immune system to adapt to infection

Scientists at CNIC discover how immune cells adapt to live bacteria through mitochondrial metabolism changes. The study found that detection of live bacteria triggers a change in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enabling macrophages to redirect metabolic routes for efficient energy production.

Blocking key enzyme halts Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that blocking the enzyme c-Abl prevents Parkinson's disease symptoms in specially bred mice. The study also found that a chemical tag on the protein α-synuclein may signal the disorder's presence and progression. The findings suggest both a promising target for drug research and a potent...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 27, 2016

Building a smart cardiac patch

Scientists at Harvard University have developed a 'bionic' cardiac patch that can monitor and respond to cardiac problems, potentially revolutionizing heart attack treatment. The patch, made of nanoscale electronic scaffolds, can detect arrhythmia and adjust its performance in real-time.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 27, 2016

From fire breaks to fire hazards

The world's peat bogs, once waterlogged repositories of dead moss, are being converted into fuel-packed fire hazards that can burn for months and generate deadly smoke. Research shows that peat mining, drainage, and global warming have made a growing number of the world's bogs dry and vulnerable to fire.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 27, 2016

Study examines health, risks for gay, bisexual adults

A national study found lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults experience significant health disparities, particularly in mental health and substance use. The study suggests that minority stress, including exposure to interpersonal and structural discrimination, contributes to these health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016