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Science News for March 7, 2016


Time to rethink your vegetable oil?

A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMar 7, 2016

Liposomes cannot penetrate the skin

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark found that liposomes cannot penetrate the human skin barrier intact. The study used a nanoscope to directly observe individual molecules and liposomes, revealing no penetration without breaking down. This challenges previous assumptions about liposome efficacy in skincare and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2016

New mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders face increased risk of suicide: Study

A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2016

Lung cancer screening: New Canadian guideline

Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 7, 2016

Children know best whether an allergy spray works for them

A recent study found that children aged 6-11 with seasonal allergic rhinitis reported significant symptom improvement after using MP-AzeFlu, while caregivers struggled to accurately assess symptoms. The study highlights the importance of pediatric symptom assessment in determining treatment efficacy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMar 7, 2016

Alzheimer's more versatile than previously known

A new study from Lund University reveals that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain may be caused by both overproduction and problems with breaking down the protein. The research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought, with potential implications for future treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

Clinician communication reduced distress related to the detection of incidental nodules

A cross-sectional survey found that detailed clinician communication can alleviate patient distress associated with incidental pulmonary nodules. Patients who received accurate information about their nodule size and diagnosis had a more reassuring experience, reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 7, 2016

'Person-on-a-chip': U of T engineers grow 3-D heart, liver tissues for better drug testing

Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed a new way of growing realistic human tissues outside the body, called AngioChip. The technology uses a three-dimensional structure complete with internal blood vessels and can be used to test drugs on lab-grown human tissues, providing a realistic model at a fraction of the cost.

Songbirds pinpoint effects of Huntington's disease

Researchers have pinpointed the effects of Huntington's disease on a specific brain area responsible for complex movements, such as talking or playing music. The study suggests that reintroducing normal patterns of activity in this area may be sufficient to restore normal behavior, offering potential therapeutic targets.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Preemies' gut bacteria reveal vast scope of antibiotic resistance

A new study found that premature infants' gut bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, with almost 800 genes identified, including those associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The study suggests that routine antibiotic use in preterm infants may not be effective and could lead to increased infection risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Team finds new approach to curbing cancer cell growth

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified a novel drug candidate that targets serine biosynthesis in cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. The new compound, CBR-5884, specifically targets the enzyme PHGDH, which is responsible for serine production, and shows promise in treating breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

New York harbor's oyster beds once protected against severe storm and extreme wave damage

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers suggests that the destruction of oyster reefs in New York Harbor led to a significant increase in storm-induced overwash deposition. The authors found that before European settlement, oyster beds absorbed wave energy, providing coastal protection.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateMar 7, 2016

Shark babies remain strong in future acidic oceans

A recent study found that epaulette shark embryos can withstand ocean acidification conditions predicted for the year 2100, but may be vulnerable when gills are still developing. This suggests that sharks may be more resilient than previously thought, but their survival depends on maintaining healthy habitats.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Funding boost for Zika virus research

The University of Liverpool's National Institute for Health Research has announced a £100,000 funding boost for Zika virus research to tackle the current outbreak in South America. The funding will support eight projects focusing on diagnostics, clinical studies, and understanding the disease mechanism.

Huntington's disease gene dispensable in adult mice

Researchers found that deleting the huntingtin gene in adult mice does not lead to lethal consequences, offering hope for treatment strategies involving gene silencing. The study suggests that gene suppression or editing strategies may be safe for adults, but further research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Gambling our way against climate change

Researchers used an experimental game to study how government representatives make decisions in social dilemmas. The results show that selfish representatives who contribute less than their fair share can still be re-elected and lead their countries to reach the target sum, while others contribute more. This study highlights the comple...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

'Thinking and feeling'

New research reveals that empathy is composed of two forms: cognitive (understanding) and affective (feeling). When partners have accurate knowledge but lack compassionate feelings, they tend to be less supportive. However, when both accuracy and concern are present, responsiveness increases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 7, 2016

Dementia plaques attack language center of brain

Researchers have discovered that amyloid protein build-up is greater on the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs, in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study provides new insights into the disease process and offers hope for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 7, 2016

Molecular-level relationships key to deciphering ocean carbon

Researchers have developed new tools to understand the complex relationships between ocean-borne compounds and microbes, revealing a vast network of molecular connections that store and transform atmospheric carbon in the world's oceans. The study focuses on dissolved organic matter, or DOM, as a central carbon reservoir.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Study: Cancer cells eat their neighbors' 'words'

Researchers at Rice University discovered that cancer cells can consume amino acids directly from exosomes, tiny packets of proteins and nucleic acids, to fuel tumor growth. This finding contradicts the long-held Warburg effect theory, suggesting each type of cancer has a unique metabolic profile.

Predicting avoidable 30-day readmissions

A multicenter study found that the HOSPITAL score accurately predicted patients at high risk of a 30-day potentially avoidable readmission. Patients identified as high risk were four times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days, and the score showed an excellent ability to identify these patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Potential Western Atlantic spawning area found for Atlantic bluefin tuna

Scientists have identified a new potential spawning ground for Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Slope Sea off the northeastern US coast. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of a single Gulf of Mexico spawning area, suggesting that western Atlantic bluefin may be less vulnerable to fishing and stressors.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Spider toxin analogue may help relieve pain

A spider toxin analogue, PnPP-19, has shown promise in relieving pain by targeting nervous system receptors similar to opioids and cannabis. The compound is also being studied for erectile dysfunction treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 7, 2016

Combining 2 techniques to 'rewire' the brain may improve arm and hand movement for stroke survivors

A new study found that combining peripheral nerve stimulation with constraint-based therapy enhances recovery of movement in the affected arm and hand, even after one year after a stroke. The technique takes advantage of the brain's neuroplasticity to reorganize or 'rewire' itself after injury.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMar 7, 2016

CNIO scientists have discovered a code of signals that regulates genome duplication

Researchers at CNIO have discovered a code of signals that regulates the concentration of proteins involved in genome duplication. The USP7 protein acts as a traffic officer, eliminating ubiquitin marks to favor protein accumulation and DNA copying. This balance is essential for accurate genome replication.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 7, 2016

Leaf mysteries revealed through the computer's eye

A computer program developed by researchers can categorize leaves into large evolutionary categories, leading to improved fossil identification and a better understanding of flowering plant evolution. The method achieves a 72% accuracy rate over 19 leaf families compared to random chance.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Healthy lifestyle advice provides long-term benefits

A study found that men who received healthy lifestyle advice for five years had a sustained 29% reduced risk of death from first heart attack, even after 40 years. Participants were advised to reduce saturated fats and increase fish and vegetable consumption.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2016

Retail clinics may increase health spending, study finds

A recent study published in Health Affairs found that retail clinic visits may not be as cost-effective as previously thought. The research suggests that the convenience of retail clinics can lead to increased spending on new medical care, outweighing any potential savings from reduced office or emergency department visits.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 7, 2016

Lack of stem cells to blame for recurrent miscarriages

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a lack of stem cells in the womb lining is causing thousands of women to suffer from recurrent miscarriages. The team believes a new treatment could bring hope to those who have suffered failed pregnancies, correcting defects before pregnancy and potentially preventing miscarriages.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 7, 2016

The expansion of the universe simulated

Physicists at Université de Genève developed a new code that simulates the rotation of space-time and gravitational waves in the formation of large-scale structures. This allows for more precise calculations than current codes, enabling the study of dark energy's role in the universe's expansion.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2016

Scaling up tissue engineering

Researchers at the Wyss Institute developed a method for bioprinting thick vascularized tissue constructs composed of human stem cells and extracellular matrix. The resulting tissues can sustain and function as living architectures for upwards of six weeks, enabling controlled perfusion of fluids, nutrients, and cell growth factors.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Warming up optoelectronic research

A team of US/UK physicists has developed a new material that can control excitons at room temperature, making it easier to manipulate these bound pairs of electrons and electron holes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new optoelectronic devices for commercial applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 7, 2016