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Science News for May 12, 2016


Obesity on the rise in Indonesia

A recent study reveals that obesity is on the rise in Indonesia, exacerbated by a 'double burden of malnutrition' affecting children. Children stunted due to undernutrition are more likely to become overweight, posing serious health risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2016

Is sleeve gastrectomy a good choice for people with a sweet tooth?

A study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques found that sleeve gastrectomy is effective for individuals classified as moderate or severe sweet eaters before the surgery. The procedure has shown promising weight loss results, even among those with high pre-surgery sweets consumption.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 12, 2016

Finnish research shows inaccuracies in emission measurements of important greenhouse gas, N2O

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland and others found significant inaccuracies in traditional chamber techniques for measuring nitrous oxide emissions from soils. The eddy covariance method with modern laser technology provides more accurate continuous measurements, averaging out spatial and temporal variations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Viruses detected in Swedish mosquito larvae

Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.

SourceUmea University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMay 12, 2016

Migrant money puts aid in the shade

A new study by Eric Akobeng reveals that international remittances have a significant impact on reducing poverty and inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest a 10% increase in remittances as share of GDP leads to a decline in the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day, extreme poverty, and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance·DateMay 12, 2016

Bacteria are individualists

A recent study reveals that bacteria can differ significantly in their response to a lack of nutrients, allowing the group to continue growing even when some cells suffer. This phenomenon promotes flexibility and diversity within bacterial populations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 12, 2016

Stopping cancer in its tracks

Researchers at the University of Chicago found that inhibiting autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, effectively blocks tumor cell migration and breast cancer metastasis in tumor models. Autophagy is essential for tumor metastasis, and its inhibition can be an effective approach to block metastatic dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to treat composite materials with microwaves, increasing their stability and strength in wellbores for oil and gas production. The treatment involved combining graphene nanoribbons with thermoset polymers and heating them with low-power microwaves.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 12, 2016

Surgical oncology societies: Global curriculum to address training variations, inadequacies

The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 12, 2016

When foes become friends

Researchers discovered that a few changes in the genome are sufficient to turn a fungal plant pathogen into a potentially beneficial organism. The beneficial fungus has gained new genes and lost others, leading to reduced effector proteins needed to suppress the plant's immune system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

New innovations to combat resistant infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing novel diagnostic tests and nanopatterned surfaces to combat resistant infections. A new rapid diagnostic test can predict effective antibiotics, reducing reliance on strongest options. Novel antimicrobial surfaces could improve biomedical devices and implant success rates.

Kidney disease may increase hospitalized patients' risk of complications

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of experiencing hospital-acquired complications when hospitalized. A study of 536,549 adults found that CKD patients were 19% more likely to experience complications than those with normal kidney function, with the risk increasing as CKD severity worsened.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 12, 2016

Why animals court their own sex

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is more common than thought and may have benefits in the opposite sex. SSB was found to increase reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex, suggesting a genetic mechanism driving its prevalence across various animal species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Brain cells that aid appetite control identified

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a crucial role of NG2-glia cells in the median eminence in regulating appetite and body weight. The cells support and shelter leptin receptor neurons, enabling them to instruct the body when to stop eating, leading to potential new targeted anti-obesity approaches.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Hedgehogs are indeed not so widespread in England any more

A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 12, 2016

Queen's scientists develop new treatment to prolong life of those with cystic fibrosis

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 12, 2016

Study of glioma susceptibility in dogs may yield insights for humans

A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

Eyewitnesses' memories darken skin color

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that eyewitness memories are biased against black suspects in drive-by shootings, with incorrect recall rates as high as 80%. This study highlights the potential for wrongful convictions and emphasizes the need to consider eyewitness testimony's limitations in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2016

Rare human disease found in dogs

A rare form of pulmonary hypertension has been discovered in dogs, with similar symptoms and potentially useful as a model for human PVOD. The study, published in Veterinary Pathology, could lead to new insights into the disease and its treatment options.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalVeterinary Pathology·DateMay 12, 2016

Loneliness in midlife

A study of 16,132 participants found that midlife loneliness is associated with low income, health restrictions, and limited social interaction. High income, professional status, and good job security are protective factors against loneliness in this age group.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 12, 2016

Fighting hospital germs with sugar

Scientists have created a synthetic molecule that mimics the sugar coating on C. difficile bacteria, triggering an immune response and protecting against infection. The potential vaccine could be cost-effective and used to boost the immune system in patients.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

Suspense in the movie theatre air

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and Johannes Gutenberg University found that every movie leaves a characteristic pattern in the air, with increases in carbon dioxide and isoprene levels indicating suspense or humor. The study uses mass spectrometry to analyze exhaled air and differentiate between scenes in movies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

New study suggests rethink of dementia causes

Researchers propose an out-of-control immune system as a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. The theory suggests that prolonged activation of the innate immune system leads to brain cell death, contributing to the decline in these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMay 12, 2016

Social engineering: Password in exchange for chocolate

A large-scale study found that offering small gifts, such as chocolate, can increase the willingness of people to share their passwords with strangers due to the principle of reciprocity. In the experiment, 43.5% of participants shared their passwords when given chocolate beforehand, compared to 29.8% in control groups.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 12, 2016

Can psychological therapies help people who self-harm?

A Cochrane Review evaluated the evidence for psychosocial interventions in adults who self-harm. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was found to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviors and improving emotional well-being. The review included 55 trials with a total of 17,699 participants.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMay 12, 2016

More potent, inexpensive gene silencing agents described in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics

Researchers have developed single-stranded silencing RNAs (ss-siRNAs) with improved potency and activity, using inexpensive chemical modification to enhance their therapeutic potential. The study's findings have the potential to democratize gene therapy research, enabling more researchers to explore new treatments.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateMay 12, 2016

Melatonin signaling is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a genetic variant of the melatonin receptor gene, MTNR1B, may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin-inhibiting effects of melatonin. This increased sensitivity can lead to lower insulin secretion and higher blood sugar levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

In Sierra Leone, short reconciliation ceremonies restore social ties

A new study in Sierra Leone found that short reconciliation ceremonies helped communities recover from civil war, increasing trust and public goods contribution. However, the process also had negative effects on individuals' anxiety and depression, suggesting policymakers need to restructure such processes to reduce psychological costs...

Badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data

A new study found that badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data and materials sharing, making research findings more accessible and reliable. The initiative, which awards badges to publications meeting specific sharing criteria, has been shown to improve the quality and availability of research data and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

The world's first wireless satellite

The University of Würzburg researchers developed Skith, a technology for the world's first wireless satellite, allowing for reduced design effort and costs. The system uses miniaturized high-speed real-time radio modules with short ranges, boosting technical reliability and flexibility.

Four synchronized planets reveal clues to how planets form

The Kepler-223 planetary system has unusually long-term stability due to gravitational interactions between its four planets, which return to the same positions relative to each other and their host star. Numerical simulations suggest that slow migration during formation could have placed these planets into their balanced configuration.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2016

Scientists find what might be responsible for slow heart function under general anesthesia

Researchers identified three critical protein domains affected by anesthesia, which directly impacts heart pumping function, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring in patients under general anesthesia. The study opens doors to developing new anesthetics without depressing heart function as a side effect.

Breast cancer drug found to reduce seizures

A Northwestern University study found that a class of drugs inhibiting estrogen production can quickly and effectively suppress brain seizures. The effect was profound and clear, suggesting a new approach to treating seizures by shutting down the brain's production of estrogen when a seizure first begins.

A sixth sense protects drivers except when texting

A study by the University of Houston found that drivers' natural ability to correct themselves while driving is more effective than previously thought. When drivers are distracted or upset, their brain's automatic error correction system helps them stay on course, but texting significantly disrupts this process.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

EuroPCR 2016 abstracts now online

New techniques and devices are being developed to treat heart failure, mitral valve regurgitation, and coronary artery lesions. Studies show high procedural success rates and improvements in heart function and quality of life.

SourcePCR·DateMay 12, 2016

Brain images reveal first physical evidence that AA prayers reduce cravings

Long-term AA members who recited AA prayers after viewing drinking-related images reported less craving for alcohol than those who just read a newspaper. Brain activity increased in areas responsible for attention and emotion, suggesting an innate ability to minimize the effect of alcohol triggers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateMay 12, 2016