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Science News for May 19, 2016


Genes for nose shape found

A UCL-led study identifies five genes controlling nose and chin shape, providing new insights into human face evolution and potential forensics applications. The study analyzed over 6,000 individuals with varied ancestry and found specific genes influencing facial features.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Screening strategy identifies adults at risk for developing kidney disease

A targeted screening program in Canada identified a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for chronic kidney disease and many with unrecognized CKD. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) program successfully promoted good kidney health and provided early detection of CKD, emphasizing the importance of targeted screening.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016

Can a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer?

A large proportion of US cancer deaths might be prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The study found that individuals who met specific criteria for a healthy lifestyle pattern had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 19, 2016

Bright light alters metabolism

A new study found that bright light exposure increases insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and evening. This could lead to excess blood glucose, weight gain, and a higher risk of diabetes over time. The study suggests that lighting impacts health outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

Commissions that reflected on Ebola outbreak highlight overlapping conclusions in new PLOS piece

A new PLOS Medicine article highlights the need for strengthened national health systems, consolidated global emergency response activities, and enhanced research and development to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The study's authors emphasize that system-wide accountability and continuous oversight are crucia...

Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2016

What the New York Times gets wrong about PTSD

Drexel researchers found the New York Times' coverage of PTSD from 1980 to 2015 neglected civilian and non-military cases, negatively framing the disorder. This narrow focus can inhibit awareness about PTSD resilience and recovery, and constrain discourse on social determinants of traumatic stress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 19, 2016

Full extraction

Lomonosov Moscow State University scientists have developed a new method to extract DNA from various organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of preventive vaccines against infectious diseases, allergies, and cancers.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience·DateMay 19, 2016

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics

A study published in Science reveals that a molecule called ppGpp enables bacteria to repair damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics. Adjusting the action of ppGpp may make bacteria more vulnerable to existing antibiotics, potentially yielding future solutions for antibiotic resistance and degenerative diseases.

Simple public health intervention may prevent chronic kidney disease

A simple public health intervention helped prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Pakistan by training community health workers and general practitioners on healthy lifestyle advice. After 7 years, individuals with the combined intervention had preserved kidney function, while those who received usual care experienced a ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016

Biologists find how plants reconstitute stem cells

A team of biologists at New York University found that plants can reconstitute their stem cells from mature cells by replaying embryonic development. This process involves the recruitment of specialized cells to create a new set of stem cells, highlighting the importance of tissue behavior over stem cell properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell·DateMay 19, 2016

Electricity and economics

A new study analyzes data from 21 countries and finds a positive correlation between electricity consumption and life satisfaction in some nations, while others show the opposite relationship. The research suggests that narrowing production-consumption gaps can improve human development outcomes.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Energy Issues·DateMay 19, 2016

How birds turn red

Scientists have identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments into red colors, enhancing color vision and possibly signaling individual quality. The discovery fills a gap in understanding the genetics of red coloration in birds, with implications for future research on evolution and ecology.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2016

Atmospheric aerosols can significantly cool down climate

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that increasing atmospheric aerosol concentration can significantly slow down and even temporarily stop global warming. Aerosol particles in the stratosphere prove extremely efficient in cooling down the climate, while those in the troposphere impact climate through cloud formation.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMay 19, 2016

Dynamic dazzle distorts speed

Researchers found that dynamic dazzle patterns can distort perceived speed, causing a targeting error of up to 2m for a Land Rover. The effect remains even with only a small patch of the pattern visible, providing potential applications for camouflage on vehicles with central doors.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

Plants are 'biting' back

Researchers from Bonn University discovered calcium phosphate as a structural biomineral in rock nettle plants, providing them with a hardened defense mechanism against herbivores. The unique material, structurally similar to reinforced concrete, is used instead of silica or calcium carbonate in most plants.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 19, 2016

What can help dropouts?

Researchers found that treatment can reduce negative life outcomes for dropouts, such as getting arrested and needing government assistance. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of dropping out, including rejection by classmates in elementary school and becoming a parent at a young age.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 19, 2016

More light on cancer

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University develop nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate into cancer cells, emitting light to aid in early diagnosis. The particles can also be used as targeted drug delivery systems, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 19, 2016

Oldest actinopterygian from China provides new evidence for origin of ray-finned fishes

A newly discovered Chinese fossil, Meemannia, is the oldest known actinopterygian, providing new evidence for the origin of ray-finned fishes. The study reveals that early bony fish had 'cosmine'-like tissues, previously thought to unite lobe-fins and ray-fins, and confirms Meemannia as an early-diverging ray-finned fish.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2016

Executive powers in the nursery

A new University of Toronto study examines the effect of infant vocalizations on adult cognitive conflict processing and attention. The research found that infant cries reduce attention to tasks and trigger greater cognitive conflict than infant laughs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

ORNL demonstrates large-scale technique to produce quantum dots

Researchers at ORNL have demonstrated a scalable method to produce semiconducting nanoparticles using bacteria-fed sugar at temperatures below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This approach reduces production costs by approximately 90 percent compared to conventional methods, making it attractive for applications in electronics, displays, solar...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateMay 19, 2016

Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system

A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.

How plants conquered the land

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a key gene, ANR, that enabled plants to tolerate extreme dehydration, allowing them to colonize land around 500 million years ago. The gene is unique to basal land plants and plays a crucial role in responding to stress hormones like ABA.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 19, 2016

Electronic device detects molecules linked to cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Researchers have developed a single-layer organic nanometer-scale transistor that can detect molecules associated with neurodegenerative diseases and some types of cancer. The device uses glutathione and glutathione S-transferase to identify target molecules, offering sensitivity and potential for rapid diagnosis.

Penn Vet research suggests a way to identify animals at risk of blood clots

Researchers at Penn Vet found that a common blood test may also indicate hypercoagulability in animals. A study of hundreds of dogs found that shortened prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were associated with clinical signs of hypercoagulability, including clots and suspected pulmonary thromboembolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care·DateMay 19, 2016

How did cardinals get those bright red feathers?

Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2016

Children injured in motor vehicle crashes fare better at level I pediatric trauma centers

A new study by Children's Minnesota found that children treated at Level I pediatric trauma centers have lower risks of complications and adolescents face greater odds of death compared to adult trauma centers. Pediatric trauma centers provide conservative care approaches, leading to better outcomes for injured children.

SourceChildren's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateMay 19, 2016

Switch and stick

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems have discovered a new reversible adhesive using gallium that can be controlled by temperature changes. The adhesive has potential applications in various fields such as biological samples handling and industrial pick-and-place processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 19, 2016

36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes

The Fr1da study has detected an early stage of type 1 diabetes in 105 out of 26,760 children aged two to five years. The children have not shown signs of metabolic imbalance, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventive healthcare. Families are being offered comprehensive support and care.

NIH study confirms benefits of intensive blood pressure management among seniors aged 75 and older

A new analysis of the SPRINT study confirms that adults aged 75 and older with high blood pressure benefit from a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 120 mm Hg, reducing cardiovascular events by 33% and death risk by 32%. The findings suggest a more aggressive blood pressure intervention may be beneficial for this age group.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMay 19, 2016

Making injectable medicine safer

University at Buffalo researchers have created a method to strip away excess surfactants from common injectable drugs, potentially making them safer and more effective for millions. The breakthrough removes potentially harmful additives, improving the formulation of anti-cancer medicine, testosterone, and other drugs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika

Researchers have identified a key protein in Zika virus that blocks the action of interferons in human cells, making humans more susceptible to infection. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccine development by blocking the activity of this protein.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 19, 2016

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips

Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Surface Science and Engineering·DateMay 19, 2016