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Science News for October 11, 2016


Canadian Cardiovascular Society sets new guidelines for management of lipid metabolism disorders that affect cholesterol and cause atherosclerosis

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has published new guidelines for managing dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend shared decision-making between physician and patient, with a focus on patient involvement in lipid target setting.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateOct 11, 2016

Roadmap to get new cancer scans into clinic

A team of international scientists has outlined 14 recommendations to improve the adoption of new cancer scans in clinics. The guidelines aim to address challenges such as variability in methodologies and lack of reproducibility across laboratories.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateOct 11, 2016

Recharging on stable, amorphous silicon

Researchers have developed a porous amorphous silicon modification that compensates for the disadvantages of crystalline silicon in lithium ion batteries. The resulting material exhibits excellent electrochemical characteristics with a capacity three times better than graphite and much longer cycling stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016

Study: Shakespeare play helps children with autism communicate

A new study found that using Shakespeare's rhythmic language paired with physical gestures improved social interaction and language skills in children with autism. The 'Hunter Heartbeat Method' intervention showed significant improvement in facial expression recognition and social relationships.

SourceMediaSource·JournalResearch and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateOct 11, 2016

Study finds differences in obesity rates between children/teens with and without autism

A new study by Tufts University researchers found that children and teens with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be obese and stay obese during adolescence. The study analyzed data from the National Survey of Children's Health and found a higher prevalence of obesity in children with ASD, which remained steady across age groups.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateOct 11, 2016

MD Anderson-led study finds ribociclib improves progression-free survival for women with metastatic breast cancer

A Phase III trial found ribociclib improved PFS of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer by 44 percent compared to hormone therapy alone. The study also showed a higher ORR in patients receiving ribociclib, with serious adverse events occurring less than five percent overall.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 11, 2016

It takes patience to restore watercourses

A group of researchers at Umeå University studied the effects of improved methods for restoring Swedish streams, including adding large boulders and trees. The results showed that while complex channels and watercourses can be easily created, reintroducing plants and aquatic animals takes time and patience.

SourceUmea University·JournalEcosystems·DateOct 11, 2016

CNIC researchers identify a mechanism through which the Leishmania parasite sabotages the immune response

Researchers at CNIC have identified a mechanism that allows the Leishmania parasite to evade the immune system by binding to receptor Mincle on dendritic cells. The study found that the parasite's Mincle ligand weakens immune response, allowing it to replicate and be transmitted.

Treating the inflammation in lymphedema

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has discovered that a specific subset of blood cells - the regulatory T cells - can suppress lymphedema. This finding could help develop therapies to cure lymphedema by targeting inflammatory responses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 11, 2016

'Weighing' atoms with electrons

Scientists at the University of Vienna have developed a new technique to measure isotopes in nanometer-sized areas of materials, revealing atomic-resolution electron microscopes can distinguish between different isotopes of carbon. This method can be extended to other two-dimensional materials and has the potential to improve synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2016

Diagnosis of cancer as a medical emergency leads to poorer prognosis for many patients

Patients diagnosed with cancer at emergency presentation have poorer survival rates compared to those diagnosed electively. The review highlights inequalities in socioeconomic groups and ethnicity, emphasizing the need for new screening methods and improved participation in existing screening programs to reduce emergency presentations.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateOct 11, 2016

Surprising role of bacterial genes in evolution

Researchers have demonstrated that horizontal gene transfer may play a major role in compensating for genome reduction in endosymbionts. This process involves the acquisition of genes from neighboring bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which fills gaps in organelle-localized biosynthetic pathways.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2016

Exercise beneficial to those with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump

Aerobic exercise improves glycemic control and reduces insulin requirements in T1D patients. The study found that physically active patients had more responsible behavior in monitoring their glucose levels, suggesting an educational program addressing diet, insulin injecting monitoring, and exercise could be highly advantageous.

Empowering preschool children with the language of math adds up to stronger skills

A new study from Purdue University found that exposing preschool children to simple math concepts, such as 'more' and 'fewer', can improve their mathematical skills. The study showed that children who participated in small groups discussing age-appropriate mathematical language scored higher on math tests than those who did not.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Research on Educational Effectiveness·DateOct 11, 2016

DFG to fund 7 new research units

The DFG is funding seven new research units with a total of approximately €15 million. The units will focus on various topics such as building design, metal-organic frameworks, and autoimmune diseases like pemphigus. The funding will enable researchers to pursue current issues in their fields and establish innovative directions.

Cicada wings inspire antireflective surfaces

A team of Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers developed antireflective structures capable of suppressing visible light at different angles of incidence. The structures, inspired by cicada wings, were fabricated using titanium dioxide and show great potential for photovoltaic devices like solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 11, 2016

Asian American children and youth

Research on Asian American children and youth highlights key aspects of diversity within the group, including culture, language, socioeconomic status, and immigration experiences. Studies reveal variations in poverty rates, bullying rates, and academic outcomes among subgroups, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive measurement.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 11, 2016

Inadequate state children's mental health structure hampers chances for improved care

A national survey of state mental health directors reveals poorly organized state agency structures, workforce shortages, limited accessibility, and stigma concerns are hindering improvements in children's mental health care. The survey highlights the need for increased public awareness and understanding to increase access to services.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research·DateOct 11, 2016

'Poring over' DNA

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a new electronic DNA sequencing platform using biologically engineered nanopores, enabling highly scalable, accurate single-molecule DNA sequencing. The method can transform precision medicine by dramatically lowering the cost of sequencing while increasing accuracy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2016

Female brains change in sync with hormones

Scientists discovered that female brain structures change monthly in response to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hippocampus which plays a crucial role in memories and emotions. The study aims to better understand premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by examining the brain's monthly rhythm.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 2016

Women recruited to run for office don't expect any help

A recent study by Brigham Young University's Jessica Preece found that women are less likely to respond to recruitment efforts due to biased assumptions about help and support. Meanwhile, adjusting the tone of messages can increase women's political interest and participation. To address these disparities, parties must be cautious of b...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateOct 11, 2016

Catalyst from the microwave

Researchers develop new microwave-assisted thermolysis method to produce highly crystalline g-C(3)N(3) catalysts with remarkably few defects. This results in improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from sunlight.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016

Lack of opportunities promotes brood care

Researchers found that a single white-browed coucal parent can successfully raise its brood, unlike black coucals which form pairs and share parental duties. The study suggests that females only form pairs due to lack of opportunities to find additional male partners.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 11, 2016

Astroglia zip the 2 halves of the brain together

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that astroglial cells play a crucial role in forming the corpus callosum, a bridge-like structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. Without this cellular support, callosal agenesis occurs, affecting 1 in 4,000 people and leading to developmental disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 11, 2016

Transplantation with induced neural stem cells improves stroke recovery in mice

Researchers found that induced neural stem cells promoted survival and functional recovery in mice modeled with ischemic stroke. The study also discovered that early administration of iNSCs protected the brain from ischemia-related damage, reducing infarct volume and enhancing sensorimotor function.

Temporary extinction reprieve for some frogs

Researchers found that three frog species in the protected Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Area might have sufficient time to conserve before extinction due to climate change. The study suggests that conservation managers could intervene successfully with translocation programs.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 11, 2016

Maternal chronic disease linked to higher rates of congenital heart disease in babies

A Taiwanese study of almost 1.4 million births found that pregnant women with maternal chronic diseases have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with severe congenital heart disease. The study also found a slightly increased risk of mild congenital heart disease in offspring of mothers with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 11, 2016