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Science News for October 12, 2016


Eating may trigger bacterial therapy

Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.

Smokeless tobacco product snus may increase risk of death among prostate cancer patients

A new study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death. Snus users had higher levels of nicotine and exposure to carcinogens compared to never-users, suggesting a potential link between snus use and prostate cancer progression.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateOct 12, 2016

Study finds Ebola treatment ZMapp holds promise, although results not definitive

A randomized controlled trial found ZMapp to be safe and well-tolerated, with a 40% lower risk of death for those who received the treatment. However, the trial was conducted during a public health emergency and enrolled too few participants to determine definitively whether ZMapp is superior to standard care alone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Vitamins A and C help erase cell memory

Researchers discovered vitamins A and C enhance epigenetic memory erasure by increasing TET enzyme activity, a crucial step for regenerative medicine. The study provides insights into the mechanisms of vitamin A and C action, with potential implications for treating vitamin A-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

Diversity as natural pesticide

Research suggests that increasing plant diversity can limit the nutrient supply for insect pests, reducing their populations. By introducing different genotypes of the same crop species with varying nutrient levels, farmers may be able to control insects while maintaining consistent production.

Indigenous group add to evidence tying cesarean birth to obesity

A Purdue University study of an indigenous group of Maya people reinforces the link between Cesarean births and obesity. The study found that mothers who have high BMI and had a cesarean are going to have the fattest children in the village, with differences in child sizes suggesting birth method plays a role in development.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateOct 12, 2016

Real-time, observable MRI delivery updated to improve stem cell therapy for Parkinson's

Researchers used Real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (RT-IMRI) to guide the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons into brains modeled with Parkinson's disease. The study found that RT-IMRI guidance enhances cell survival and improves procedure efficacy and safety.

The Milky Way's ancient heart

Researchers found a dozen previously unknown RR Lyrae stars at the center of the Milky Way, indicating that galactic bulges may have formed through merging ancient globular clusters. The discovery provides strong evidence for an important theory of galactic evolution.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 12, 2016

How long should children play video games?

A new study found that limited video game play time may provide benefits to children, including improved motor skills and higher school achievement scores. However, excessive gaming was linked to conduct problems, peer conflicts, and reduced social abilities.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 12, 2016

Smarter lunchrooms innovators

A new study from Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs finds that career development opportunities are crucial for food service directors to adopt healthier lunchroom changes. Food service directors who participate in professional organizations and trainings are more likely to be aware of the Smarter Lunch...

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvaluation and Program Planning·DateOct 12, 2016

Jellyfish help scientists to fight food fraud

A new study by the University of Southampton uses jellyfish to track marine animals' movements and locations, providing a powerful tool against food fraud. The research can also be used to maintain healthy sustainable fish stocks and ensure consumer confidence in marine eco-labelling.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 12, 2016

Brain receptor identified as link between obese mothers and children's high blood pressure

A study by King's College London has discovered a link between maternal obesity during pregnancy and increased blood pressure in children, with the 'fullness' hormone leptin playing a key role. Mice exposed to high levels of leptin in the womb developed high blood pressure and kidney damage later in life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2016

Why do some STEM fields have fewer women than others? UW study may have the answer

A new UW study examines gender disparities across STEM fields and finds that a masculine culture discourages women from participating. The researchers identify three main factors: a masculine culture that makes women feel like they don't belong, a lack of pre-college experience in certain fields, and stereotypes about women's abilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 12, 2016

People can simultaneously give a hand to endangered apes and stay at safe distance

The study highlights the risks of human presence on endangered ape populations, including disease transmission and habitat destruction. To mitigate these threats, Schultz proposes improving protocols and regulations for ecotourism and promoting understanding of interspecies disease transmission as a conservation threat.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBIORISK – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Risk Assessment·DateOct 12, 2016

Targeting fat to treat cancer

A team of researchers at the Salk Institute has found a way to obstruct the creation of fat molecules in cancer cells, stalling their growth. This approach involves inhibiting an enzyme called Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase, which is crucial for lipid synthesis activity.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 12, 2016

Who are you calling a good liberal?

A recent study by Jacob Neiheisel found that liberal branding can affect election outcomes, with stronger influence on down-ballot races. The researcher analyzed campaign ads and survey data from the 2004 US presidential election, revealing that name-calling has a role in shaping voters' attitudes towards candidates.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateOct 12, 2016

Two tales of a city to understand sustainability

Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new framework to understand the complex relationships between urban water management and global sustainability. The study uses telecoupling processes to analyze the water dynamics of Beijing, China's capital city, and its impact on distant regions. By combining local and global p...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology and Society·DateOct 12, 2016

Modern roof shapes tested against big blows

Researchers at James Cook University found that complex roof shapes can lead to high forces on connections between the roof and house frame, increasing the risk of roof cladding loss. Poorly maintained houses or minor construction defects can exacerbate this issue.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalAustralian Journal of Structural Engineering·DateOct 12, 2016