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Science News for October 18, 2016


Study shows significant cost savings with a home-based palliative care program

A home-based palliative care (HBPC) program for individuals with advanced illnesses was associated with significant cost savings and improved quality of care. The study found a mean total cost of care per person reduced by $12,000, fewer hospital admissions, and greater use of hospice during the final three months of life.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016

Tuberculosis and HIV co-infection

A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that HIV co-infection reduces dendritic cell function, leading to increased tuberculosis risk. The research suggests a new treatment strategy using host-directed therapy to strengthen immune cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 18, 2016

Microbial life on Mars: The possibility must be considered conclude researchers in Astrobiology

Recent findings from the 1976 Viking mission and ongoing research suggest that microbial life on Mars is a possibility worth exploring. The presence of water, complex organic molecules, and methane in the Martian environment support a biological explanation for the results of the Viking Labeled Release experiment.

Impaired recycling of mitochondria in autism?

Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital discovered a defect in mitochondrial recycling in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder associated with autism. The study found that two existing classes of drugs, carbamazepine and mTOR inhibitors, can enhance autophagy and replenish healthy mitochondria.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 18, 2016

It's not your ears, it's your brain

Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateOct 18, 2016

Cell softness predicts corneal transplant success

A study found that corneal cells' softness indicates their potential for stem-like activity, enabling rapid and cost-effective enrichment of limbal stem cells. This biomarker could improve clinical success rates for corneal transplant patients with naturally low limbal stem cell percentages.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

Breaking up: a convoluted drama at nuclear scale, too

Scientists from Aarhus University used a state-of-the-art detector to measure the precise disintegration of carbon into three helium nuclei. Their findings reveal a sequence of fragmentations, relevant to developing aneutronic fusion reactions and improving our understanding of astrophysics phenomena.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateOct 18, 2016

Bacterial genes boost current in human cells

Researchers at Duke University have successfully delivered bacterial genes to human cells, enhancing electrical signaling and making cells more excitable. The technique could one day be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, restore electrical functions to scarred tissues, or improve conductivity in genetic diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2016

Full-circle viewing: 360-degree electronic holographic display

A South Korean research team has developed a novel tabletop display system allowing multiple viewers to view a full 3-D image from any angle, giving complete 360-degree access. The system uses an aspheric lens to solve visual distortion and aims to create high-quality holographic images in the near future.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 18, 2016

UM researchers study vast carbon residue of ocean life

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School used data from international scientific cruises to map the distribution of dissolved organic carbon in the Atlantic Ocean. They found that one third of global ocean net production comes from this basin, with nutrient arrival predicting DOC production.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2016

Debates: Linguistic trick boosts poll numbers

A study by University of Michigan professor Daniel Romero found that matching an opponent's linguistic style in presidential debates can lead to a bump in polls. Function words like conjunctions and quantifiers play a crucial role in this phenomenon, which is linked to processing fluency and easier understanding for third-party viewers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 18, 2016

Identity beats policy when it comes to voter choices

A new theory proposes that social identity and policy positions compete to shape voter choice. This model explains why voters often select candidates whose policies contradict their own interests, as people prioritize their self-image and social media signals over the practical benefits of voting.

SourceDuke University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 18, 2016

National catalog of protest data gives researchers more complete picture of events

A new national study of protest events offers a more comprehensive look at demonstrations across the US, revealing smaller event sizes and wider geographic coverage than newspaper reports. The study, published in Sociological Methods & Research, provides researchers with a richer dataset to analyze social movements and policy debates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSociological Methods & Research·DateOct 18, 2016

Ames Laboratory scientists gain insight on mechanism of unconventional superconductivity

Ames Laboratory scientists investigated the properties of iron-based superconducting materials, finding that transition temperature and magnetic field penetration depth depend on composition and disorder. The study provides new knowledge on unconventional superconductivity and will aid in discovering high-temperature superconductors.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 18, 2016

New tools identify key evolutionary advantages from ancient hominid interbreeding

Researchers have developed statistical tools to pinpoint genomic regions that confer benefits to modern humans, such as the EPAS1 gene, which helps Tibetans adapt to high altitudes. The study suggests these interbred regions may have enabled archaic humans to survive in Eurasia and were passed on to present-day populations.

Scientists model outer membrane of 12 bacterial species to speed new drugs for 'bad bugs'

Researchers have revealed the bilayer properties of 21 distinct Lipid A types from 12 Gram-negative bacterial species through biomolecular systems simulation. This study provides crucial information for developing new antibiotics against 'bad bugs' like superbugs, with the goal of accelerating drug development and improving treatment o...

SourceLehigh University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 18, 2016

Web of power: How to manage the energy internet

Researchers at Northeastern University have proposed a way to optimize power exchange between the main grid and multiple microgrids using consensus-based algorithms. These algorithms allow decentralized generators to communicate with each other and with the main grid, ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 18, 2016

Cancers causing the largest loss of healthy life years associated with known major preventable risk factors

Eleven cancers causing most loss of healthy life years in the US are closely associated with preventable risk factors like smoking and alcohol. Lung cancer accounts for 24% of the burden, followed by breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, leukemia, liver, brain, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ovarian cancers.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 18, 2016