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Science News for September 6, 2016


Early study shows RTS,S malaria vaccine efficacy may improve by changing dosing schedule

Researchers found that changing the dosing regimen of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine improved its efficacy to approximately 87%, compared to 63% with the current standard regimen. The new regimen was shown to delay infection longer and provide better protection against a second malaria-causing parasite exposure.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 6, 2016

Body heat as a power source

Researchers have created a flexible, wearable thermocell that harnesses body heat to generate electricity. The device uses gel-based electrolytes and combines two different redox pairs to produce a current. This innovation overcomes previous challenges in wearable energy harvesting and storage devices.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 6, 2016

Trauma and shopping

A study of 355 World War II veterans found that those who experienced intense combat were more price-sensitive and less brand loyal. This research provides insights for store owners and aid providers on what items to stock in stores after a disaster, such as practical and affordable options like off-brand variety.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateSep 6, 2016

Is sex in later years good for your health?

A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that sex in later years can have contrasting effects on cardiovascular health for men and women. For older men, frequent sex increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, while moderate amounts of sex may promote health among older women.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 6, 2016

Friends help friends on Facebook feel better

A Carnegie Mellon University and Facebook study found that personalized interactions on Facebook can significantly boost users' psychological well-being, even surpassing major life events. Sixty comments from close friends were associated with substantial increases in users' happiness and satisfaction with life.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 6, 2016

Zika infects the eyes of adult mice

Researchers found that Zika virus can infect specific regions of the eye in adult mice, resulting in inflammation and symptoms similar to those observed in human patients. The study also raised questions about whether the virus continues to replicate in the lacrimal gland after being cleared from the body.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 6, 2016

Researchers at the CNIO discover a gene that is essential for the DNA-replication process

The discovery of POLD3's critical role in DNA replication reveals its necessity for both tumor and healthy cells, casting doubt on its use as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. The study used genetic engineering to eliminate the gene in mice, showing its essential function in cell division and survival.

Rumor patterns on social media during emergencies -- Ben-Gurion U. study

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that over two-thirds of rumors shared during Operation Brother's Keeper were true, and that journalists and emergency personnel played a significant role in spreading them. The research proposes specific lessons for first responders, including actively searching for rumors a...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateSep 6, 2016

BMJ launches new open access ophthalmology journal

BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·DateSep 6, 2016

Bad seeds: How the parental lineage may determine viability in tomato hybrids

Researchers found misregulated imprinting at play in hybrid seeds from South American wild tomato species, affecting core gene regulation and contributing to seed failure. Genome-wide shifts occurred that favored maternal expression, suggesting a key role for epigenetic genomic imprinting in explaining differences in seed viability.

Evidence of Zika virus found in tears

Researchers have found Zika virus genetic material in human tears and live virus in mouse eyes, raising questions about transmission through bodily fluids. The study's findings have implications for corneal transplantation and potential new diagnostic methods, such as testing tear samples for viral RNA or antibodies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 6, 2016

Barcodes to identify gene regulators

A group of biologists from the University of Geneva developed a novel technology to identify all transcription factors involved in any process and in response to any signal. The BC-STAR-PROM screening method enables researchers to monitor the activity of thousands of promoters simultaneously, saving time and work.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 6, 2016

Intervention addresses pediatric patient families' social needs

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that an intervention pairing caregivers with navigators to address family social needs decreased reported needs and improved child health status. Caregivers assigned to the intervention group reported fewer social needs and better overall child health compared to those in a control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 6, 2016

Hypertension: Releasing the pressure at its source

Researchers have identified a potential new way to treat high blood pressure by targeting aberrant nerve signals in the carotid bodies. By blocking these signals, they were able to significantly reduce blood pressure in preclinical models, suggesting a novel approach to controlling cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 6, 2016

Hungry cells on the move

Researchers identified molecules controlling cell repulsion through endocytosis, a process by which cells engulf neighboring protein complexes. This discovery provides insight into development and neuronal networks, as well as cancer growth and metastasis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 6, 2016

High utility bills trigger anxiety and depression in low-income households

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high utility bills lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression among low-income families. Inefficient infrastructure and limited options for assistance also contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for comprehensive policy measures.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 6, 2016

Farming adaptations needed to combat climate change to impact crop yields in 2050

Researchers find using heat-tolerant sorghum varieties can increase crop yield under higher temperatures, but late sowing and collecting rainfall show minimal benefits. The study suggests a novel framework to assess the effectiveness of different adaptation options for West African farmers.

The enigma machine takes a quantum leap

The researchers created a device called a quantum enigma machine that can transmit an unbreakable encrypted message using a key significantly shorter than the message, advancing the field of quantum data locking. The team successfully demonstrated six bits of classical information being securely locked in with only one bit of encryptio...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review A·DateSep 6, 2016

Refrigerator us warm?

A new discovery at RUDN University allows for substantially increased production of high-quality planting material using artificial winter in the fridge. This method uses micro cloning to grow plants from small buds, with potential benefits including increased plant height, reduced virus attacks, and improved plant health.

A first for direct-drive fusion

Researchers successfully created conditions for a fusion yield five times higher than current record using the OMEGA laser. The direct-drive approach, used by LLE scientists, is promising for achieving fusion as an energy source.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 6, 2016

Recessions are harmful to health

A review of studies on the 2008 European recession found an association with adverse health outcomes, particularly for suicides and mental health problems. The evidence is strongest for these outcomes, but the quality of the research varies greatly.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 6, 2016

New simulations of wind power generation

Researchers have created a more realistic picture of wind energy output in Europe, correcting for biases in existing data. The updated simulations show that the current European average capacity factor is 24.2%, but could increase to over 31% with improved grid interconnection and technology advancements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy·DateSep 6, 2016

Orientation without a master plan

Studies show that when learning objects in an open space, spatial memory is accessed step-by-step, while environmental spaces require more time to recall objects from neighboring corridors. This research has implications for understanding navigation and the neuronal basis of wayfinding.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCognition·DateSep 6, 2016

Over-the-counter head lice treatments are likely to fail

A recent review found that over-the-counter head lice treatments have declined in effectiveness, likely due to widespread use leading to pyrethroid resistance. Prescription products such as malathion and spinosad are safer alternatives with proven efficacy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateSep 6, 2016

YouTube videos promote positive associations with alcohol use

A recent study found that YouTube music videos often glamorize excessive drinking and link it to sexual attractiveness and luxury lifestyles. The research analyzed 49 UK Top 40 videos containing alcohol content, revealing a strong association between alcohol consumption and sociability, personal image, and lifestyle.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Medicine·DateSep 6, 2016

Research shows it may be time to abandon dreaded digital rectal exam

A recent study suggests that the digital rectal exam (DRE) is no longer necessary for prostate cancer screening due to its limited effectiveness and potential risks. The DRE has been shown to capture an additional small population of men with significant prostate cancer, but it also subjects a large number of men to unnecessary tests.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·DateSep 6, 2016

Nanotechnology supports treatment of malignant melanoma

Researchers use nanosensors to detect genetic mutations in tissue samples from patients with malignant melanoma. This enables the identification of specific mutations and targeted treatment, significantly extending patients' life expectancy. The new method detects changes quickly and easily using coated microcantilevers.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2016

ESMO rewards outstanding oncologists

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded four distinguished recipients for their outstanding contributions to cancer treatment and research. Alberto Sobrero received the ESMO Award for his world-renowned research on gastrointestinal cancer, while Sir Richard Peto was recognized for his important contributions to bre...

A new angle on anxiety

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital reveals that specific neurons in the hypothalamus play a central role in triggering anxiety. Blocking these neurons selectively erased natural fears in mice, suggesting a potential more effective treatment for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2016

Incubating climate change

A group of James Cook University scientists has designed an inexpensive incubator to study the effects of climate change. The incubators, costing under $160 each, allow researchers to replicate realistic experiments with controlled temperature regimes.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 6, 2016

Beat the stock market by satisfying customers

Researchers from Michigan State University found that creating a stock portfolio based on customer satisfaction data achieves cumulative returns of 518 percent. This surpasses the 31 percent increase for the S&P 500 Index in the same time period, with the customer satisfaction portfolio outperforming the benchmark in 14 out of 15 years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2016