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Science News for August 10, 2017


Secondhand opinions

Research reveals that a minority of users' tweets account for the majority of influence, with opinion leaders forming a virtual community that shapes information spread. The study suggests targeting this community for effective advertising on social media platforms like Twitter.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising·DateAug 10, 2017

Being bullied may dramatically affect sleep

Researchers found that bullying can cause significant changes in sleep patterns, including increased bouts of paradoxical sleep and flattened body temperature fluctuations. These effects persisted even after the mice were removed from the threatening environment, suggesting a long-term impact on mental health.

How urban seasnakes lost their stripes

Researchers found that seasnakes living in polluted areas have darker skin, which helps them bind and rid their bodies of contaminants. This is an example of industrial melanism, where dark-colored varieties thrive in industrial environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 2017

New kinds of brain cells revealed

Scientists have identified new subtypes of brain cells in mice and humans using DNA analysis, revealing a complex diversity of neurons. This breakthrough opens the door to understanding how many types of neurons exist, which could lead to improved treatments for brain-related diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Belief in neuromyths is extremely common

A recent study found that belief in neuromyths, such as seeing letters backwards being a sign of dyslexia, is prevalent among educators, the public, and those with neuroscience training. Training in education and neuroscience helps reduce these false beliefs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateAug 10, 2017

Lung cancer clinical trial elig criteria & requirements increased in number and complexity

Lung cancer clinical trials have complex requirements that act as a barrier to development and patient enrollment. A retrospective study found an increase in eligibility criteria for medical therapy trials, particularly for cardiac, concurrent medications, and immunotherapy-related treatments.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 10, 2017

How the brain recognizes familiar faces

Researchers discovered two previously unknown brain areas involved in face recognition, which integrate visual perception with memory and social knowledge. The brain's response to familiar faces is distinct from visually familiar ones, with a sudden 'aha' moment when recognizing a long-known acquaintance.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Crank the AC, cut in-car pollution

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that controlling car ventilation can significantly reduce pollutant exposure during commutes. Using portable instruments and sensors, they measured pollutant levels inside and outside cars during daily commutes, finding that running the AC reduced pollutants by 20-34%.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 10, 2017

Test results after stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma can confuse patients and doctors about cancer's status

After stem cell therapy, tests like SPEP/SIFE and SFLCA may yield oligoclonal patterns that resemble the original monoclonal antibody spike. However, this is a normal response to treatment, not recurrence of the disease. The key clarifier lies in tracking the location of the malignant spike before and after treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine Research·DateAug 10, 2017

Researchers use CRISPR to manipulate social behavior in ants

Researchers used CRISPR to manipulate ant eggs, resulting in germline changes that affect every cell in the adult colony. The study found that knocking out the orco gene affected olfaction, social behavior, and brain anatomy, providing insights into gene regulation and its impact on complex biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 10, 2017

For bacteria that cheat, food is at the forefront

New research at Oregon State University found that bacteria prioritize their own fitness when nutrients are limited, but not when iron, phosphorus, and sulfur are abundant. This study provides insights into the evolution of cooperation in microbes and has implications for understanding natural populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

Cellular transport routes

Biologists in Konstanz have identified a crucial step in the labelling and transportation process of proteins in plant cells. The SH3P2 protein plays a key role in binding to ubiquitin molecules, marking them for transport to the vacuole.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2017

Certain occupations linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that male workers in the manufacturing sector have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those in other sectors. Women working in certain occupations, such as assistant nurses and attendants, also showed a slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 10, 2017

Researchers identify prognostic indicators of survival following pancreatic tumor removal

A study of 43 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma found two preoperative factors strongly predictive of poor prognosis, regardless of tumor stage. These biomarkers, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and prognostic nutritional index, may help plan treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateAug 10, 2017

Rotavirus vaccines continue to reduce diarrhea hospitalizations, medical costs in US kids

New study confirms the sustained impact of rotavirus vaccination in reducing diarrhea hospitalizations among US children under 5, with estimated savings of $1.2 billion in direct medical costs. Researchers found that hospitalization rates decreased by between 31-55% following routine vaccine introduction in 2006.

SourcePediatric Infectious Diseases Society·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 10, 2017

Nemours, UD technology pushes cancer research forward

Researchers at Nemours Biomedical Research and University of Delaware have developed a patent-pending process to bridge the gap between 3D cell cultures and high throughput screening techniques. This allows for greater predictability of drug effectiveness and toxicity, leading to lower attrition rates in new medicine development.

SourceNemours·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateAug 10, 2017

IV and cellular fluids power flexible batteries

Researchers have developed bendable batteries that can run on biocompatible liquids like normal IV saline solution and cell-culture medium, outperforming most wearable lithium-ion batteries in charge-holding capacity and power output. The batteries' design also enables potential biomedical applications, such as consuming essential oxyg...

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 10, 2017

eGenesis study addresses cross-species viral transmission concern in xenotransplantation published in Science

Researchers at eGenesis have successfully produced the first PERV-free piglets using CRISPR technology, addressing safety concerns in xenotransplantation. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of gene editing to prevent cross-species viral transmission and pave the way for safe human transplantable cells, tissues, and organs.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Yoda bat gets happy: New species officially recognized

A new species of fruit bat, previously nicknamed 'Yoda' due to its resemblance to the Star Wars Jedi Master, has been officially recognized and renamed the happy (Hamamas) tube-nosed fruit bat. The species was discovered in Papua New Guinea and distinguished from other similar species based on unique morphological characteristics.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRecords of the Australian Museum·DateAug 10, 2017

Chimpanzees learn rock-paper-scissors

A study shows that chimpanzees can learn the rock-paper-scissors game, but takes longer to grasp the third pair. The research team also taught the game to preschool children, who learned it quickly and accurately, especially as they aged.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateAug 10, 2017

Plants love microbes -- and so do farmers

A study by University of Queensland researchers has confirmed that microbial communities necessary for plant development have a significant impact on crop and plant yields. The study also found that plants' limited ability to vertically transmit microorganisms between generations is a key factor in their relationship with microbes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2017

Financial distress in cancer care

A study by Fumiko Chino and colleagues found that nearly all insured cancer patients experience financial burden, with those underinsured paying up to 31% of their income on healthcare costs. The research highlights the need for interventions to improve patient health care cost literacy and mitigate future treatment-related expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 10, 2017