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Science News for August 14, 2017


The secret to beating bone and joint health injuries? Get to the right medical team

According to a new literature review, therapeutic modalities such as physical therapy can improve bone-and-joint function affected by pain and/or injury. The study highlights the utility of various modalities, including cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, cupping therapy, and iontophoresis, in man...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2017

Coke or Pepsi? Partner's choices can make you miserable

A new study found that partners who have low power in their relationships are stuck with their partner's preferred brands, leading to a death-by-a-thousand-cuts feeling and decreased happiness. The researchers used brand preferences in various products to study individuals and couples over two years.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Viruses up their game in arms race with immune system

Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017

Brain injury in kids might lead to alcohol abuse

Research suggests that traumatic brain injuries in childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of alcohol abuse problems in adulthood. The study found a clearer link between brain injury and alcohol abuse in people who suffered an injury before age 5, with children under 5 being over 3.6 times more likely to exhibit substance abuse...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 14, 2017

Oxytocin and social norms reduce xenophobia

Researchers found that oxytocin increased generosity towards refugees, but only when combined with social norms. Donations from individuals with a defensive attitude towards migrants nearly doubled when presented with the average donation of their peers.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Virulence factor made by influenza virus is potential target for vaccine drug development

Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Hearing restoration and visual cues

A study found that visually stimulated cross-modal activation of auditory brain regions in deaf individuals improved speech comprehension after cochlear implantation. Auditory cortex activation developed in tandem with both auditory and visual speech following implantation, suggesting a positive effect on hearing restoration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

The best place to treat type 1 diabetes might be just under your skin

University of Toronto researchers successfully transplanted healthy pancreatic cells under the skin to produce insulin, restoring normal blood sugar levels in a short period. The study's findings suggest that this method could provide a more manageable and efficient way to treat type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Running rats remember better

A study published in eNeuro found that young rats with access to a running wheel showed improved memory later in life. The results suggest that early life interventions that increase physical activity may help build up cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017

Arthritis on the rise

A recent Harvard University study reveals that knee osteoarthritis has dramatically increased in prevalence over the past 70 years, affecting an estimated one-third of Americans over 60. The research challenges the long-held assumption that osteoarthritis is simply a wear-and-tear disease related to aging and obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

High sugar consumption gives rise to dental treatment costs in the billions

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 14, 2017

2-faced 2-D material is a first at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have created a semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenide material called Janus sulfur molybdenum selenium (SMoSe) with a larger band gap than molybdenum diselenide. The discovery has potential applications in catalytic production of hydrogen and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 14, 2017

'Fat but fit' are at increased risk of heart disease

Researchers found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease by up to 28% even if they have healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The study showed that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, even when people have a healthy metabolic profile.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 14, 2017

Important to communicate cancer prevention message to young adults to reduce risks later in life

Experts emphasize the importance of communicating cancer prevention messages to young adults (18-44 years) to reduce future cancer risk. The articles highlight various factors contributing to cancer risk, including health behaviors, chronic conditions, and social drivers, and propose tailored interventions to mitigate risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Oxytocin, altruism, and xenophobia

Research found that oxytocin administration increased altruistic preference towards refugees among those with low xenophobia scores. Participants with high xenophobia scores showed no significant change in altruism levels after oxytocin administration, but did exhibit increased donations when combined with peer-derived norms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

University of Sydney charges ahead on zinc-air batteries

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in rechargeable zinc-air batteries by developing a new three-stage method that produces low-cost and high-performance catalysts. The new catalysts can be used to build rechargeable zinc-air batteries, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles preventing their widespread use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 14, 2017

Evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and PTSD

The scientific evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive, with only low-strength evidence suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers found significant risks associated with cannabis use, including increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and psychotic symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Long-term diabetes complication: Liver inflammation raises cholesterol levels

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that liver inflammation leads to increased cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, promoting vascular diseases. This mechanism is crucial as it explains why some individuals with well-controlled blood sugar levels still experience long-term complications.

Bacteria can feel their surroundings

A new study by CU Boulder researchers found that individual bacteria cells can feel their external environment through electrical signals, similar to vertebrates. This discovery could advance fundamental bacteria research and aid in developing drugs for infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

How Gata4 helps mend a broken heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that Gata4 can reduce post-heart attack fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac function in small animal models. The study's results suggest a novel role for Gata4 in heart regeneration and may lead to new treatments for heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 14, 2017

Lungs in space

Researchers at UTMB and Houston Methodist are growing lungs in space to understand how lung cells react to the change in gravity and extreme space environment. The goal is to develop therapeutics that could help astronauts and people on Earth with autoimmune diseases, hormone deficiencies, and other issues.

Seafood for thought

A study by UCSB marine scientists reveals the world's oceans have sufficient space to produce 15 billion metric tons of finfish annually, meeting global demand using less than 1% of ocean surface. Aquaculture could support human livelihoods and economic growth while providing food security.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 14, 2017

'Smiley' emojis in formal workplace e-mails could create frowns, says Ben-gurion University study

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that smiley emojis in work-related e-mails decrease perceptions of competence and actually hinder information sharing. The study, conducted with participants from 29 countries, showed that e-mail messages without smileys were perceived as more competent and detailed.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 14, 2017

The origin of the chloroplast

A new study reveals that the chloroplast lineage split from its closest cyanobacterial ancestor over 2.1 billion years ago in low salinity environments, marking a crucial step in photosynthesis evolution. The association of the chloroplast with its eukaryotic host took place around 800-750 million years ago in marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

The critical point in breaking the glass problem

Researchers from University of Bristol and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz have found a critical point in the glass transition, enabling reconciliation of mutually incompatible interpretations. The study suggests that the thermodynamic and dynamic interpretations are different reflections of the same underlying phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 14, 2017

A fleeting blue glow

A team of UCSB astrophysicists observed a supernova colliding with a nearby companion star, revealing surprising information about the mysterious star. The study demonstrates that the supernova collided with a non-white dwarf companion, implying the white dwarf was stealing matter from a larger companion to explode.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 14, 2017

Exotic quantum states made from light

Researchers at the University of Bonn have created exotic quantum states made from light by creating an optical 'well' that traps a super-photon. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing quantum circuits and improving quantum communication and computing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 14, 2017

Single molecules can work as reproducible transistors -- at room temperature

Columbia University researchers successfully demonstrate current blockade using atomically precise molecular clusters at room temperature. The team created a single cluster of geometrically ordered atoms with an inorganic core and positioned linkers to connect it to two gold electrodes, achieving reproducible transport characteristics.

Why expensive wine appears to taste better

A study found that the brain's reward center is tricked into thinking expensive wine tastes better due to its higher price. The 'marketing placebo effect' plays a role in this phenomenon, where identical products are perceived differently based on their prices.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2017