Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 7, 2017


MRI contrast agents accumulate in the brain

Researchers recommend reevaluating the need for contrast agents in MRI scans to minimize brain accumulation and potential health risks. Emerging evidence suggests that small amounts of gadolinium deposit in certain brain areas after repeated use, but the scientific community agrees that the current benefits outweigh these risks.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateAug 7, 2017

Mental illness, suicide, and 'intractable violence' creating 'lost generation' in Middle East

The study reveals a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, with depression and anxiety disorders affecting women more than men. Mental disorders contribute to nearly 11 million years lived in less than ideal health, exacerbating the problem by lack of mental health practitioners and funding.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateAug 7, 2017

In utero exposure to diesel exhaust could be linked to adult heart failure

A new study published in The FASEB Journal reveals that gestational exposure to diesel exhaust can modify DNA in the developing embryo and increase susceptibility to adult heart failure. Researchers identified specific gene expression effects and DNA methylation changes that may play a role in mediating adult sensitivity to heart failure.

Individuals with bipolar disorder need workplace support

A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateAug 7, 2017

Researchers crack the 'Karakoram anomaly'

A summer 'vortex' of cold air over the Karakoram mountain range is inducing an anomalous cooling that causes glaciers to grow in spite of global warming. This unique temperature control system has significant implications for ice melt rates and river flows in the region.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 7, 2017

New approach makes it easier to find novel drugs

Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and University of Manchester have developed a new method to screen compounds that is more sensitive than existing methods. This technique, called CoSPI, can help identify allosteric compounds that regulate enzyme activity, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2017

Automated measure of nighttime oxygen levels could speed diagnosis of sleep apnea

A new automated system for measuring nighttime oxygen levels could help diagnose sleep apnea in children who snore. The approach was most accurate for children with severe apnea and detected 90% of those with severe disease. The test is simple, inexpensive, and can be performed at home using a pulse oximeter.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 7, 2017

Can a Zika outbreak be sustained sexually?

Researchers found that populations of males who have sex with males can form an outbreak-sustaining core, while heterosexual populations experience smaller outbreaks. This raises concerns about silent, sustained outbreaks in the community, particularly among men who are least likely to get tested for Zika.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Playing action video games can actually harm your brain

A new study suggests that habitual players of action video games have less grey matter in their hippocampus, a major part of the brain associated with spatial memory and remembering past experiences. The study found that gaming can lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of developing brain illnesses and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 7, 2017

Side effect to blood pressure drugs is genetically determined for some patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that genetic abnormalities contribute to thiazide-induced hyponatremia, a condition causing low sodium levels. Researchers identified patients with this side effect who exhibited persistent subtle differences in blood and urine tests even after medication was stopped.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2017

Printable tool enables sensitive diagnostic testing

A new portable platform enables sensitive and rapid diagnostic testing in resource-limited settings, detecting telltale markers of disease as accurately as the most sensitive tests on the market. The D4 assay can identify a disease biomarker in as few as 15 minutes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

The sun's core makes a complete rotation in one week

Researchers have accurately measured the Sun's core rotation rate, discovering it takes just one week for the core to complete a full rotation. This groundbreaking finding has the potential to refine models of the Sun's birth, evolution, and structure, shedding new light on its internal dynamics.

SourceCNRS·DateAug 7, 2017

'Origami organs' can potentially regenerate tissues

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a range of bioactive tissue papers made from materials derived from organs, which can potentially be used to support natural hormone production in young cancer patients and aid wound healing. The new biomaterials are thin, flexible, and pliable enough to fold into origami structures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 2017

Midlife cardiovascular risk factors may increase chances of dementia

A large NIH-funded study found that middle-aged Americans with vascular health risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from 15,744 participants over 25 years and found a strong link between midlife vascular health and the risk of developing dementia.

North-South health divide bigger than ever

Research reveals a stark North-South divide in middle-aged adult mortality rates, with 49% more deaths among 35-44 year olds in the North in 2015. The study attributes this to economic and social factors, highlighting the need for rebalanced investment and devolved powers to tackle health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 7, 2017

Scientists improve forecast of increasing hazard on Ecuadorian volcano

Researchers from the University of Miami used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to detect ground inflation along one flank of Cotopaxi volcano before its eruption in 2015. The study's results, supported by ground-based GPS instruments, show that similar or greater ground inflation is expected for future eruptions.

When you're blue, so are your Instagram photos

A new study has found a correlation between depressed people's Instagram photos and characteristics such as bluer tones, fewer faces, and a preference for filters that drain color. The algorithm's detection rate of 70% surpasses the success rate of general-practice doctors diagnosing depression in-person.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateAug 7, 2017

A surprising new role for baker's yeast

Researchers used baker's yeast to test natural compounds from soil-based bacteria, discovering diverse agents affecting various cell processes. These compounds may be used to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 7, 2017

Successful guide dogs have 'tough love' moms, study finds

Researchers found that puppies raised by doting mothers were less likely to succeed in a training program to become guide dogs. The study suggests that guide-dog-training organizations can better identify dogs who are more likely to succeed by understanding the impact of maternal style on offspring behavior.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Primary prevention could reduce heart disease among type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers emphasize the importance of primary prevention for Type 2 Diabetes patients to reduce heart disease risk, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and lifestyle management strategies. Proven medical therapies and lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce cardiovascular burden among these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 7, 2017

Small streams have a big influence on our lives

Headwater streams, often overlooked due to their small size, have a significant impact on river ecosystems. Research highlights the importance of improved mapping, understanding resistance and resilience, and assessing impacts from human alterations to land use and climate.

SourceSpringer·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateAug 7, 2017

New look at archaic DNA rewrites human evolution story

A University of Utah-led team analyzed archaic DNA to reconstruct the early history of humans, revealing an evolutionary story that challenges traditional views. The study found that Neanderthals and Denisovans nearly went extinct after separating from modern humans, but later diverged and grew into tens of thousands of individuals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Teen brains may not be as hard-wired for crime as previously thought

A study of age and crime statistics from Taiwan suggests that cultural factors, such as collectivist societies and parental supervision, may influence the age-crime relationship. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that biology drives teen criminal behavior, instead highlighting the importance of cultural influences.

SourcePenn State·JournalCriminology·DateAug 7, 2017

Neurobiology: Lessons by post

A dedicated transport system has been characterized that delivers specific mRNAs to active synapses, allowing for the modulation of synaptic junctions and enabling learning and memory. The key factor involved in this transport binds specifically to regions of its mRNA cargo lacking protein-coding information.

A hard bargain

Two studies led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that few people actually use price shopping tools to choose lower-cost healthcare options, despite growing interest in the idea. The research suggests that consumerism may not be as effective as believed in driving down healthcare costs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateAug 7, 2017

Lifestyle-modification programs for weight management in Arab states lack in effectiveness

A systematic review found that lifestyle-modification programs have no significant impact on body weight in Arab countries, highlighting the need for adapted treatment programs. The studies cited methodological flaws, including linguistic and socioeconomic context neglect, and sociocultural obstacles to female participation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Diabetes Reviews·DateAug 7, 2017

Breakthrough device heals organs with a single touch

Researchers developed Tissue Nanotransfection (TNT) technology to generate any cell type for treatment within the patient's own body. The technology can repair injured tissue and restore organ function in aging tissues, including organs, blood vessels, and nerve cells.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 7, 2017

DNA from Viking cod bones suggests 1,000-year history of European fish trade

A new study suggests a European stockfish trade existed for 1,000 years, with cod bones from Haithabu providing evidence of fish caught in northern Norway being consumed on mainland Europe. The findings support the idea that traded fish played a significant role in knitting the European continent together economically.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Fat rats show why breast cancer may be more aggressive in patients with obesity

A study published in Hormones & Cancer found that obese rats with sensitive androgen receptors had more aggressive tumors, even after anti-estrogen treatment. Researchers identified inflammation and cytokine interleukin 6 as key factors contributing to this sensitivity, highlighting the potential for personalized therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateAug 7, 2017

Molecule in human saliva has potential for wound healing

A study published in The FASEB Journal found that the salivary peptide histatin-1 promotes angiogenesis, a critical process for efficient wound healing. Histatin-1 was also shown to increase cell adhesion and migration, opening new avenues for understanding oral wound healing and potentially improving treatments for other types of wounds.

Study links malaria rapid diagnostic tests to more antibiotic use and finds ignored results

A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that rapid diagnostic tests for malaria are reducing the need for antimalarial medications but may also lead to an increase in antibiotic prescriptions. The research analyzed over 500,000 patient visits across malaria-endemic regions and revealed that ...

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateAug 7, 2017

Bilingual babies listen to language

Researchers found that bilingual infants can differentiate between words in different languages, even at a young age. The study suggests that bilinguals have an efficient processing strategy to prioritize the currently heard language when switching between languages.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Machines just revealed the evolution of language

Machine learning scientists at Disney Research developed a dynamic word embeddings model that uncovers how the meanings of words change over time. The model, which integrates neural networks and statistics used in rocket control systems, detects semantic change throughout history by analyzing semantic vector spaces.