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Science News for August 8, 2017


Are learning and unlearning bedfellows?

Studies show that humans can learn new sounds while asleep, particularly during REM and N2 sleep phases. However, learned sounds are forgotten in deep sleep (N3) stage, suggesting a mechanism for unloading unnecessary memories. These findings reconcile two theories on sleep's role in memory consolidation.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2017

Assembling nanomachines in bacteria

A new study reveals the dynamic assembly of the export gate complex in bacterial flagellum and injectisome. The research identifies FliO as a scaffold protein essential for assembly, providing candidate targets for experimental drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 8, 2017

One fall too many

A study found that older adults who visit emergency departments for falls are less likely to participate in fall prevention programs. Despite this, patients reported discussing their falls with healthcare providers and family members, suggesting room for improvement in the healthcare response.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateAug 8, 2017

Drug hope for acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at the University of Bradford have discovered a new drug candidate, HXR9, that targets HOX genes to prevent cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Combining HXR9 with another drug shows enhanced results in reducing cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 8, 2017

Playing with your brain

A new study by Dr. Véronique Bohbot and Dr. Greg West found that playing action video games for 90 hours can lead to grey matter loss in the hippocampus, but playing 3D-platform games may be safer and more beneficial for brain spatial memory. This research highlights the importance of choosing the right type of game to play.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 8, 2017

Sleep makes it possible for babies to associate words with content -- and not with noise

Scientists found that babies associate words with content between 6-8 months old during a midday nap, while awake they can't connect new objects to the corresponding name. This early word learning ability suggests that children hold real word meanings in their long-term memory much earlier than previously assumed.

One step closer in explaining MS relapse during upper respiratory infection

A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2017

CCP program in Nigeria increases modern contraceptive use, study suggests

A four-year program led by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) increased modern contraceptive method use by 10 percentage points and desire for fewer children in six Nigerian cities. The program's successes were attributed to its coordinated campaign to create demand for family planning services.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateAug 8, 2017

A taste cell encyclopedia

A new study from the Monell Center enables researchers to pinpoint the unique molecular components needed for each type of taste cell to function. This breakthrough provides a treasure trove of information on how taste cells respond to different compounds and can help devise ways to promote healthy eating.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Clinical trial shows ready-to-use cells are safe and effective to treat viral infections

A clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment using virus-specific cells to treat viral infections in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The treatment resulted in an overall complete or partial response rate of 92% in patients with severe, drug-resistant viral infections.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 8, 2017

Human gut microbe may lead to treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa found a human gut microbe, Prevotella histicola, that effectively suppresses immune disease in a mouse model of MS. The study suggests that this microbe may play a role in treating MS, an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system's attack on the myelin sheath.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Scientists restore youthful plasticity to the brains of adult mice

Researchers at University of Utah Health successfully rejuvenated the plasticity of adult mouse brains, specifically in the visual cortex, by triggering a shift with a single gene. This breakthrough suggests a potential target for new treatments that could recover brain youthful potential and reduce cognitive decline with aging.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2017

Dino hips discovery unravels species riddle

A new discovery in Dinosaur Provincial Park reveals the existence of two previously unknown species: Latenivenatrix mcmasterae and Stenonychosaurus inequalis. These findings challenge current understanding of the Troodontid family tree in North America.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateAug 8, 2017

Penguin forensics

Scientists have discovered a new method to track penguin migration patterns using forensics, analyzing tail feathers for geochemical signatures. This approach can be applied to other marine animals and will help better understand and conserve charismatic species.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 8, 2017

Multi-nutrient rice against malnutrition

Researchers have successfully created a multi-nutrient rice variety that produces iron, zinc, and beta-carotene, addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The new rice lines could provide a solution to hidden hunger in Asia and Africa if they are widely adopted.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Early diagnostic imaging to prevent kidney disease

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique to detect kidney damage and predict chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients. The method uses diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) to identify specific regions of the kidney with abnormal fluid dynamics, offering a promising approach to prevent kidney disease progression.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

High quality early intervention for children with autism quickly results in costs savings

A study found that high-quality early intervention for children with autism can lead to significant cost savings. After just two years, the costs associated with the Early Start Denver Model were fully offset due to reductions in other services. The model uses a developmental curriculum and teaching procedures delivered by therapy team...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 8, 2017

New battery is activated by your spit

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a paper-based bacteria-powered battery activated by spit, which can generate reliable power from one drop of saliva. The battery has competitive advantages over conventional solutions due to the availability of biological fluid and long-term storage capabilities.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 8, 2017