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Science News for February 1, 2017


Neutrons identify critical details in bacterial enzyme implicated in gastric cancer

Researchers used neutron crystallography to visualize the positions and movements of hydrogen atoms in a key enzyme from Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach cancer. The study provides insights into the enzyme's structure and potential targets for new medications that selectively target H. pylori without harming useful bacteria.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017

What to expect from big pharma in 2017

The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 1, 2017

A closer look at what caused the Flint water crisis

Researchers analyzed galvanized iron pipes from Flint, Michigan's 'ground zero' house and found that high lead concentrations correlated with cadmium, zinc, and tin levels. The study suggests that corrosion inhibitors were necessary to prevent lead contamination, highlighting the need for long-term pipe replacement.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 1, 2017

Banks hold major information advantage over other investors

A study by University of Vermont researchers found that banks enjoy a significant edge over investors due to their superior access to local private information. Banks can quickly adapt to new information and withdraw capital or invest more heavily in targeted areas, giving them a major advantage. In contrast, direct investors face limi...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateFeb 1, 2017

Lower incidence of esophagitis in elderly NSCLC patients undergoing definitive radiation

A study found that elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experiencing definitive radiation had a lower incidence of esophagitis compared to younger patients. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, showed an inverse correlation between age and rate of esophagitis for both grade levels.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2017

New type of PET imaging identifies primary and metastatic prostate cancer

A new gallium-68 labeled peptide BBN-RGD agent has been developed to target both gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and integrin αvβ3, providing dual-receptor targeting and advantages over single-receptor targeting. The agent has shown safety and effectiveness in detecting primary and metastatic prostate cancer lesions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Eating the placenta after childbirth -- researchers explore perceptions of health benefits and risks

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that most healthcare providers and patients are unaware of the potential benefits and risks of consuming placenta after childbirth. Women who reported a history of mental health disorders were more likely to consider trying placentophagy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

New treatment regimen extends life for some men with recurrent prostate cancer, study finds

A new treatment regimen combining hormonal therapy with radiation treatment significantly improves the average long-term survival of men with recurrent prostate cancer who have had their prostate gland removed. The study found that this regimen also reduces the frequency of spread of the cancer, improving patient outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Scientists prove new approach to Polio vaccines works

A research team at the University of Leeds has identified new mutations that make 'empty capsids' stable enough to act as vaccines, replacing traditional killed poliovirus vaccines. The stabilised VLPs are suitable for use after the virus has been eradicated and can be produced without growing live virus.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 1, 2017

Hand-grip test can indicate decline in physical function of Parkinson's patients

A recent study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of physical function decline in Parkinson's patients. The researchers used a portable monitoring device to measure muscle activity, showing that the test was conclusive and easy to administer.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateFeb 1, 2017

Novel liquid crystal could triple sharpness of today's televisions

Researchers developed a new blue-phase liquid crystal that can enable televisions and computer screens to pack more pixels into the same space while reducing power consumption. The material can achieve a resolution density of up to 1500 pixels per inch, which triples the sharpness of today's TVs.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateFeb 1, 2017

Early signs of anxiety, depression may be evident in newborns

A study found that brain connectivity patterns in newborns can predict the development of anxiety and depression. Healthy full-term babies had similar brain connection patterns to adults, while premature infants showed decreased connections between the amygdala and other brain regions, increasing the risk of early symptoms.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2017

Food insecurity: A threat to the developmental and psychosocial health of children

A systematic review of 23 studies found associations between food insecurity and adverse childhood developmental-behavioral outcomes in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Food insecurity is linked to impaired cognitive development, academic performance, mental health symptoms, and behavioral problems.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateFeb 1, 2017

UT Southwestern researchers identify gene that protects against inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers identified a gene called Gatm that plays a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier, which guards against inflammation caused by bacteria. Mice with a mutation in this gene showed improved symptoms when treated with creatine, highlighting its importance for energy metabolism in IBD.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017

Risk of liver cancer is low in patients with cirrhosis

A recent study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that the 10-year incidence of liver cancer in UK patients with cirrhosis is as low as 4%. Patients with cirrhosis due to chronic viral hepatitis have the highest risk, but even then, it's lower than expected.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateFeb 1, 2017

Challenges of breeding 'VIPeas'

Crossing chickpeas is challenging due to self-pollination and inbreeding. Researchers found that emasculation and hormone treatment do not increase cross-pollination rates, instead lowering success rates. Studying environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity may improve breeding efficiency.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 1, 2017

High-resolution imaging reveals new understanding of battery cathode particles

Scientists at Berkeley Lab discovered particle cracking in cathode materials during charging and discharging, reducing battery capacity and life. The research provides unprecedented mechanistic understanding of electrode material and potential ways to minimize cracking, leading to improved stability and longer battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2017

Coastal wetlands excel at storing carbon

Recent research suggests that coastal wetland ecosystems such as mangrove forests, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows are effective climate buffers, storing carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. Coastal wetlands capture and store more than 200 metric tons of carbon per year globally, with 50-90% stored in soils.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateFeb 1, 2017

Adults with autism see interests as strengths, career paths

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that adults with autism view their interests positively and believe they should be encouraged. Many participants reported anxiety relief through engaging in their preferred interests, highlighting the potential benefits of utilizing these strengths.

SourceNew York University·JournalOccupational Therapy in Mental Health·DateFeb 1, 2017

Potential new drug class hits multiple cancer cell targets, boosting efficacy and safety

Researchers have developed a potential new anti-cancer drug class that simultaneously inhibits two key molecular targets to maximize therapeutic efficiency and safety. The dual-activity inhibitors target MYC-regulated factors PI3K and BRD4, effectively blocking cancer cell growth and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017

Adding antiandrogen to radiation therapy improves survival in recurrent prostate cancer

A study by the NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group found that adding antiandrogen therapy to radiation therapy can reduce the incidence of metastasis, death from prostate cancer, and overall deaths in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The study showed a significant improvement in survival rates for patients treated wit...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Experts develop evidence-based clinical practice guideline on rhinoplasty

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has developed an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on rhinoplasty, providing a framework for clinicians to improve patient care. The guideline aims to address the limited literature and availability of multi-disciplinary clinical practice guidelines on the subject.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateFeb 1, 2017