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Science News for February 23, 2017


Foot pain often occurs in clusters

A new study analyzed 558 individuals with foot pain and identified five clusters with unique patterns based on age, sex, and comorbidities. The findings provide insights into foot pain patterns in the community and highlight opportunities for targeted interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 23, 2017

Researchers ponder the shape of birds' eggs

Research suggests that the unique shape of birds' eggs serves to protect against impacts and contamination rather than rolling off cliff ledges. The study challenges previous explanations for the Common Guillemot's elongated egg shape.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateFeb 23, 2017

New link found between sex and viruses

Researchers have found a common protein involved in both sexual reproduction and viral infections, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlling parasites like malaria. The discovery reveals that the protein acts as a biochemical 'key' enabling cell fusion, and its structure is similar to that of viruses.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell·DateFeb 23, 2017

Kidney damage diagnosis may be inaccurate for many, suggests study

Researchers found that an initial diagnosis of acute kidney injury may have been inaccurate for many patients, as the current method of assessing kidney function may be misleading during the initial evaluation. The study identified sets of biomarkers in mouse models that could potentially detect kidney damage more reliably.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Neanderthal DNA contributes to human gene expression

Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA sequences still influence human gene expression, contributing to traits such as height and susceptibility to schizophrenia or lupus. The study used the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project dataset and analyzed RNA sequences in 52 different tissues.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 23, 2017

Meditation benefits patients with ALS

A clinical trial of 100 patients with ALS found that an eight-week mindfulness-based meditation program improved quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression. The results remained stable over a 12-month follow-up, suggesting a potential tool for increasing well-being in ALS patients.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Removing barriers to early intervention for autistic children: A new model shows promise

In South Carolina, a two-tiered screening process identified children with autism spectrum disorder eligible for early intensive behavioral therapy, leading to a significant increase in treatment. This policy change demonstrates the importance of early intervention in improving social interaction and communication among children with ASD.

Is back pain killing us?

Research at the University of Sydney found that back pain is linked to a 13% increased risk of death in older Australians. The study controlled for shared genetic factors and suggests that spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health, increasing mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateFeb 23, 2017

Gambling adverts on TV can 'mislead' football fans

A University of Stirling study found that televised gambling adverts during English Premier League matches often promoted complex and highly specific bets, misleading football fans. The research suggests that these types of bets are difficult to accurately predict, leading to significant average losses.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateFeb 23, 2017

Experts seek to jump-start vaccine development

A new article recommends establishing an institute focused on developing vaccines of public health importance without commercial interest. The proposed institute will require collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and private foundations.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Top professional performance through psychopathy

A recent study suggests that people with psychopathic traits, particularly fearless dominance, can exhibit exceptional work performance when educated and socialized properly. This challenges the common perception of psychopathy as solely negative, highlighting its paradoxical nature.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Adolescent sleepiness may contribute to future crimes

A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 23, 2017

Scientists present El Nino

Researchers from NSF's LTER Network will present on the effects of the 2015-16 El Nino, including its impact on aquatic ecosystems and species. The presentations will also explore the long-term implications of environmental changes and the importance of data in understanding future responses.

Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation

Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.

A new dimension in chemical nanoimaging

Researchers developed hyperspectral infrared nanoimaging, enabling recording of two-dimensional arrays of nano-FTIR spectra in a few hours. This technique allows for nanoscale-resolved chemical and structural information extraction, revealing spatial distribution and spectral anomalies of individual components.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Some neurons choose mom's gene and others choose dad's

Research reveals that individual neurons or specific types of neurons can silence genes from one parent or the other, particularly during brain development. As the brain matures, these differences tend to decrease, but some genes continue to exhibit differential expression in adult brains.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 23, 2017

Fructose is generated in the human brain

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that fructose is converted in the human brain from glucose, raising questions about its effects on eating behavior. The finding highlights the need to reevaluate the impact of fructose on chronic diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 23, 2017

Using dogs to find cats

Researchers used trained detection dogs to locate cheetah scat and signs in Western Zambia, detecting the species throughout a survey area. The study estimates a cheetah density of 5.9-6.6 individuals per 1000 square kilometers.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateFeb 23, 2017

New paper published in Phytobiomes may lead to novel methods of Rhizoctonia solani control

Researchers identified a novel biological aspect of Rhizoctonia solani, where bacteria persistently associate with the fungus during growth on solid media. This association affects the biology of the fungal host and its interactions with plants, raising prospects for developing alternative disease management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateFeb 23, 2017

Study: Two-thirds of clinicians lack knowledge of diabetes-related foot complication

A recent survey found that more than two-thirds of non-foot-specialist clinicians are unaware of Charcot neuroarthropathy, a rare form of foot damage. The condition can lead to significant disability and morbidity if not diagnosed early. Improving education on this topic is crucial for better patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Diabetes and Endocrinology·DateFeb 23, 2017

New research on rape kit processing sees improvements

A new study by BYU nursing professor Julie Valentine found that sexual assault kit submission rates in Utah improved significantly from 38 percent in 2010-2013 to 75 percent in 2014. The study analyzed 2,317 kits and showed notable improvements in various jurisdictions, with Washington County seeing the most significant increase.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 23, 2017

New 'tougher-than-metal' fiber-reinforced hydrogels

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created 'fiber-reinforced soft composites' that combine the flexibility of hydrogels with the strength of glass fibers. These materials are 5 times tougher than carbon steel, making them suitable for various applications such as artificial ligaments and tendons.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 23, 2017

Hitching a ride with a predator

Research reveals that secondary seed dispersal by predator animals is crucial for recolonizing plants in the wild. Thick-shelled seeds benefit from passing through multiple animal digestive systems, increasing their chances of germination.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalEcosphere·DateFeb 23, 2017

Light-driven reaction converts carbon dioxide into fuel

Researchers at Duke University developed tiny rhodium nanoparticles that convert carbon dioxide into methane using ultraviolet light, potentially reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The discovery offers a promising alternative energy source and could be scaled up for industrial applications.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

How blood can be rejuvenated

Researchers at Lund University successfully reprogrammed old blood stem cells to function like those of younger individuals, revealing a potential new approach to treating age-related diseases. This breakthrough suggests that epigenetic changes, rather than DNA mutations, underlie the decline in blood cell function with age.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Trilobite eggs in New York

Researchers have discovered the first occurrence of in situ preserved trilobite eggs from the Lorraine Group in upstate New York. The eggs are spherical to elliptical in shape and nearly 200 micrometers in size, providing valuable insights into the reproductive biology of ancient arthropods.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Lack of training contributes to burnout, survey of preschool teachers finds

A recent study by University of Missouri researchers found that over 75% of preschool teachers want more training opportunities due to their current lack of support. The survey also revealed that many teachers experience significant stress and feel like leaving their jobs due to challenging behaviors in the classroom.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal on Disability and Human Development·DateFeb 23, 2017

Who sweats more: Men or women?

A study published in Experimental Physiology found that body size, not sex, determines how people lose heat during exercise in warm conditions. The research involved 36 men and 24 women who underwent light and moderate exercise trials at controlled temperatures.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Psychiatric illness may increase stroke risk

Research found that patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric disorders have an increased risk of stroke, especially in the immediate post-diagnosis period. The study's lead researcher suggests that psychological distress may contribute to increased blood pressure and inflammation, leading to a higher stroke risk.

The role of weight in postmenopausal women's longevity

A large multiethnic study found that being underweight increases early death risk among postmenopausal women. Higher waist circumference, but not excess weight, is associated with premature mortality, highlighting the dangers of abdominal fat.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 23, 2017

PI3K/mTOR inhibitors may be effective against some uterine sarcomas

Researchers found that the activated S6 ribosomal protein P-S6S240 was present in 32% of high-grade tumors and associated with shorter progression-free survival. PI3K/mTOR inhibitors showed promising results in two patient-derived xenograft models, suggesting a potential treatment option for patients with this type of uterine sarcoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2017