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Science News for February 27, 2017


Taking aim at a key malaria molecule

Scientists have created a way to measure the heme levels within malaria parasites, which could help develop more effective treatments. The discovery could provide insights into how the parasites control their own heme levels and may lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target these mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Autism risk genes linked to evolving brain

Researchers found that genetic variants linked to autism spectrum disorders are also associated with enhanced cognition and intellectual achievement, suggesting positive selection during human evolution. The study analyzed over 5,000 cases of ASD and identified common variants that contribute to both conditions.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 27, 2017

Largest study of factors affecting African-Americans with cancer announced in Detroit

The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (Detroit ROCS) study aims to better understand the major factors affecting cancer progression, recurrence, mortality and quality of life in African American cancer survivors. The five-year, $9 million study will include 5,560 cancer survivors to identify key risk factors and develop intervention...

Inactivity, excess weight linked to hard-to-treat heart failures

Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that inactivity and excess weight are strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which has a poor five-year survival rate of around 30-40%. Increasing physical activity levels and reducing weight may be crucial for combating this growing disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2017

Spontaneous 'dust traps': Astronomers discover a missing link in planet formation

Researchers propose that dust traps, high-pressure regions where dust grains accumulate and avoid fragmentation, play a key role in planet formation. These spontaneous traps concentrate grains from outer disk regions, helping to form planets and addressing the long-standing problem of how pebbles join together to create planetary cores.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 27, 2017

How your brain makes articles go viral

Studies reveal that brain activity in self-related and mentalizing regions combine unconsciously to produce a signal about an article's value, predicting its likelihood of going viral. Brain scans from a small group of people can accurately predict the virality of health articles among real New York Times readers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Earth probably began with a solid shell

Scientists found evidence of an ancient solid shell on Earth's surface using thermodynamic calculations and rock samples from Western Australia. The 'stagnant lid' model supports this theory, which contradicts the long-held assumption that plate tectonics began immediately after Earth formed.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateFeb 27, 2017

Humans responsible for more wildfires than lightning, longer season and larger fire niche

A recent analysis reveals that human-started fires account for 84% of all wildfires, tripled the length of the fire season, and dominated an area seven times greater than lightning-caused fires. Human ignitions have expanded the fire niche into areas with historically low lightning strike density.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Pregnancy-specific β1-glycoproteins

PSGs are recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers, with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. The discovery of PSG receptors and interactions with integrins suggests new avenues for drug design and therapeutic intervention.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 27, 2017

Nano 'sandwich' offers unique properties

Rice University researchers simulate a nanoscale sandwich of graphene and magnesium oxide, offering unique properties for molecular sensing, catalysis, and bio-imaging. The hybrid material has tunable band gaps and optical properties, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateFeb 27, 2017

Sound-shaping super-material invented

Researchers have invented a super-material that bends, shapes and focuses sound waves, pushing the boundaries of metamaterials. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize medical imaging and personal audio, allowing for precise control over sound waves.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2017

New studies illustrate how gamers get good

Researchers analyzed data from thousands of online Halo and StarCraft matches to understand skill development patterns. They found that players who spaced out their activity and used consistent hotkeys habits improved most efficiently, while elite players warmed up with meaningless dummy commands to get into peak performance mode.

SourceBrown University·JournalTopics in Cognitive Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

First CRISPR single-nucleotide edited transgenic mice

Researchers successfully produced the first transgenic mice with a single nucleotide difference in the dystrophin and tyrosinase genes, demonstrating a new gene editing technique that can substitute one nucleotide into another without DNA deletion. This breakthrough could potentially lead to the correction of genetic defects in humans.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 27, 2017

Increased physical activity, lower BMI may lower heart failure risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that increased physical activity and lower body mass index (BMI) are associated with a reduced risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a subtype of heart failure. The research, which pooled data from three cohort studies invol...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2017

Study sheds light on B.C. youths' experiences with mental health services

A study at UBC's faculty of medicine found that young people value positive interactions with peers, group therapy, and emotional support from service providers. Meanwhile, youth reported feeling pigeonholed by their mental illness and experiencing impersonal encounters with support workers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research·DateFeb 27, 2017

Molecule stops fatal pediatric brain tumor

Researchers at Northwestern University have found a molecule that stops the growth of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a fatal pediatric brain tumor. The study, published in Nature Medicine, reveals the molecule detaches proteins that enable cancer cells to grow, offering new treatment options for children under 10.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2017

Transforming the carbon economy

The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Light beam replaces blood test during heart surgery

Researchers have developed a new technology using light to continuously monitor a surgical patient's blood, providing real-time status during life-and-death operations. This technology has the potential to replace the need for doctors to wait while blood is drawn and tested, potentially saving lives in intensive care settings.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 27, 2017

What's really in the water

A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.

A rose to store energy

Scientists have successfully created plant-based wires and supercapacitors that can store energy, opening up new possibilities for renewable energy sources. The innovative technology enables plants to absorb conducting polymer solutions, forming functional transistors and storing electrical charge.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Detailed Las Vegas earthquake site classifications could lower construction costs

A new study maps and classifies the earthquake shaking potential across most of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, revealing that much of the ground is stiffer and potentially safer than previously thought. The site classifications could lead to reduced construction costs and improved safety measures for buildings.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 27, 2017

Materials that emit rainbows

Researchers at Osaka University create tri-color changing materials that exhibit efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence and enable the production of high-performance OLEDs devices. The materials display a range of colors in response to temperature and pressure, showing promise for applications such as pressure- and temperat...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

Gauging ACA's effect on primary care access

A new research letter analyzed changes in appointment availability and wait times for Medicaid and private insurance callers in 10 states. Medicaid callers saw significant increases in appointment availability and short waits, while private insurance callers experienced decreases in short waits and increases in long waits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2017

Publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that publicly funding essential medicines for all Canadians could save over $4 billion a year. The researchers identified a list of 117 essential medicines that accounted for 44% of all prescriptions filled at retail pharmacies in 2015.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 27, 2017