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Science News for January 17, 2017


See how immune cells break through blood vessel walls

Researchers discovered that immune cells use an active process to create gaps in blood vessel walls, involving the breakage of thin filaments and rapid reassembly. This process allows immune cells to squeeze through and survey organs for problems or join the fight against pathogens.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 17, 2017

Bait knocks out cockroaches -- and asthma symptom days

A Tulane University study reveals that using cockroach bait alone can significantly reduce asthma symptom days in children, with 47 fewer days reported over the course of a year. The intervention also led to lower numbers of unscheduled clinic visits and emergency room trips.

SourceTulane University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 17, 2017

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report explores the disagreement between physicians and surrogates on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and palliative sedation. The articles examine policy adopted by Massachusetts General Hospital to support doctors who judged CPR would not benefit a patient, and discuss limitations of surrogate decision-making author...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 17, 2017

The war on drugs causes massive human rights violations

The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 17, 2017

Bee alert but not alarmed

A national analysis of 13 years' data reveals that Australia's venomous creatures pose a significant public health threat. Bees and wasps are responsible for the most hospital admissions, followed by spider bites and snake bites, with anaphylactic shock being a major contributor to fatalities.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalInternal Medicine Journal·DateJan 17, 2017

Delayed clamping prevents anemia

A new study from Uppsala University found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by more than three minutes can prevent iron deficiency and anemia in infants up to six months of age. This method resulted in a nine percent reduction in anaemia incidence at eight months and an eight percent decrease at twelve months.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 17, 2017

Talking to children about STEM fields boosts test scores and career interest

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that parents who discuss the relevance of science and math with their high schoolers can increase math and science ACT scores by 12 percentage points. The research also showed that these students are more likely to pursue STEM careers and take additio...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2017

Moving up the food chain can beat being on top

A new study from Rice University found that smaller, younger predators have a significant ecological impact on pond ecosystems. The research, which involved over 54 test ponds and thousands of hours of data analysis, showed that even the earliest stages of salamander development can lead to lasting changes in the environment.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 17, 2017

Colorado medical students defend physicians' right to recommend marijuana

A study by University of Colorado School of Medicine students found that nearly half believe marijuana has significant physical health benefits and 37% think it has mental health benefits. Despite this support, many medical students expressed hesitancy to recommend marijuana themselves due to a lack of data and training.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2017

Bacterium named after UQ researcher

A new marine bacterium, Fuerstia marisgermanicae, has been named in honour of UQ microbiologist Emeritus Professor John Fuerst. The discovery reflects the global scientific community's high regard for Professor Fuerst's contributions to planctomycete research.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 17, 2017

Whether our speech is fast or slow, we say about the same

A new study suggests that our speech is not just about speed, but also about conveying information efficiently. Researchers found that faster speech rates are associated with simpler word choices and syntax, while slower speech rates are linked to more complex words and structures. The study provides insights into how people craft thei...

SourceBrown University·JournalCognition·DateJan 17, 2017

Movin' on up? Views on social mobility shape Americans' faith in the status quo

A Princeton University study found that people's perceptions of social mobility affect their willingness to defend the current system. Those who believe Americans have ample opportunities to change their place in society are more likely to support the status quo, while those who think people are mostly stuck are less likely to defend i...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 17, 2017

Are you ready to explore your baby's genome?

A national consortium of researchers is studying the pros and cons of genome sequencing for newborn health, raising questions about parental responsibility and child autonomy. The four studies across the US aim to develop evidence for guidelines on effectively incorporating new technology into newborn screening or care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 17, 2017

The devil is in the details

In mouse models, NRP2a inhibited tumor cell proliferation while NRP2b promoted metastasis and progression. Cancer stem cells were also reduced in NRP2b knockdown models, providing new insights into lung cancer progression. The study suggests that targeting NRP2b may lead to improved therapies for non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 17, 2017

Plant-derived products may help fight HBV

Researchers have discovered that plant-derived products, such as proanthocyanidin (PAC), can inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) entry into host cells and potentially treat treatment-resistant strains. PAC also enhances the effectiveness of antiviral drugs like tenofovir, offering a promising new approach to combatting HBV.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 17, 2017

Tigers could roam again in Central Asia, scientists say

Researchers have identified two promising sites in Kazakhstan where Amur tigers could be reintroduced to Central Asia. The Ili River delta and adjacent southern coast of Balkhash Lake are considered suitable habitats, covering approximately 7,000 square kilometers. To ensure a sustainable future for both tigers and local communities, a...

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 17, 2017

Blocking neuron signaling pathway could lead to new treatments for peripheral neuropathy

Researchers identified a molecular signaling pathway that promotes sensory neuron growth and prevents or reverses peripheral neuropathy in cell and rodent models of type 1 and 2 diabetes, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and HIV. Anti-muscarinic drugs already approved for other conditions may offer new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2017

Commercial interests may drown out patients' voices

A growing body of evidence suggests that patient advocacy groups funded by pharmaceutical companies may promote treatments that serve the companies' interests rather than patients' needs. Studies have found that these groups are often biased towards funding sources, with some reporting pressure to conform to industry positions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2017

Community-acquired pneumonia can spread year-round

A study of 12 years of community-acquired pneumonia data found that while the condition occurs throughout all seasons, winter is the peak season for pathogen variation. The research suggests that community-acquired pneumonia can no longer be classified as a seasonal disease.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJan 17, 2017

Cell biology: Take the mRNA train

Researchers have characterized the structure of a macromolecular complex involved in mRNA transport, showing how RNAs are recognized and bound by binding proteins in the nucleus. The complex allows for the specific recognition and transport of mRNAs from the cell nucleus to the cytoplasm.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 17, 2017

First of its kind cancer stem cell research unlocks clues to treatment resistance

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a link between the loss of miR-17 and oesophageal tumour resistance to radiotherapy. Higher numbers of cancer stem cells formed larger, more aggressive tumours and were more resistant to radiation-induced cell death. Synthetic miR-17 may enhance radiotherapy effectiveness in patients.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 17, 2017

Unveiling the biology behind nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers at EPFL have identified a key player in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The study found that impaired SUMOylation of nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes NAFLD, highlighting potential new treatments and biomarkers for the disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2017

How solvents affect the skin

Researchers studied how solvents affect skin molecules, revealing changes in fluid state and interactions with added components. The findings improve understanding of molecular mechanisms, enabling more efficient regulation of skin properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2017

Epigenetic factors linked to obesity-related disease

A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that epigenetic modifications to DNA, specifically DNA methylation, are linked to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems. The researchers identified 83 sites in the genome where methylation changes were associated with differences in energy balance and lipid metabolism.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2017