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Science News for January 18, 2017


Study identifies molecular signal for maintaining adult neuron

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a molecular signal that maintains adult neuron structure in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. The study found that reintroducing this protein restored nerve cell structures to some extent, suggesting potential avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

Technique reveals movements of immune cells as they hunt for tumors in Stanford-led study

A new imaging technique allows researchers to visualize and monitor the behavior of immune cells used to treat cancer patients. The technique reveals whether T cells have found a tumor, how many T cells have arrived, and whether they are alive. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of why immunotherapy doesn't always work.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017

Virtual renaissance

University Jena researchers have launched a project to create 3D representations of cultural objects from museums and collections, including historical globes and other unique artifacts. The goal is to make these treasures accessible to the public and enable scientific investigation through accurate replicas created via 3D printing.

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have developed a new nano-sized semiconductor that concentrates visible light energy, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This breakthrough doubles current efficiencies to at least 40%, offering benefits in energy efficiency and design.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

How estrogen modulates fear learning

New research from Emory University School of Medicine found that estrogen modulates gene activity to protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women with low estrogen levels during certain stages of their menstrual cycle may be more susceptible to PTSD, while high estrogen levels offer protection.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2017

Intense industrial fishing

A new study suggests that China's success in sustaining large catches is due to reducing predatory fish populations, allowing preyed-upon species to increase. This approach can lead to increased harvests, but may also have negative impacts on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

A quark like no other

A University of Iowa physicist is searching for the 'bottom quark', a subatomic particle expected to arise from a Higgs boson's decay. Evidence of this particle could confirm the existence of the Higgs boson, a theory about how the universe works.

Mars and Venus on the therapist's couch

A study by Katie Holloway and colleagues found that therapists identify significant gender differences in therapy, with men wanting a quick fix and women wanting to discuss their feelings. Researchers also surveyed the general public, revealing key differences in preferred therapies and coping strategies between men and women.

What humans and primates both know when it comes to numbers

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that humans and primates both have an ability to distinguish between large and small quantities of objects. The research showed that this bias is strongest in humans and correlates with increasing age and math education, suggesting a possible evolutionary basis for number perception.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2017

Why baboon males resort to domestic violence

A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.

What's behind the durian fruit's notorious stench

Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2017

Changes in blood-brain barrier, intestinal permeability found in individuals with autism

Researchers found an altered blood-brain barrier and increased intestinal permeability in individuals with autism, supporting the hypothesis that impaired barriers contribute to ASD. The study also revealed reduced expression of barrier-forming cellular components and higher expression of molecules increasing intestinal permeability in...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Autism·DateJan 18, 2017

Soft robot can help a heart to pump

A new soft robotic sleeve could help failing hearts by wrapping around it and twisting in sync with its beating rhythm, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with existing ventricular assist devices. The device is designed to be customized for each patient and can adjust pressure levels over time.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017

Lap band surgery benefits very obese adolescents

A new study found that lap band surgery significantly improves weight and BMI in severely obese Australian teenagers, with median BMI reduction of 10 kg/m2. The procedure is a safe and effective option for adolescents with severe obesity, provided performed by an experienced surgeon and managed regularly.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJan 18, 2017

Mandarin makes you more musical?

A new study from the University of California San Diego finds that native Mandarin speakers exhibit superior pitch processing skills in young children compared to English-speaking peers. The research suggests that brain skills learned in one area, such as language, can generalize to other cognitive abilities like music.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJan 18, 2017

Professor Andrew Morris wins NEH fellowship

Andrew Morris will continue his work on a book about Hurricane Camille and its impact on American disaster relief policy using the NEH fellowship. The book examines the transformation of disaster assistance programs in the US following the devastating Category 5 storm in 1969.

Support for Chicago Biomedical Consortium renewed

The Chicago Biomedical Consortium has received a $21 million funding commitment from the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust. This support will focus on fostering entrepreneurship among university researchers and promote translational research projects. The CBC is launching new initiatives, including forums for commercializatio...

Mighty river, mighty filter

A recently restored floodplain along a Mississippi tributary removed almost as much nitrogen as a natural floodplain, significantly reducing chemical pollutants in the river. The study's findings suggest that reconnecting rivers to their floodplains can help improve water quality and reduce the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJan 18, 2017

Iron-fortified nutrition bars combat anemia in India

Researchers at Duke University developed iron-fortified nutrition bars that effectively combat anemia in Indian women, offering a practical and well-tolerated solution. The study involved 179 participants who received the supplement bar for 90 days, resulting in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 18, 2017

Advanced stage NSCLC patients receiving treatment have better OS than untreated patients

According to a study published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology, advanced stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving standard of care treatment have significantly longer overall survival rates compared to those not receiving treatment. This trend is observed across various stages of the disease.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 18, 2017