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Science News for January 24, 2017


Surprising results found in the swimming mechanism of microorganism-related model

A new study by B. Ubbo Felderhof reveals that even when thrust and drag average out over a period, periodic shape deformations can lead to net motion in microorganisms and animals, improving upon popular explanations of swimming and flying mechanisms. The research provides an important conceptual clarification of flow theory and has po...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 24, 2017

Biologists identify reproductive 'traffic cop'

Researchers discover FKB-6, a protein that regulates the speed of chromosome pairing in nematodes, ensuring accurate genetic information swap during reproduction. The findings offer new insight into animal fertility and could help understand defects contributing to conditions like Down syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 24, 2017

Prenatal infection may alter brain development via epigenetic changes

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that prenatal infection can cause long-term alterations in the programming of the offspring's genome through epigenetic modifications, leading to behavioral abnormalities. The findings suggest that earlier infection may lead to more serious effects on neurodevelopment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2017

African-American veterans in mental health care are not as activated as white veterans

A new study reveals that male and female African-American veterans receiving outpatient mental health services have lower patient activation rates than White veterans. The study also found a weaker relationship between African-American veterans and their mental health providers, leading to significantly lower medication adherence rates.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAdministration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research·DateJan 24, 2017

Pope spurs Republicans to shift climate views

A new study led by Cornell University researchers found that exposure to Pope Francis' image heightened moral beliefs about climate change in wide segments of the public, particularly Republicans. For Republicans who saw the pontiff's photo prior to answering questions, 39% agreed that climate change is a moral issue, up from just 30%.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateJan 24, 2017

Large pre-ACA Medicaid expansion did not level health disparities in cancer surgery

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the New York State Medicaid expansion improved access to cancer surgery for the uninsured, but failed to reduce racial disparities. The proportion of minority patients undergoing cancer surgery remained unchanged relative to whites.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 24, 2017

Penn researchers help unravel mysteries of pancreatic cancer's resistance to standard therapies

Blocking inflammation after radiation therapy led to improved survival in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. The study found that a form of inflammation triggered by the tumor in response to treatment helps keep tumor cells alive, and that blocking this inflammation can slow tumor growth and prolong survival.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 24, 2017

I can see clearly now

Researchers create adaptive lenses made of glycerin and rubber-like membranes to change the focal length, eliminating the need for bifocals or reading glasses. The lenses are controlled by electronics and a battery, allowing users to switch between near and far vision in just 14 milliseconds.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 24, 2017

Study unveils new way to starve tumors to death

Researchers have discovered a common weak point in cancer cell metabolism, allowing them to identify drugs that block backup fuel supply routes. This strategy has shown promise against many hard-to-treat cancers, including sarcomas, and may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 24, 2017

Researchers report new understanding of global warming

Researchers have discovered a new explanation for climate change using long-term variations of the Lorenz energy cycle, a complex formula describing atmospheric interaction. The study found that Earth's global atmosphere is increasing in efficiency as a heat engine, leading to more potential energy converted to kinetic energy and great...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

What holds the heart together

Muscle stability relies on two proteins: titin and α-actinin. The TUM researchers used optical tweezers to measure the forces between these proteins, finding a bonding force of five piconewtons that stabilizes muscles and enables heart function.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2017

Your (social media) votes matter

A recent study on Reddit found that a small group of voters can significantly impact the content users see, with up-voted posts receiving a higher final score and being more likely to reach the front page. The study highlights the importance of understanding how social rating systems curate media in our daily lives.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateJan 24, 2017

An international study opens the door to personalized treatment for heart failure

A recent international multicenter study has identified a molecule that can help personalize treatment for heart failure. Researchers have found that an excess of lysyl oxidase-like 2 produces fibrosis of the cardiac muscle, impeding its normal functioning and stimulating HF development. The elimination of this excess repairs fibrosis ...

SourceUniversidad de Navarra·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

Scientists discover even wasps make trade deals

Scientists at the University of Sussex discovered that wasps trade partners compete for the 'best deal', influenced by market forces. The study showed that supply and demand theory can predict insect behavior, revealing parallels between wasp populations and human business markets.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

Finding new cancer drugs in the neighborhood

Researchers identify proteins that interact with cancer-related proteins at the center of cellular signaling networks, potentially leading to new chemotherapies. These 'first neighbor' proteins have a significant impact on cancer progression and may be useful drug targets.

SourceEarlham Institute·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateJan 24, 2017

Personality traits linked to differences in brain structure

Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJan 24, 2017

New WHO international fetal growth charts

A new study establishes World Health Organization fetal growth charts using ultrasound measurements during pregnancy in 10 countries. The research found that natural variation in fetal growth differed significantly between countries and was influenced by maternal age, height, weight, and parity, as well as fetal sex.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 24, 2017

Researcher calls for conservation of ivory-billed woodpecker's habitat

A new study suggests that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker may still exist, prompting a call for conservation efforts. The bird is highly elusive and its habitat is difficult to access, making it challenging to obtain conclusive photographic evidence. Researchers believe that a more pragmatic approach is needed to document the species while...

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateJan 24, 2017

New avenue for anti-depressant therapy discovered

Finnish researchers have identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by controlling newly born nerve cells in the hippocampus. The discovery provides a fresh insight into how the brain regulates mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2017

Study pinpoints opportunity for oncologists to improve prognosis communication

A recent study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that oncologists often avoid discussing prognosis with their patients due to a cultural norm. By pausing to ask if patients want to talk about test results, oncologists can create an opportunity for more holistic discussions about life and death.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateJan 24, 2017

Ion treatments for cardiac arrhythmia

Researchers develop a non-invasive procedure using high-energy carbon ions to treat cardiac arrhythmias, offering a gentler alternative to catheter-based surgery. The method, tested in animal studies, can permanently interrupt the propagation of disruptive impulses with pinpoint accuracy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2017