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Science News for January 25, 2017


'Knitted muscles' provide power

Scientists at Linköping University and the University of Borås developed a new technology that turns fabric into muscular tissue, allowing it to actuate like muscle fibers. The 'textile muscles' can be integrated into clothing, providing power for devices like exoskeletons, and opening up new opportunities for people with disabilities

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 25, 2017

Lessons for optimizing exercise programs

A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that sprint interval training is a powerful stimulus to elicit cellular remodelling in both men and women. The research, conducted at McMaster University, showed that changes in gene expression over a short time-scale are similar between the sexes.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJan 25, 2017

Video game ratings work, if you use them

Research from Iowa State University shows that video game ratings can effectively reduce violent play in children when used by parents to guide purchases and set rules. Parents who use the rating system and mediate their child's play are less likely to experience negative behaviors, such as acting out or misbehaving.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJan 25, 2017

Corralling stink bugs could lead to better wine

A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that stink bugs can contaminate wine with stress compounds, affecting its quality. The researchers discovered that pressing is a key step in releasing these compounds, and that limiting stink bugs to three per grape cluster could improve wine quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2017

How water can split into two liquids below zero

Researchers confirmed a theoretical possibility of dual liquid states in sub-zero water and other tetrahedral molecules. A study using DNA origami and simulation revealed that such structures could exhibit a high-density and low-density liquid phase, separated by an empty lattice.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 25, 2017

Study suggests best order of treatment for brain metastases in EGFR lung cancer

A study of 351 patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer and brain metastases found that radiation therapy followed by targeted medicines resulted in the longest overall survival, with median survival times of 46 months and 30 months respectively. The findings suggest that a more aggressive approach to treating brain metastases may be the ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 25, 2017

Jumping spiders court in color

Two groups of jumping spiders, Habronattus and Maratus, have evolved rare color vision to see reds, yellows and oranges. They use different mechanisms, with Habronattus employing a red filter and Maratus relying on ultraviolet, blue and green sensitive cells.

Rhino genome results

The San Diego Zoo's Frozen Zoo cell cultures contain genetic variation missing in surviving individuals of the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros. Genome-wide levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding in both southern and northern white rhinos were examined to aid future efforts toward genetic rescue and assisted reproduc...

Fixating on faces

Researchers found two types of face cells that respond differently to human and non-human faces. The study's findings suggest that the brain processes faces based on attention focus, not just visual presence. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of social cognitive defects like autism.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 25, 2017

Disparities between asian immigrants and sufficient access and utilization of dental service

A recent study by New York University researchers found that Asian immigrants have lower rates of dental service utilization compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study, which analyzed data from the National Health Interview Surveys, identified acculturation and family income level as key factors affecting dental care use among Asian im...

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017

Antibody combination puts HIV on the ropes

A study using antibodies from an elite controller has shown that a combination of three broadly neutralizing antibodies can completely suppress HIV in infected mice. The finding validates the approach of using multiple antibodies to control HIV infection, pointing towards a potential new treatment for people infected with HIV.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017

Triggering the brain's auto-focus

Duke University researchers identified the caudate nucleus as the brain structure responsible for forming direct links between environmental stimuli and enhanced focus. By repeating exposure to specific faces, participants could trigger automatic focus and bypass distractions.

Floating towards water treatment

Researchers engineered four floating treatment wetland designs using different materials and plants, finding they can affect water quality in similar ways to natural wetlands. The study suggests these systems could help treat wastewater by enhancing nitrogen removal and managing algal blooms.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJan 25, 2017

Therapeutic hypothermia offers no significant benefits for infants or children after in-hospital car

A multicenter study of infants and children who suffered cardiac arrest found that body cooling had no significant benefits compared to maintaining a normal temperature. The study included 329 patients aged 2 days to 18 years old, but the results showed no difference in survival rates or brain function between the two groups.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2017

When should doctors treat short children and teens with growth hormone?

A group of medical experts has issued new clinical guidelines for managing children and adolescents with growth failure, recommending hormonal treatments for certain conditions but cautioning against routine use in cases of unknown cause. The guidelines aim to balance medical needs with potential risks and long-term consequences.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalHormone Research in Paediatrics·DateJan 25, 2017

NIH advances understanding of defenses against antibiotic-resistant klebsiella bacteria

Researchers discover that a component of the innate immune system, the complement system, plays a crucial role in killing antibiotic-resistant ST258 bacteria. The study's findings suggest that a modified antibody could be used to develop new tools to treat and prevent infections caused by these bacteria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJan 25, 2017