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Science News for July 14, 2017


Prior dengue infection does not increase Zika disease severity

A recent study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil found that prior dengue infection does not intensify Zika disease severity. The research involved 65 individuals who contracted Zika virus during the 2016 epidemic, and analyzed their viral loads, finding no significant difference between those with prior dengue exposure and those without.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 14, 2017

Shh! Proven security for your secrets

Researchers from Kyoto University have demonstrated the strength of their 128-bit key Vector Stream Cipher, proving its provable security. The study highlights the cipher's low memory usage and structural simplicity, making it suitable for high-density data transmission applications like 5G networks and 4K television broadcasts.

Climate change: Biodiversity rescues biodiversity in a warmer world

Researchers found that climate warming can both increase and decrease biodiversity, with higher diversity providing a buffer against environmental changes. In a study, warming meadows led to more nematode species, but those species were also more similar to each other, limiting the 'insurance' effect of increased diversity.

Teen girls at higher risk OK with emergency department offering pregnancy prevention info

A recent survey found that adolescent girls seeking medical care in emergency departments are open to receiving information on preventing pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 219 non-pregnant females aged 14-21, revealed that 72% of participants wanted EDs to provide pregnancy prevention and contraception info.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 2017

How protein interactions drive cellular death

A team of researchers has decoded the complex interplay of three components in a protein network regulating programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. Their findings suggest that interaction between Bcl-2 proteins is key to understanding this process and its link to diseases such as cancer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2017

Hamburg researchers develop new transistor concept

Researchers at the University of Hamburg have developed a new transistor concept based on metal nanoparticles, which exhibit energy gap properties due to Coulomb repulsion. This approach enables scalable synthesis, high-quality thin films and flexible devices with adjustable electrical characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2017

The last survivors on Earth

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that tardigrades can withstand all astrophysical catastrophes and will continue to thrive for at least 10 billion years. The research suggests that life on Earth will extend as long as the Sun shines, opening the possibility of life on other planets.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2017

Researchers find first genomic biomarkers in extracellular vesicles in veterinary patients

A study by Tufts University researchers found significant changes in miRNA expression levels in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and congestive heart failure. The study identified new genomic biomarkers, including exosomal miR-181c and miR-495, which could provide insight into diagnosis and therapies for MMVD and human ...

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateJul 14, 2017

Fluorine grants white graphene new powers

Rice University researchers discovered a way to turn white graphene, an exceptional conductor of heat, into a wide-bandgap semiconductor with magnetic properties by adding fluorine. The magnetism is an unexpected bonus that could make the unique material suitable for electronics in extreme environments.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 14, 2017

Helping robots learn to see in 3-D

Researchers at Duke University have developed an algorithm that allows robots to recognize and understand 3-D objects, even when parts are hidden from view. The system can simultaneously guess what a new object is and how it's oriented without examining it from multiple angles first.

Bacteria never swim alone

Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 14, 2017

Spark Therapeutics announces publication in The Lancet of pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial data for investigational voretigene neparvovec

The Phase 3 clinical trial data showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in functional vision and visual field in participants with RPE65-mediated inherited retinal disease. Participants demonstrated marked gains in full-field light sensitivity and peripheral vision.

SourceTen Bridge Communications·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2017

COPD -- changes in the lungs, changes in the microbiome

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.