Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 17, 2017


CNIC scientists find the key to improved cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that generating an optimal immune response against cancer requires the cooperation of two types of memory T cells: those that circulate in the blood and those that reside in tissues. This discovery has the potential to improve current cancer immunotherapy strategies, especially in preventing metastasis.

Canada should continue with separate medical stream after cannabis is legalized for recreational use

A commentary in CMAJ argues that a two-streamed structure is necessary to keep patients safe and support research into the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. This structure would provide incentives for research, educational resources for healthcare practitioners, and reduce risk to patients.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Tracking the mechanisms of artery formation

Researchers found that a receptor called Notch is crucial in the process of artery formation, directing sprouting cells into developing arteries. The study provides new insights into how vascular networks are established and may lead to identifying new therapeutic approaches to stimulate growth of new arteries after organ injury.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 17, 2017

Mutation speeds up sperm of zebra finches

Researchers found that a mutation causing an inversion on the Z chromosome increases sperm velocity and morphology, leading to higher fertilization rates and reproductive success. This study provides insight into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying infertility in zebra finches.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 17, 2017

Two new genes linked to Alzheimer's risk

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered two new genes that increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings build on previous research identifying 24 susceptibility genes and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 17, 2017

Climate impacts of super-giant oilfields go up with age, Stanford scientists say

A new Stanford study reveals that as super-giant oilfields age, the energy required to operate them increases, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers developed a software tool to accurately calculate these emissions, finding that some oilfields see a doubling of emissions per barrel over a 25-year operating period.

'No solid evidence' for biopesticide-diarrhea link

A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) incorrectly linked Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a highly effective biopesticide, to diarrhoea in humans. However, Dr Ben Raymond of the University of Exeter disputes these findings, citing recent evidence that supports Bt bacteria as "very safe for humans".

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateJul 17, 2017

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discover a crucial gene involved in the development of the placenta

The study reveals that TLK2 is vital for placenta and embryo viability in mice, with implications for human intellectual disabilities. The researchers found that mutations in the TLK2 gene may cause impaired placental function, leading to insufficient oxygen during development and potential neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateJul 17, 2017

Diesel is now better than gas

A six-nation study published in Scientific Reports reveals that modern diesel cars generally emit less pollution than gasoline-powered cars. Diesel's cleaner reputation is due to its lower invisible pollution, which outweighs the more visible emissions from gasoline vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2017

Sharing the wealth

Support for economic redistribution is linked to compassion, self-interest and envy, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers found that individuals who feel more compassionate are more likely to support redistribution, while those with high levels of envy tend to oppose it.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

New light on the secret life of badgers

Researchers used RFID technology to track badger movements, finding that individuals often visit multiple locations outside their social groups. This challenges the long-held assumption of territoriality and anti-social behavior in badgers.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateJul 17, 2017

Invasive plant species can enhance coastal ecosystems

A new study by Duke University scientists found that invasive plant species can provide essential ecosystem functions in degraded coastal habitats. Non-native seaweed, such as Gracilaria vermiculophylla, helped offset the loss of foundation species and offered vital services like food production and storm protection.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

Not all plant-based diets are created equal

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that not all plant-based diets are created equal. While a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduces heart disease risk, one that emphasizes less healthy plant foods like sweetened beverages and refined grains increases the risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 17, 2017

Genes account for half of differences in social mobility

A new King's College London study suggests that genes account for nearly half of the differences in social mobility, with higher polygenic scores linked to better educational outcomes despite family background. The findings have important implications for reducing educational inequality and could lead to personalized support strategies.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2017

Does Medicare/Medicaid incentive payment affect home hospice care in last week of life?

A new study found that the Service Intensity Add-on payment for in-person routine home hospice care can increase visits by nurses or social workers during a patient's last week of life. The payment, added to Medicare/Medicaid coverage in 2016, led to a 21.6% increase in average SIA payments and potential disparities reduction.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateJul 17, 2017

Research in the emergency room helps predict organ failure in critically injured patients

A study led by Queen Mary University of London predicts organ failure in critically injured patients based on the early immune response to trauma. The research identified specific genes involved in the immediate response, which may help determine which patients are at risk of developing Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS).

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 17, 2017

Deep blue carbon storage

Scientists at USC and Caltech have accelerated calcite dissolution in seawater, which could neutralize carbon in deep ocean waters. This process, known as buffering, naturally occurs billions of years and can help mitigate atmospheric CO2.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

New model projects an increase in dust storms in the US

A new statistical model projects an increase in dust storms in the southern Great Plains from spring to fall in the late half of the 21st century due to reduced rainfall and increased land surface bareness. Climate change is also predicted to reduce dust activity in the northern Great Plains in spring during the same time period.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2017

A swell diagnostic method

Researchers develop a technique called expansion microscopy to physically expand tissues, enabling pathologists to diagnose diseases like early breast cancer with high accuracy and reliability. The method has been shown to improve the resolution of conventional microscopes and can be applied to any type of clinical sample.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 17, 2017

The glass transition caught in the act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used a new experimental setup to measure the atomic properties of liquid materials, resolving some long-standing debates about the glass transition. The team found that fragility is related to atomic interactions and structural changes during the transition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 17, 2017

Review article discusses potential role, benefits of non-rhizobia bacteria in root nodules of legume

A comprehensive review highlights the potential benefits of non-rhizobia bacteria in nitrogen-fixing nodules of legumes, including improved plant fitness under environmental stress. The study's findings may lead to new organic production practices and reduced pesticide use, promoting sustainable crop productivity.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Bacteria found in Alzheimer's brains

Researchers have discovered increased bacterial populations and specific bacteria differences in Alzheimer's brains compared to healthy brains. The findings suggest that bacterial infection and inflammation could play a role in the disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 17, 2017

Artificial sweeteners linked to risk of weight gain, heart disease and other health issues

A systematic review of 37 studies found a link between artificial sweetener consumption and higher risks of weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on metabolism and gut bacteria, although the evidence is conflicting.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Unbalanced wind farm planning exacerbates fluctuations

A new study reveals that Europe's wind energy capacity is concentrated in the North Sea region, leading to extreme fluctuations. Cooperating countries can balance capacity across the continent to minimize these fluctuations. However, expanding solar energy capacity tenfold would be required to compensate for longer-term fluctuations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 17, 2017