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Science News for July 20, 2017


Family factors may influence a child's temperament

A new study suggests that maternal postpartum depression is associated with difficult infant temperaments when maternal sensitivity is low, but not when it is high. Family functioning also plays a critical role in shaping an infant's behavioral style.

SourceWiley·JournalChild Development·DateJul 20, 2017

Laser treatment reduces eye floaters

A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that laser treatment, YAG vitreolysis, significantly improved symptoms of eye floaters in 54% of patients, with 53% reporting complete improvement. The procedure also showed improvements in quality of life, including general vision and independence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 20, 2017

Opioids and obesity, not 'despair deaths,' raising mortality rates for white Americans

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that drug-related deaths have skyrocketed among middle-aged white men, increasing by over 25-fold between 1980 and 2014. The researchers argue that economic insecurities and an 'obesogenic' environment are contributing factors, rather than 'despair deaths'.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 20, 2017

Gene drives likely to be foiled by rapid rise of resistance

Researchers found that mutations giving rise to resistant genetic sequences formed frequently in fruit flies, hindering the efficiency of gene drives. This development may necessitate new approaches to overcome resistance in genetically diverse populations, making gene drive technology less reliable.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 20, 2017

Most precise measurement of the proton's mass

Physicists from Germany and Japan made a precise measurement of the proton's mass, improving it by a factor of three and correcting the existing value. The resulting mass is significantly smaller than current standards, providing insight into fundamental physical theories.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2017

A robot that grows

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and Stanford University have created a soft robot that can extend its tip and control its growth direction based on external sensors, enabling it to navigate complex environments. The robot has potential applications in endovascular surgery, search and rescue operations, and construction.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 20, 2017

Small pest, big battle

A team of UC researchers is using gene editing to develop a new method to control disease-spreading mosquitoes, focusing on the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Safe Genes project aims to introduce genetic elements that rapidly spread throughout a population, reducing the mosquito population and preventing disease transmission.

Google searches can be used to track dengue in underdeveloped countries

A new study uses Google search data to track dengue fever in underdeveloped countries, providing accurate and timely estimates of disease prevalence. The method, called ARGO, combines Google Trends data with government-provided clinical data to alert governments and hospitals when elevated dengue incidence is anticipated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 20, 2017

Loma Linda University researchers finds links between meal frequency and BMI

Loma Linda University researchers found four factors associated with decreased body mass index: single or dual meals, overnight fasting up to 18 hours, breakfast instead of skipping it, and making breakfast the largest meal of the day. Making breakfast the largest meal resulted in a more significant decrease in BMI compared to lunch.

Donor-recipient tissue mismatch analysis may help personalize treatment after transplant

A molecular analysis of tissue mismatch between donors and recipients predicted which recipients needed high doses of immune modulating drugs. The study found a strong correlation between low medication levels and low molecular mismatch scores, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to individual patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 20, 2017

Sunny, rainy, or cloudy: New study shows how weather impacts response to mobile ads

A new study in Marketing Science found that consumer responses to mobile promotions are higher and faster in sunny weather than cloudy weather. The study suggests that firms can use local weather information to improve the effectiveness of their mobile ads, with better-than-yesterday or forecasted sunshine boosting purchase responses.

Shooting the Achilles heel of nervous system cancers

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered a novel synthetic lethality screen to discover molecules that target genetically modified yeast lacking NF1. The team identified one lead candidate called Y100, which disrupts tumor cell growth and induces oxidative stress causing death of NF1-deficient cancer cells.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJul 20, 2017

Curbing deforestation

A new Northwestern University study suggests that paying people to conserve their trees could be a highly cost-effective way to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions. The program, known as Payments for Ecosystems, was found to have large impacts on forest cover in western Uganda.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Study offers potential diagnostic and prognostic tools for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Sexual health clinics should ask about abuse

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that training clinicians to ask about domestic violence in sexual health clinics can be feasible and increase referrals to specialist services. The risk of gynaecological and sexual health problems is three-fold higher in women who have suffered domestic violence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJul 20, 2017

Study finds aboriginal community with strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land has lower suicide rates

A University of Guelph-Humber funded study found that a strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land are significant factors in positive mental health outcomes. The Cree community showed lower rates of depression, suicide, and mental illness despite shared history of trauma.

SourceUniversity of Guelph-Humber·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateJul 20, 2017

A super-algae to save our seas

Researchers have made a breakthrough in genetically engineering microalgae found in corals to enhance their stress tolerance and prevent coral bleaching. This could be a game-changer for ocean productivity and global coral reef conservation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 20, 2017

A sodium surprise

Biomedical engineers found that different beta subunits attach to the main protein in a unique way, affecting the channel's control over the heartbeat. This discovery could lead to precision medicine and therapies tailored to individual needs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 20, 2017

Parents have critical role in preventing teen drinking

A recent study found that parents have a significant impact on their teenagers' decisions regarding alcohol, with parental behavior and attitudes being key factors in preventing or delaying underage drinking. The study suggests that parents should discuss alcohol use with their children, set clear expectations, and avoid binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 20, 2017

Native leech preys on invasive slug?

Invasive giant slug <i>Limax maximus</i> has spread to Hokkaido, Japan, where it is preyed upon by microphagous leech <i>Orobdella kawakatsuorum</i>. The study reveals that the invasive species feeds on various crops including cucumber and sweet potato.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateJul 20, 2017

Cucumbers in space provide insights on root growth

Scientists have grown cucumbers in space to study the effects of water and gravity on plant roots. In their experiments, they found that water has a greater influence on controlling root growth than gravity, which will help inform future space farming strategies.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 20, 2017

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston are developing mathematical models to understand how cells in large colonies of bacteria communicate with each other. Their goal is to design colonies that can perform computations and make sophisticated decisions, mimicking the ability of tissues to maintain homeostasis.