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Science News for July 27, 2017


Study finds harmful protein on acid triggers a life-threatening disease

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered how acidic conditions trigger the formation of toxic protein clusters in cells, leading to the death of vital organs. The study may help design new treatments for secondary systemic amyloidosis (AA), a life-threatening disorder that affects millions worldwide.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2017

Heavy metals in water meet their match

Researchers at Rice University have created a novel filter that can remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated water, using a combination of carbon nanotubes and quartz fibers. The filters are reusable and can be washed with vinegar, making them an effective solution for treating water in remote regions.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017

Hunting-related pathogen exposure not just for adult males

A new study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that women and children in Sierra Leone participate in hunting activities, challenging previous assumptions. The research underscores the importance of recognizing children's specific hunting practices to develop effective interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 27, 2017

Crops that kill pests by shutting off their genes

Researchers are developing crops that use RNA interference to block protein translation in target pests, providing a subtle yet effective method of pest control. The technology has the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides and address environmental and human toxicity concerns.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJul 27, 2017

Physicists design ultrafocused pulses

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a method to generate ultra-focused electromagnetic fields, enabling precise devices for microscopy and other applications. The new scheme utilizes a cylinder reflecting electromagnetic waves to create focused pulses with adjustable frequency.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 27, 2017

Reality check for 'wonder material'

Researchers investigated the surface states and bulk material of topological insulators, finding that a considerable part of charge transport occurred in the bulk phase, not just at the surface. The imperfect crystal structure was found to be the reason for this, with freely moving electrons generating electric current in the bulk.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 27, 2017

Anyone for crispy jellyfish?

A new method for drying jellyfish has been developed to make them crunchy and paper-thin, reducing processing time from 30-40 days to just a few days. This innovation also increases the efficiency of Asian processing plants.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateJul 27, 2017

Max Planck research kicked off in Würzburg

The new Max Planck Research Group for System Immunology aims to study the immune system as a whole, its interactions with the organism, and its impact on diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatism. The group will collaborate with non-university research institutes to promote holistic approaches in immunology.

Malaria already endemic in the Mediterranean by the Roman period

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that malaria was already widespread on Sardinia in the Roman period, contradicting previous assumptions. Genetic adaptations, such as thalassemias, played a crucial role in protecting against malaria, with some individuals leading healthy lives while being immune to infections.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 27, 2017

DREAMers at greater risk for mental health distress

A study from Rice University found that Mexican immigrants living in the US without proper documentation are at high risk of psychological distress. The survey revealed that respondents aged 18-25 were most likely to exhibit distress, citing loss of home, social status, and family as reasons for their mental health issues.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2017

Should we be worried about hepatitis E?

Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology·DateJul 27, 2017

Research finds increased risk of dementia in patients who experience delirium after surgery

A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia has found that delirium after surgery is associated with a significant increase in dementia risk in elderly patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 patients and found that those who developed postoperative delirium were three times more likely to suffer permanen...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 27, 2017

Which type of cell to become: Decision through indecision

Researchers found that cell fate decision is not a unique programmed event, but rather the outcome of a dynamic process where cells explore different molecular possibilities before reaching a stable state. This process is reminiscent of trial-and-error learning and highlights the complexity of human hematopoietic cell fate commitment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 27, 2017

BTI receives DARPA 'Insect Allies' Award

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have received a four-year DARPA award to develop insect-vectored viruses for disease-resistant maize. The project, titled Viruses and Insects as Plant Enhancement Resources (VIPER), aims to engineer genes into maize that can help combat disease, drought, and other yield-reducing stresses.

Negative birth outcomes linked to air pollution exposure early in pregnancy, study finds

Exposure to air pollution during the first two trimesters of pregnancy has been shown to increase risk for preterm birth and low birth weight. The study's findings also suggest that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can lead to decreased body length, placental weight, and anogenital distance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 27, 2017

Food banks respond to hunger needs in rural America

A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateJul 27, 2017

Using tweets to decrypt the personality of Donald Trump and other powerful people

A QUT-led study analyzing the tweets of influential business leaders, including President Trump, reveals a unique 'emotionally unstable innovator' personality. The researchers found that Trump's personality profile is distinct from other superstar entrepreneurs and CEOs, with traits such as high neuroticism and low agreeableness.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateJul 27, 2017

Child abuse and neglect linked to gender inequality

Researchers found a significant association between gender inequity and increased child physical abuse and neglect. The study analyzed data from 57 countries and found that higher scores on measures of discrimination against women were linked to higher rates of child maltreatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateJul 27, 2017

Heavy metals in water meet their match

Developed by Swansea University and Rice University, the filter removes toxic heavy metals from water using carbon nanotubes immobilized in quartz fiber. The filters can be reused after washing with vinegar and are capable of treating large amounts of contaminated water.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2017