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Science News for July 3, 2017


UNIST researchers find new way to tackle cancer cells

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to control cellular fate by introducing organelle-localized self-assembly of peptide amphiphiles. This approach enables targeted cancer chemotherapy by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway against cancer cells, reducing side effects.

How babies' environments lead to poor health later

A study published in PNAS found that early environmental exposures predict DNA methylation of inflammatory genes, leading to increased inflammation and disease risk in adulthood. Nutritional, microbial, and psychosocial factors in infancy are associated with epigenetic changes that shape inflammation and health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

Temple researchers identify novel mechanism underlying efficacy of common heart failure drug

Researchers at Temple University have identified a novel mechanism underlying the efficacy of common heart failure drug beta-blockers. The study reveals that dysfunctional beta-adrenergic receptor 3 and decreased levels of cardioprotective phospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate contribute to treatment resistance in some patients.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 3, 2017

Making waves

Researchers at IST Austria and Nvidia introduce a novel representation of waves that improves visual detail and user control while reducing computing cost. The method allows for more versatile and physically plausible simulations with minimal extra work.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 3, 2017

Popular heartburn drugs linked to higher death risk

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine links popular heartburn drugs to an increased risk of death, particularly among those using the medications for extended periods. The research found that users of proton pump inhibitors had a 25% higher risk of death compared to those taking H2 blockers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 3, 2017

Differences in US infant mortality rates among black and white babies

The infant mortality rate for black infants decreased from 14.3 to 11.6 per 1,000 births from 2005 to 2012, then plateaued before increasing again from 2014 to 2015. In contrast, white infant mortality rates declined steadily over the same period. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly reducing preterm b...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 3, 2017

Sea spray losing its sparkle?

Researchers from Stockholm University found that the inorganic component of sea spray particles takes up less water, resulting in smaller particle size and reduced sunlight reflection. This discovery challenges existing climate models and highlights the importance of understanding sea spray's role in the atmosphere.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2017

Study sheds new light on extinction risk in mammals

Researchers measured habitat fragmentation for over 4,000 species of land-dwelling mammals and found that species with more fragmentation are at greater risk of extinction. The study has implications for global mammal conservation, suggesting urgent action is needed to protect remnant habitats and restore connectivity.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

School's in for asthma medication adherence

A school-based intervention that administers morning doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to children with persistent asthma has shown improved adherence and quality-of-life outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of Asthma, found that 90% of participants received their prescribed morning doses through school administration.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateJul 3, 2017

Superstretchable, supercompressible supercapacitors

Scientists create a polyacrylamide hydrogel electrolyte that enables supercapacitors to be stretched up to 1000% in length and compressed by 50% in thickness without losing capacity. This flexibility makes the supercapacitor suitable for wearable electronics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2017

Extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs cleared way for frogs

A new study has found that the mass extinction event that wiped out dinosaurs simultaneously led to the evolution of three major lineages of modern frogs, which make up about 88% of living species. This finding suggests that the survivors filled up new ecological niches after the extinction event, resulting in the rapid diversification...

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

Flipping the switch on height variation

A study by Harvard University found a genetic 'switch' that controls the activity of a key skeletal gene related to height, which is also linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The variant, more prevalent in Eurasian populations, favors shortness and is associated with lower GDF5 activity in growth plates.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 3, 2017

Blood of SIDS infants contains high levels of serotonin

A study funded by NIH found that 31% of SIDS infants had elevated serotonin levels in their blood, suggesting an underlying vulnerability to the condition. Researchers propose testing blood samples for serotonin to distinguish SIDS cases from other infant deaths, but caution that more research is needed.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

Seeing the colored light: Bee brains open way for better cameras

Researchers discovered a new mechanism for processing color information in honeybees, which could improve color constancy in imaging systems. The study found that the bees' ocelli contain two color receptors that can detect ambient light color, allowing them to discount naturally colored illumination and perceive true colors.

SourceRMIT University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017

Shingles increases risk of heart attack, stroke

Contracting shingles significantly raises the risk of stroke and heart attack, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Patients with shingles are more likely to have common risk factors for cardiovascular events, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 3, 2017