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Science News for July 5, 2017


Mice lacking a sense of smell stay thin

Researchers found that mice lacking a sense of smell lose an average of 16% body weight, with most weight loss coming from fat. The team discovered a link between the loss of smell and increased burning of brown fat, which helps with weight regulation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Bringing precision to Medicare cancer care

Researchers developed a model that accounts for variation in clinical course of different patient populations across various clinical settings. The model shows that patients with similar characteristics within the same diagnosis can have different survival times and care needs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 5, 2017

Sleep problems may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that people with normal thinking and memory skills but poor sleep quality may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found a link between sleep disturbances and biological markers for Alzheimer's disease in spinal fluid, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 5, 2017

Sugar intake during pregnancy is associated with allergy and allergic asthma in children

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found a strong association between high maternal sugar intake during pregnancy and an increased risk of allergy and allergic asthma in offspring. The research, which analyzed data from over 9,000 mother-child pairs, suggests that high fructose intake may cause a persistent po...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 5, 2017

Scientists take a deeper dive into cellular trash

A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute researchers found that autophagy declines with age, leading to incomplete recycling of cellular waste. The team discovered this decline occurs after autophagosomes are formed, potentially blocking the conversion process and contributing to age-related diseases.

Powerful new technique can clone thousands of genes at once

Scientists have developed a powerful new technique called LASSO cloning that can clone thousands of long DNA sequences at once, speeding up the creation of proteins and discovery of new medicines. This innovation enables researchers to analyze what genes' proteins do, leading to potential breakthroughs in scores of diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 5, 2017

New method helps fighting future pandemics

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze influenza virus infections in cells and lung tissue, visualizing the delivery of viral genome segments. This approach revealed that productive cell co-infections only occur when both viruses enter the same cell within two hours.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Hospital, office physicians have differing laments about electronic records

A new study reveals widespread physician dissatisfaction with electronic health records (EHRs), with hospital-based physicians expressing concerns about reduced patient contact time and office-based physicians worrying about the quality of their interactions. Despite these challenges, some physicians have found ways to minimize disrupt...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Innovation in Health Informatics·DateJul 5, 2017

Improved risk recognition expected to enhance fertility preservation for cancer patients

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that abdominal radiation increases the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in female cancer survivors, which can lead to infertility and poor overall health. Researchers recommend estrogen replacement therapy to mitigate these risks.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Reducing stress, optimizing coping strategies may diminish need for opioids following ankle surgery

A recent study found no association between opioid intake and disability, satisfaction with surgery, or pain management at 5-8 months post-surgery. However, patients using opioids reported more pain with activity and catastrophic thinking, leading to anxiety and limited mobility.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 5, 2017

Marijuana and vulnerability to psychosis

A Canadian study found that frequent marijuana use during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of recurrent psychotic-like experiences. The study suggests that emerging symptoms of depression are a key factor in this relationship, and highlights the need for targeted prevention programs to delay or prevent marijuana use amo...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2017

Smelling your food makes you fat

A recent study found that mice who lost their sense of smell gained less weight on a high-fat diet compared to those with normal smell. The researchers used gene therapy to temporarily destroy olfactory neurons, and the smell-deficient mice rapidly burned calories by up-regulating their sympathetic nervous system.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Visualizing whole-body cancer metastasis at the single-cell level

Researchers have developed a method to visualize cancer metastasis in whole organs at the single-cell level, enabling early detection of dormant or resistant cancer cells. This breakthrough uses transparent mice and advanced imaging techniques to create 3-D maps of cancer cells throughout the body and organs.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Multichannel EEG recordings enable precise brain wave measurement of fish

Researchers at DGIST have successfully measured zebrafish's multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) using a non-invasive method. This breakthrough enables precise observation and study on the generation of EEG in specific areas of the brain, with potential applications in developing new drugs for epilepsy syndrome.

Watch cancer spread in a mouse

Scientists in Japan develop a method to image cancer at the single-cell level, revealing cancerous colonies in detail. The technique allows researchers to track cancer cells as they multiply and metastasize, providing insight into metastatic pathways.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

New brain cancer drug targets revealed

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to screen brain tumor cells and identify potential drug targets. The team found 57 genes required for cancer cell survival in the brain, but not in traditional laboratory culture, suggesting a new avenue for therapeutic development.

Remote Amazonian cities more vulnerable to climate change

Research by Lancaster University found that remote Amazonian cities are more vulnerable to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and health risks. Experts emphasize the need for 'adaptive capacity' through improved public services and disaster response planning to mitigate these effects.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateJul 5, 2017

Physicists read Maxwell's Demon's mind

An international research team has successfully brought Maxwell's Demon to life using superconducting circuits. The team observed the demon gain useful energy from a thermodynamic system, bypassing the second law of thermodynamics, and tracked how information is stored in its memory.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2017

Bowel cancer diagnosis delayed by other illness

A new study found that patients with pre-existing serious health conditions, such as heart disease or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), may experience a delay of up to 26 days in receiving a bowel cancer diagnosis. This can lead to more severe outcomes and poorer treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 5, 2017

People with tic disorders at increased suicide risk

A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that people with Tourette's disorder and chronic tic disorder are over four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Persistent tics into adulthood were a strong predictor of suicide risk, with patients nearly four times more likely to attempt suicide.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2017

Greener molecular intermediates may aid drug design

Rice University scientists simplify synthesis of precursor molecules for biologically active compounds, enabling cheaper and more sustainable drug design. The new method uses hydroxylamine O-sulfonic acid to produce aziridine molecules at room temperature in a few hours.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 5, 2017

Gaze direction affects sensitivity to sounds

A new UCL study found that looking away from the sound source while focusing on another one can lead to slower reactions and increased listening effort. The researchers used EEG to monitor brain activity in participants, revealing an increase in oscillatory neural activity when gaze was misaligned with auditory attention.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 5, 2017

Genetic DJ: Growing cells remix their genes

A study by Babraham Institute and Weizmann Institute reveals genes are constantly rearranged in cells, changing their positions to fine-tune gene expression. Researchers collected data from over 4,000 individual cells using single-cell Hi-C technology, providing unique insights into genome organisation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

Skin plays significant role in spread of leishmaniasis

Researchers at the University of York have found that parasites responsible for leishmaniasis are mainly acquired from the skin rather than through blood transfusions. This discovery challenges current treatment methods and highlights the importance of measuring parasite levels in the skin to assess treatment success.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2017

The big ecological roles of small natural features

A team of researchers explores the disproportionate ecological importance of small natural features, highlighting their significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. These elements, such as salt marshes and rocky outcrops, are often overlooked but can provide resources that limit key populations or support unusual diversity.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 5, 2017

Saving the paintbrush lily from extinction

A major conservation effort is underway to conserve the last remaining paintbrush lilies in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden. The species, Haemanthus pumilio, has declined drastically due to habitat destruction and invasive species. The garden aims to increase the population through micropropagation and control burns.

Training can improve athletes' stereo vision

Researchers found that repetitive training using stereoscopic stimuli can improve reaction speed and processing time in athletes. After six training sessions, the athletes' processing time decreased significantly, and this ability remained stable for six months after the training ended.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJul 5, 2017

How much does dementia risk increase after traumatic brain injury?

A retrospective cohort study of over 40,000 TBI patients found a significant increase in dementia risk after moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Those with mild TBI had a 1.6% diagnosis rate, while those with moderate-to-severe TBI had a 3.5% diagnosis rate, highlighting the increased risk in middle-aged individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 5, 2017

Milky Way could have 100 billion brown dwarfs

An international team of astronomers suggests that the Milky Way contains a staggering number of brown dwarfs, with estimates ranging from 25 to 100 billion. The Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters (SONYC) survey found that brown dwarfs are common in dense star clusters and have a small effect on their formation environment.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

'Competency-based' service training for flight attendants improves passenger satisfaction

A study found that competency-based cabin service training for airline flight attendants improves customer satisfaction levels. The training, which focuses on four nationally recognized competency-focused units, resulted in statistically significant differences in customer satisfaction ratings among passengers.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research·DateJul 5, 2017

What kind of Facebook user are you?

Researchers at Brigham Young University identify four categories of Facebook users: those who use the platform to build relationships, share information with others, self-promote, and simply observe social media activity. The study sheds light on why people engage with Facebook in different ways.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInternational Journal of Virtual Communities and Social Networking·DateJul 5, 2017

Digital communication improves young patient engagement, according to new study

A new study from the University of Warwick and King's College London found that digital communication methods can improve the health care experience of younger patients. The research, which involved case studies from 20 NHS specialist clinical teams, suggests that this approach can engage those who are otherwise disengaged and enhance ...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 5, 2017

Engineers find way to evaluate green roofs

A team of engineers at the University of Illinois has developed a mathematical technique to assess green roof performance, considering factors such as rainfall intensity and soil moisture. The study aims to facilitate communication between stakeholders about the financial risk and environmental benefits of green infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment·DateJul 5, 2017

Bacteria collaborate to propel the ocean 'engine'

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that phototrophic and heterotrophic bacteria collaborate to cycle nutrients, feeding the ecosystem. This interaction is crucial for maintaining a balanced nutrient level, supporting half of the planet's primary production and oxygen supply.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 5, 2017

Figuring out how fast Greenland is melting

A new study from University of Arizona scientists has analyzed Greenland's past temperatures to better understand the island's vast ice sheet melting. The research found that current temperatures are warmer than the 1930s, with a long-term trend for ever-higher surface temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 5, 2017

Probing psychopathic brains

A study by Harvard University researchers found that psychopaths' brains prioritize short-term gains, leading to poor decision-making and violent behavior. The research used brain scans of nearly 50 prison inmates, revealing a specific connection between the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2017

Re-making planets after star-death

Astronomers Dr Jane Greaves and Dr Wayne Holland propose a new model for forming planets in the aftermath of a supernova explosion. They suggest that material caught up in the bow-wave around a moving neutron star could provide raw materials for future planet formation. Further data from ALMA is needed to confirm this theory.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 5, 2017

Sex now needs to be included as a biological variable in NIH-funded research, but how?

The National Institutes of Health has instituted a policy to consider sex as a biological variable in funded research, with recommendations provided by coauthors Terri Lynn Cornelison and Janine Austin Clayton. Guidelines include including both male and female subjects in studies and generalizing findings appropriately.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGender and the Genome·DateJul 5, 2017

Global ocean health relatively stable over past 5 years

A study analyzing five years of Ocean Health Index data for 220 countries found that global ocean health has remained stable, but individual countries have seen changes, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Improvements in fishery management and marine protected areas may have stabilized ocean health scores in other regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 5, 2017

V.A. campaign to increase hospice care showing results

A new study found that a V.A. initiative to improve end-of-life care led to a substantial increase in the use of hospice among U.S. veterans. Hospice use grew at a rate twice as fast as the general Medicare population, with an estimated additional 17,046 veterans receiving hospice care between 2010 and 2014.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 5, 2017

2-D layered devices can self-assemble with precision

A team of Penn State researchers has created 2D layered devices that can self-assemble at atomistic precision, enabling the production of high-efficiency devices such as flexible electronics and energy storage systems. The devices feature minute spacing between layers, which is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbon·DateJul 5, 2017