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Science News for July 7, 2017


Hubble's hidden galaxy

Located close to the Milky Way, IC 342 is a sweeping spiral galaxy with an active core. The Hubble Space Telescope image reveals a mixture of hot star-forming regions, cooler gas, and dark dust lanes around the bright core, indicating the presence of ionized hydrogen.

Baits may be bolstering bear populations

Baits have become a significant portion of black bears' diets, potentially bolstering population density. The widespread consumption of calorically rich foods may be driven by the goals and consequences of baiting policies needing re-evaluation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJul 7, 2017

Zero gravity: Graphene for space applications

Researchers are testing graphene's potential in space applications through two experiments. GrapheneX, a student-led team, will use microgravity conditions to test graphene for light sails, while another experiment investigates how graphene improves efficiency in loop heat pipes, crucial for satellite cooling systems.

Childhood obesity major link to hip diseases

Research from the University of Liverpool reveals a strong association between childhood obesity and hip diseases, particularly Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). Obese children are at highest risk of developing SCFE, which can cause significant pain and lead to hip replacement in adolescence or early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 7, 2017

'Educating' patients' immune cells may help combat diabetes

New research suggests that educating patients' immune cells with cord blood stem cells may help combat type 1 and 2 diabetes. The therapy is safe and effective in improving islet beta cell function, making it a potential treatment for other autoimmune diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJul 7, 2017

Family-based treatments may help address obesity in children

A family-based treatment approach for childhood obesity was found to be effective in reducing body mass index standard deviation scores. Young age and high BMI-SDS at baseline, as well as good motivation for treatment and adherence to the protocol, were key factors associated with successful weight loss.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJul 7, 2017

Well-being in later life: The mind plays an important role

A recent study found that psychosocial factors such as depression and anxiety disorders have a stronger negative impact on subjective well-being in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,600 participants aged 73 and found that women living alone were more likely to experience low well-being.

Simple test predicts return of bladder cancer

A simple test for bladder cancer has been developed that can predict its return in over 80% of patients, identifying the faulty protein TERT. This new method detects bladder cancers earlier than existing tests and distinguishes them from urinary tract infections, potentially helping doctors start treatment sooner.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 7, 2017

Teaching old drugs new tricks in the fight against infectious diseases

Currently available drugs may be used alone or in combination to treat infectious diseases, addressing a pressing need due to slow development of new therapies. Non-profit entities and private industry collaboration is crucial for discovering novel interventions to combat drug-resistant pathogens.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 7, 2017

Some patients with dementia may experience delayed-onset PTSD

Researchers review three cases of delayed-onset PTSD in patients with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognizing early life trauma. Clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and BPSD by considering a patient's unique narrative and history of previous trauma.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJul 7, 2017

Sucking up spilt oil

Scientists from India develop a simple strategy to recover spilt oil by tightly binding it to a porous matrix, allowing for easy scooping and recycling. The cellulose-based system effectively absorbs oil without sucking in water, making it an environmentally friendly solution.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 7, 2017

Fasting blood sugar and fasting insulin identified as new biomarkers for weight loss

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that fasting blood sugar and/or fasting insulin can be used to select optimal diets and predict weight loss, particularly for those with prediabetes. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and wholegrains may improve diabetes markers for most people with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 7, 2017