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Science News for June 1, 2017


Who to vaccinate when flu season strikes

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that targeting vaccination efforts at children and the elderly during flu season can have the greatest overall benefit, saving lives and money. The researchers developed a synthetic population model to capture indirect effects of vaccination on community transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

What's powering your devices?

A WSU study reveals that US consumers are interested in using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, with many willing to shift their appliance usage to achieve this goal. The researchers propose developing an app prototype to monitor electricity sources in real-time, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJun 1, 2017

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Gravitational waves detected a third time

Physicists at the University of Maryland contribute to the detection of a third gravitational wave event, GW170104, using data from Advanced LIGO detectors. The merger occurred approximately 3 billion years ago and produced a single, more massive black hole.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

Replacing coal with solar can save lives and money

A study by Michigan Technological University found that transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) could save up to 51,999 American lives at $1.1 million invested per life. Solar power also has economic value, producing electricity that can be profitable to invest in, sometimes as much as several million dollars per life.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJun 1, 2017

Deep brain stimulation without implants

MIT researchers create temporally interfering (TI) stimulation, a new technique that stimulates neurons in the brain without implants. This method uses low-frequency electrical signals to target specific areas of the brain, offering new possibilities for brain research and potential treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJun 1, 2017

How do signs of problem gambling differ in men and women?

A new study published in Springer's Journal of Gambling Studies found that men and women experiencing problem gambling display different signs of distress. Women tend to be more emotional and display visible signs of sadness and depression, whereas men exhibit aggression and territorial behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateJun 1, 2017

A better dye job for roots -- in plants

A researcher at Salk Institute has discovered a fluorescent dye that reveals root growth is more influenced by auxin than thought, shedding light on the acidification theory and its role in plant growth. The study could inform faster-growing crop production or mitigate climate change effects.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

LIGO detects gravitational waves for third time

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) has confirmed the third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a population of black holes that were previously unknown. The detected black holes have masses ranging from 21 to 49 times that of the sun, shedding light on the existence of heavy black hole pairs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

Why antibiotics fail

UCSB biologists develop new antimicrobial susceptibility test that mimics conditions in the body, identifying effective treatments for diverse bacteria. The revised test has significant implications for public health, allowing physicians to choose alternative drugs immediately if a standard test fails.

Exposure to specific toxins and nutrients during late pregnancy & early life correlate w autism risk

A new study published in Nature Communications found that differences in toxin and nutrient uptake during critical developmental windows increase autism risk. Researchers analyzed baby teeth to identify associations between metal exposure and ASD severity, suggesting a potential pathway for interplay between genes and environment.

Locked movement in molecular motor and rotor

Researchers at University of Groningen create light-driven rotary motor with locked movement, where naphthalene rotor synchronizes with motor rotation. This breakthrough demonstrates synchronization of movement in artificial systems, a fundamental step towards molecular machine development.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Breaking Newton's Law

A quantum particle oscillates back and forth when interacting with a gas of Cesium atoms at extremely low temperatures. This behavior challenges Newton's laws of motion, as the particle's motion is restricted to the direction of the tubes.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

How to block type 1 diabetes

A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the autoimmune process that leads to type 1 diabetes, finding a way to protect beta cells from destruction. By targeting the activation of B cells, researchers were able to prevent diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 1, 2017

Unexpected mechanism behind chronic nerve pain

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that a small RNA molecule in sensory neurons regulates how touch is perceived, leading to increased pain sensitivity after nerve damage. The study's results suggest that microRNA-based drugs could be a promising treatment option for chronic nerve pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Researchers flip the script on magnetocapacitance

A new phenomenon in spintronics was discovered by altering capacitance by manipulating spins in the opposite way from normal magnetocapacitance. This inverse effect allows for more parameter space to design devices, potentially useful in magnetic sensors for computer hard drives and random access memory chips.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Despite substantial global reduction in diarrhoea deaths, half a million children still die from diseases each year

The Lancet Infectious Diseases study finds that diarrhoea is the fourth leading cause of death for children under 5, with 42% of deaths occurring in India and Nigeria. The researchers call for immediate and sustained actions to increase healthcare access and the use of oral rehydration solutions.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2017

New teen drivers 3 times as likely to be involved in a deadly crash

According to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers aged 16-17 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adult drivers. The '100 Deadliest Days' period between Memorial Day and Labor Day sees an alarming spike in deadly crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers.

SourceAAA·DateJun 1, 2017

A mother's age doesn't matter

A recent study found that mothers' ages don't contribute to preterm births or low birth weights; rather, factors like fertility problems, stress, and unhealthy behaviors may play a role. This research suggests women shouldn't worry about their age when considering having children.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 1, 2017

Asthma intervention study points to care and cost benefits

Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to significantly improve asthma control in patients, with a 76% increase in achieving good control compared to standard care. The economic benefits of these interventions are also substantial, with estimated annual savings of €72 billion in the European Union.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJun 1, 2017

Delaying meals impacts the sugar levels of the body

Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that delaying meal times by five hours can delay blood sugar rhythms, suggesting a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of shift work and jet lag. This finding indicates that separate circadian clocks govern glucose metabolism and fat levels in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Social laughter releases endorphins in the brain

Researchers found that social laughter leads to increased release of endorphins and opioid peptides, promoting social bonding and feelings of safety. This chemical response may underlie individual differences in sociability, highlighting the importance of vocal communication in maintaining human social networks.

Elephantiasis patients more likely to have depression

Research reveals that adults with lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria are four times more likely to experience depression than other adults in the country. The study found that patients with low self-esteem and unemployment were more prone to depression, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 1, 2017

Where to look for new treatments for alcoholism? The matrix

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that the MMP-9 enzyme plays a crucial role in motivation for alcohol consumption. Researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were less motivated to drink and exhibited reduced craving during withdrawal. This discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments targeting ...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2017

Cholesterol -- a key player at the lung surface

Researchers at Lund University found that cholesterol impacts the molecular structure of the alveoli's surfactant film, influencing its mechanical properties and substance transport. The study provides new insights into the significance of cholesterol for lung surface properties.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

How to attack Africa's neonatal mortality problem

A new study by Michigan State University scholars highlights the need to address inadequate healthcare and water access in Africa to reduce neonatal mortality rates. The study found that nearly half of under-5 child deaths occur during the neonatal period, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeospatial health·DateJun 1, 2017

Ethnicity and breastfeeding influence infant gut bacteria

A new study from McMaster University found that ethnicity and breastfeeding practices independently affect the gut microbiota in infants as young as one year old. The research revealed a higher abundance of lactic acid bacteria in South Asians and Clostridia in white Caucasians, suggesting potential links to future health issues such a...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGenome Medicine·DateJun 1, 2017

Deployment stress impacts well-being through different mental health issues for female and male vets

Research highlights the complex interplay between deployment stressors, mental health, and post-deployment well-being in veterans. The study found that specific military exposures have implications for functioning and satisfaction in work and family domains, with gender differences in risk and reaction to these exposures.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateJun 1, 2017

Sour taste cells detect water

Researchers at Caltech have discovered that sour-sensing taste cells play a crucial role in detecting water on the tongue. The study found that these cells are responsible for sensing water through a pathway also used for basic tastes, such as salt and sugar. This finding challenges current understanding of how mammals detect water.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 1, 2017

Populist radical right a threat to core values of medicine and public health

The populist radical right is a threat to the core values of medicine and public health, as it undermines evidence-based practices and ignores human rights. This trend has been observed in various European countries and the United States, where populist radical right parties have shaped politics and healthcare policies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJun 1, 2017

New approach to antibiotic therapy is a dead end for pathogens

A team of researchers at Kiel University has developed a new strategy to combat multi-resistant pathogens by identifying which antibiotics can lead to increased susceptibility to other drugs. This concept, known as 'collateral sensitivity', offers hope in the fight against antibiotic resistance.