Could flu during pregnancy raise risk for autism?
A study of 338 mothers found no evidence of increased autism risk from maternal influenza diagnosis alone, but a trend towards risk was seen in those with lab-verified infection and symptoms.
Science News Archive June 2017
Page 15 of 40
U study finds recognition technology a step closer to use in courtroom
A University of Minnesota study suggests American jurors can accurately integrate brain-based memory recognition evidence in evaluating criminal defendants. The research found that while the technology has potential, its effectiveness depends on more collaboration across disciplines.
Head impact exposure increases as youth football players get older, bigger
A study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that youth football players aged 9-13 experience more forceful head impacts as they progress to higher levels of competition. The study recorded over 40,000 head impacts and found significant differences in impact exposure between different levels of play.
Study examines opioid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
A new analysis of 2006-2014 Medicare data found that 41% of rheumatoid arthritis patients were regular opioid users by 2014. Factors associated with regular opioid use included younger age, female sex, and back pain.
Researchers developed nanoparticle based contrast agent for dual modal imaging of cancer
Cancer diagnosis at early stages remains challenging, but dual modal imaging using MRI and optical imaging has been developed. Europium doped gadolinium oxide nanorods were synthesized to produce bright contrasts in both imaging modalities.
Villous tree model with active contractions for estimating blood flow conditions
Researchers developed a computational model to estimate blood flow conditions in the human placenta, leveraging villous tree structures and active contractions. The results showed that displacement caused by contraction can help maintain robust blood circulation even under changed mechanical properties.
City rats: Why scientists are not hot on their tails
Rats in cities face significant challenges due to lack of access to urban properties, making it difficult for scientists to study them. This limits our understanding of rat ecology and population dynamics, ultimately affecting disease surveillance and control methods.
Gene variant protecting against Alzheimer's disease decreases plasma beta-amyloid levels
A gene variant protecting against Alzheimer's disease significantly decreases plasma beta-amyloid levels in a population cohort. The findings provide support for the amyloid cascade hypothesis and offer insights into future research directions.
Experts set out plan to tackle 'questionable integrity' of medical evidence
A plan to develop more trustworthy medical evidence is set out by experts from The BMJ and Oxford University's Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. The manifesto outlines nine steps towards more trustworthy evidence, including expanding patient involvement and reducing questionable research practices.
Numenta demonstrates machine intelligence algorithm for real-time anomaly detection
Researchers at Numenta have developed an online sequence memory algorithm called Hierarchical Temporal Memory (HTM) that can detect anomalies in real-time streaming data without supervision. The technique is based on the principles of how the brain works and has been tested using the Numenta Anomaly Benchmark.
A unique data center for cosmological simulations
A unique data center for cosmological simulations, Cosmowebportal, has been initiated by astrophysicists from TUM and LRZ. The facility pools the results of the Magneticum Pathfinder simulations, allowing scientists to explore and analyze the universe's evolution.
Age-specific overall risk of breast, ovarian cancer among women with BRCA1/2 genetic mutations
A study of nearly 10,000 women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations found age-specific breast and ovarian cancer risks that vary by mutation location and family history. The findings indicate a need for individualized counseling incorporating both family history profiles and mutation location to inform preventive strategies.
Are current efforts to combat terrorism actually increasing the risk of future attacks?
Research suggests that anti-Muslim sentiment can promote discrimination, limiting Muslim communities' social resources and social cohesion, which may lead to radicalization. Promoting community capacity building could be an effective strategy to improve health and limit radicalization.
New study advances understanding on the treatment of pediatric feeding disorders
A new study found that children with feeding disorders who received behavioral intervention and D-cycloserine experienced more rapid treatment gains, with a 76 percent improvement in feeding after five days of treatment. The results also suggest that the brain changes account for the drug's ability to result in behavioral changes.
Simple method measures how long bacteria can wait out antibiotics
A new method, MDK99, measures bacterial tolerance to antibiotics, allowing clinicians to effectively treat antimicrobial-tolerant strains. This metric can also estimate the duration of antibiotic treatments and provide insights into the prevalence of tolerance, ultimately reducing treatment failure and resistance.
Familiar faces look happier than unfamiliar ones
Researchers found that even when facial expressions are objectively identical, familiar faces are judged more positively. The study suggests that prior experience with a face can influence how happy it appears, highlighting the dynamic nature of emotion perception processes.
A new adjustable optical microprobe for the analysis and control of deep brain regions
Researchers developed an adjustable optical microprobe to analyze and control deep brain regions, enabling minimally invasive devices for diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The microprobe uses optogenetics to activate or inhibit neurons with tunable light intensity, color, and frequency.
Modeling Gulf War illness: Knowing the cause of brain dysfunction is key to finding a cure
Gulf War veterans experience long-term side effects of their service due to exposure to chemicals like pyridostigmine bromide, DEET, and permethrin. Animal models demonstrate how these chemicals cause brain dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to symptoms such as cognitive decline, memory problems, and chronic fatigue.
Penn study details impact of antibiotics, antiseptics on skin microbiomes
A study by Penn researchers found that antibiotics can significantly change the skin microbiome, leading to lingering effects even after treatment is stopped. Antiseptics, on the other hand, had a less durable impact and did not significantly alter the skin's microbial communities.
Tiny bubbles provide tremendous propulsion in new microparticles research-Ben-Gurion U.
Ben-Gurion University researchers develop innovative technique using light and tiny bubbles to propel microparticles at unprecedented speeds. The new method could have significant implications in the development of micromotors and optical devices for solar cell optics.
Researchers gain new insights into the formation of non-pathological amyloids
Researchers from VIB lab discovered functional amyloids formed by bacteria with dedicated biological functions, differing from toxic pathological amyloids. They developed a novel microscopy method to study real-time growth and regulatory characteristics of these fibers.
New metrology technique measures electric fields
American scientists have developed a new method to measure electric fields using atomic resonance-based technology, allowing for accurate and traceable measurements. This technique has improved spatial resolution and can measure frequencies up to one terahertz, relevant for future wireless mobile telecommunication systems.
Computer scientists repurpose laparoscopy video for medical training
Computer scientists at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital develop a new system to analyze hundreds of hours of laparoscopic surgery videos for training purposes. The system efficiently searches for events and visual features in the videos, enabling speedy analysis and improved surgical outcomes.
Corn better used as food than biofuel, study finds
A new study from the University of Illinois found that corn is more valuable for food production than biofuel, with a net social and economic worth of $1,492 per hectare. The research also highlighted the importance of soil nutrients in determining the environmental impacts of corn production.
Study: While trust is inherited, distrust is not
A recent study led by the University of Arizona found that trust is significantly influenced by genetics, while distrust appears to be primarily socialized. The research suggests that trust and distrust are distinct qualities, with genetics playing a more significant role in shaping trust behaviors.
Illuminating a better way to calculate excitation energy
A new method using a semilocal density functional produces more accurate estimates of excitation energy compared to other commonly used functionals, while requiring less computing power.
Unlock molecular secrets with mobile game BioBlox2-D
The game, developed by Imperial College London researchers, challenges players to dock molecules into proteins while learning about the science. The 3D version, BioBlox3D, aims to crowdsource protein docking problems through citizen science challenges.
Infections in early life associated with increased risk for celiac disease
Recurring gastrointestinal infections in early childhood significantly increase the risk of developing gluten intolerance, according to a new study. The research found a strong association between early respiratory tract infections and an elevated risk of celiac disease.
San Diego team tests best delivery mode for potential HIV vaccine
In a preclinical study, optimizing immunizations reliably elicits protective antibodies in non-human primates. Delivering the vaccine subcutaneously and increasing time intervals between immunizations improves efficacy and induces neutralizing antibodies.
NASA examines potential tropical or sub-tropical storm affecting Gulf states
A developing low-pressure area in the Gulf of Mexico is being monitored by NASA's GPM core satellite, which gathered rainfall and storm height information. The system has triggered Tropical Storm Warnings and Watches along the U.S. Gulf Coast, with a potential tropical cyclone expected to reach the coast late Wednesday or Wednesday night.
Long-term memories made with meaningful information
Researchers at Baycrest Health Sciences found that focusing on the meaning of words rather than repeating them creates better short-term memories. The study used brain scans to identify brain activity related to memorizing through sound and meaning.
Pacemakers and other cardiac devices can help solve forensic cases
A study found that pacemakers and other cardiac devices can determine the time and cause of death in unclear cases where autopsy fails. The devices revealed this information in 76% of cases, with changes in lead impedance and pacing threshold used to assign the time of death.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity by Cu2O nanoparticles integrated H2Ti3O7 nanotubes
Researchers developed a new photocatalyst by integrating Cu2O nanoparticles with H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, showing improved photocatalytic activities for organic pollutant degradation. The composite exhibits stronger visible spectral response and wider absorbance, reducing bandgap energy and inhibiting electron-hole pair recombination.
Increase in use of high-dose vitamin D supplements
The prevalence of daily supplemental vitamin D use above 1,000 IU increased from 0.3% in 1999-2000 to 18.2% in 2013-2014. Intake of 4,000 IU or more daily also rose, with 3.2% of participants using such supplements in 2013-2014. The trend was observed across most age groups, race/ethnicities, and sexes.
Plant reveals anti-Alzheimer's compounds
Japanese scientists have developed a method to isolate and identify active compounds in plant medicines, which accurately accounts for drug behavior in the body. They identified several active compounds from Drynaria Rhizome that improve memory and reduce disease characteristics in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Late HIV vaccine boost elicits higher immune response in volunteers from RV144 Thai trial
A new study has shown that boosting volunteers with an additional dose of AIDSVAX B/E vaccine 6-8 years after their initial vaccination resulted in higher humoral and CD4+ T-cell responses. This increased immune response suggests a potential for improved protection against HIV infection.
The story of music is the story of humans
A recent Frontiers article explores the origins of music and its significance in human society. The study reveals that music is closely tied to human emotions, bonding, and social cohesion, suggesting that it may have played a crucial role in shaping human culture.
Small variations in breeding pools make for big differences in Yosemite toad use
Research by the USDA Forest Service found that specific characteristics, such as water depth and vegetation height, significantly influence Yosemite toad breeding pool suitability. The study's findings provide valuable insights for land managers to conserve the species.
Genetic modifier for Huntington's disease progression identified
Researchers have identified a genetic modifier associated with the rate of progression in Huntington's disease. The study used high-quality data from two cohorts and found a significant result linked to the MSH3 gene.
New findings reverse hypothesis of GABA neurodevelopment in schizophrenia
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chandelier cells, a type of inhibitory nerve cell, are unaltered in schizophrenia patients, challenging prior findings of GABA deficits. The researchers suspect a developmental origin for the abnormality, which could have implications for treating brain disorders.
Internet-based weight-loss program for low-income women after child birth
An internet-based weight loss program was found to be effective in promoting significant weight loss among low-income postpartum women, resulting in a 7-pound average weight loss compared to 2 pounds in the standard care group. Additionally, more participants in the intervention group returned to preconception weight by 12 months.
Stanford scientists turbocharge high-resolution, 3-D imaging
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a way to retrofit OCT machines with off-the-shelf components, increasing resolution by several-fold. This improvement enables physicians to perform virtual biopsies and detect retinal and corneal damage, incipient tumors, and more with enhanced accuracy.
Minimally invasive autopsy can identify causes of Mozambique newborn and childhood deaths
Researchers found that minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) can accurately identify cause of death in newborns and children in Mozambique. MIA showed substantial agreement with complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) for categorization of disease, with the majority of neonatal deaths due to infectious diseases.
Thousands of genes influence most diseases, Stanford researchers report
A new study published in Cell suggests that virtually any gene can influence disease, with peripheral genes having tiny but significant effects. The 'omnigenic model' proposes a more nuanced understanding of genetic variation and its role in disease.
People looking for prestige prefer 'big ponds' over small ones
Research found that cultural upbringing affects choice of prestige versus performance; Chinese preferred top-ranked college despite below-average grades, while European Americans prioritized above-average grades at a lower-ranked school. Cultural factors play a significant role in decision-making.
Watching cities grow
Researchers from TUM develop new algorithm to reconstruct 4D point clouds of cities from satellite images, enabling early detection of dangers like subsidence and collapse. The method improves precision on a fraction of the radar wavelength, allowing for monitoring of urban growth and development.
Diagnosing obesity by mathematically estimating abdominal fat
A new reconstruction method for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is proposed to estimate abdominal fat, improving reproducibility and spatial resolution. The technique has shown promising results in detecting subcutaneous fat thickness, with further research needed to assess visceral fat volume.
Familiar faces look happier than unfamiliar ones
Researchers found that people tend to perceive familiar faces as happier, even when the faces objectively express the same emotion. The study suggests that familiarity influences 'deeper' perceptions of a person's emotion and makes faces on the happy side appear more positive.
UAlberta program found to lessen depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in youth
A University of Alberta pilot program taught important lessons in maintaining good mental health to over 6,000 youth in Red Deer schools. The EMPATHY program significantly lessened cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Memory for stimulus sequences distinguishes humans from other animals
Researchers discovered that humans have a superior capacity to deal with sequential information, making it easier to distinguish between stimuli sequences. This ability is crucial for language, mathematics, and strategic games, and may have evolved during human prehistory, supporting the later development of these traits.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine impact factor increases
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine ranked 5th in impact factor among medical imaging journals, increasing to 6.646 in 2016, with a 5-year impact factor of 6.459. Citations increased to 24,977, and article influence score is 1.84.
African plant extract offers new hope for Alzheimer's
Researchers at The University of Nottingham have discovered that a plant extract from Carpolobia lutea may help protect brain chemical messengers in people with Alzheimer's disease. The study found the extract to be highly effective in preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to memory and learning.
Boyhood violence victims are more likely to commit similar acts on intimate partners
A study conducted by Case Western Reserve University found that 60% of male participants reported being both perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. The research highlights the need for behavioral programs that address unresolved trauma from childhood abuse, which can contribute to violent behavior in adulthood.
Penn study: Blocking yeast-bacteria interaction may prevent severe biofilms that cause childhood tooth decay
Researchers found that blocking yeast-bacteria interaction may prevent severe biofilms that cause early childhood caries. The team identified surface molecules on the fungus that interact with bacterial-derived protein, impairing biofilm formation.
UW-led scientists 'closing the gap' on malaria in India
The UW-led Malaria Evolution in South Asia research center is one of 10 NIH-supported International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research. Researchers are studying the genetic diversity of malaria parasites in India, which shows more variation than elsewhere globally, making standard laboratory tests less accurate.
Making waves with the hot electrons within Earth's radiation belts
A recent study by the American Institute of Physics reveals that high-frequency quasi-electrostatic fluctuations in the Earth's radiation belts are driven by hot electrons. These fluctuations allow radiation belt electrons to remain inside the outer Van Allen band for a long time, influencing radiation exposure for orbiting satellites.
Taking stock early on is crucial for working late in life
A new research study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that taking stock early on is essential for working late in life. The study found that many people who worked beyond 50 years old had changed their career relatively early and were self-employed or consultants, while others practiced 'career crafting'.
New disease gene for axon degeneration identified through international gene matching
A new disease gene, MCM3AP, has been identified as causing early-onset axonal neuropathy and mild intellectual disability in multiple families worldwide. The gene was discovered using a global genetic matching platform, connecting patients and researchers from Finland to countries like Australia, Canada, Turkey, and Belgium.
Douglas Wallace, Ph.D., wins 2017 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research
Douglas Wallace receives the award for his pioneering work in mitochondrial genetics, leading to insights into human genealogy and implications for treating metabolic and degenerative diseases. The recognition acknowledges the crucial role of mitochondrial DNA genetics and bioenergetics in common disease etiology.
Solar heating could cover over 80 percent of domestic heating requirements in Nordic countries
Researchers at Aalto University found that solar energy can produce over 80% of domestic heating requirements in Finnish households. The study used various storage methods and found that prices need to be competitive for it to become a viable alternative. This could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Europe.