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Science News for June 19, 2017


Grape-based compounds kill colon cancer stem cells in mice

Researchers found that grape-based compounds resveratrol and grape seed extract effectively killed colon cancer cells and suppressed tumors in mice. The combination of these compounds was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells, making them a promising approach for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Brain stimulation protocol reduces spasticity in spinal cord injury patients

Researchers developed a new brain stimulation protocol using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and excitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which showed significant benefits in reducing spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The study found that improvements persisted even after the treatment ended.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing

Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.

Understanding HIV's persistence

A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

The Asian summer monsoon -- a smokestack to the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere

A recent study reveals that the Asian summer monsoon significantly contributes to aerosol formation in the Northern Hemisphere's lower stratosphere, with a 15% annual contribution. The anticyclonic Asian monsoon serves as an efficient smokestack venting aerosols to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Fighting global warming and climate change requires a broad energy portfolio

A new study published in PNAS argues that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies beyond wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Experts emphasize the importance of a broader approach to decarbonization, citing technical challenges and infrastructure realities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Unearned fun tastes just as sweet

New research suggests that people over-worry about waiting for a 'right time' to enjoy themselves, continually postponing fun. In contrast, studies found that leisure activities tend to be enjoyable regardless of when experienced, with some tasks even enhancing enjoyment when completed before work.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 19, 2017

How to stop the nasty lurking toxoplasmosis parasite? Target its 'stomach,' study suggests

Researchers at U-M Medical School discovered that a molecule called cathepsin protease L is crucial to the parasite's ability to survive the cyst phase and cause disease. Interfering with this protein can stop the parasite, offering new hope for treatments. The study suggests that targeting the 'stomach' of the parasite may be key to p...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 19, 2017

Electron caught in the act

Griffith University researchers used Australia's fastest camera to measure the time it takes for molecules to break apart, achieving a record-breaking 15 millionth of a billionth of a second. This breakthrough could help design new molecules for materials science and drug discovery.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2017

Freshwater from salt water using only solar energy

A new desalination system uses solar energy to turn salt water into freshwater, promising a cost-effective and sustainable solution for global water scarcity. The technology combines membrane distillation with light-harvesting nanophotonics to efficiently generate steam from sunlight.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

New study from KKI shows feasibility of acupuncture in young children with ASD

A new study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that acupuncture interventions can lead to improved behavior, attention span, sleep quality, and reduced parenting stress in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Most parents reported a positive relationship with their child after participating in the intervention.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Chemistry of sea spray particles linked for first time to formation process

Researchers have identified the driving force behind differences in sea spray particles' chemical make-up, enabling better understanding of ocean chemistry and physics' influence on cloud formation. The study's findings could improve climate models by providing a more accurate representation of clouds' impact on precipitation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

Family of patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis are at increased risk of liver fibrosis

Family members of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. A clinical trial found that immediate relatives had 12 times higher prevalence of liver fibrosis than healthy controls, indicating the need for screenings in family members.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

Vaccine that lowers cholesterol offers hope of immunizing against cardiovascular disease

A study published in the European Heart Journal shows a vaccine that lowers cholesterol may be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The AT04A vaccine, administered to genetically modified mice, reduced cholesterol levels by 53% and induced long-lasting antibodies against PCSK9, an enzyme contributing to high cholesterol.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 19, 2017

Mapping how words leap from brain to tongue

Researchers led by SDSU neuroscientist Stephanie Ries discovered that wide swaths of the brain work in parallel to retrieve correct words from memory, challenging previous assumptions about localized language processing. The study's findings could help speech-language pathologists develop strategies for treating disorders like anomia.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 19, 2017

New research points to potential for more targeted treatments of neuroblastoma tumors

Research at the University of Chicago Medical Center identified genetic variations that pre-dispose children to severe forms of neuroblastoma, paving the way for more targeted treatments. Children with MYCN-amplified tumors have a lower survival rate, but understanding their genetic predispositions could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 19, 2017

Is it sometimes ok to cheat?

Research at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that fig wasps that cheat by not collecting pollen can still flourish in populations where they have a time and energy advantage. This suggests that cheaters may become more common when punishment is too severe, allowing them to reproduce and pass on their non-cooperative behavior.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 19, 2017

Like a moth to a flame

The spruce budworm's massive defoliation can lead to devastating consequences for the forest industry, causing an estimated $3 billion to $4 billion in losses over the next 30 years in New Brunswick alone. Defoliation increases the risk of natural fires igniting eight to 10 years after a budworm outbreak.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 19, 2017

Treating autism by targeting the gut

Researchers found that restoring a healthy balance in gut bacteria can treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. The review highlights several studies showing positive impacts of probiotics, prebiotics, diet changes and faecal matter transplants on ASD symptoms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2017

Discovery could guide immunotherapy for lung cancer

Scientists have discovered a new type of immune cell that can predict which lung cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy treatment. The study found that patients with high levels of tissue-resident memory T-cells in their tumour were more likely to survive, and the cells' behaviour played a key role in increasing survival rates.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 19, 2017

Mutant mosquitos make insecticide-resistance monitoring key to controlling Zika

A recent study by Emory University highlights the importance of insecticide-resistance monitoring in controlling the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. The research found that applying insecticides like deltamethrin in areas with high resistance can be ineffective, emphasizing the need for targeted control measures.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 19, 2017

Self-medication misuse is high in the Middle East

A systematic review reveals widespread self-medication misuse in the Middle East, with pharmacies selling up to 97% of antibiotics without a prescription. The study emphasizes the need for improved policies and education to address this issue.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateJun 19, 2017