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Science News for June 26, 2017


Physician heal thyself: Simple coping strategies for pervasive physician burnout

Physician burnout rates are alarmingly high, affecting up to 75% of younger clinicians. Simple approaches like taking breaks, exercising, and practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress and fatigue. The key is early diagnosis and intervention, with awareness of symptoms and the use of stress reduction techniques.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America·DateJun 26, 2017

UA researchers: Brains evolved to need exercise

Researchers propose adaptive capacity model to understand exercise-brain connection, suggesting physical activity impacts brain structure and function from evolutionary history as hunter-gatherers. Exercise may enhance cognitive abilities and prevent age-related decline or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Premature infants at greater risk of SIDS

Rutgers researchers found premature infants between 24-27 weeks have a three times higher risk of dying before first birthday due to SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Safe sleep practices, such as putting infants on their back to sleep, can help compensate for this risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 26, 2017

Ultrasound imaging of the brain and liver

Researchers have developed new noninvasive ultrasound techniques to image the brain and liver, overcoming limitations caused by bones in these areas. The DORT method uses a multi-element array to focus ultrasound waves through bones, while a lens-based transcranial focusing device has been patented for transskull imaging.

Cosmetic complaints climb but products still on market

A new Northwestern University study reveals that cosmetic complaints have more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, with hair care products being the biggest offender. The lack of regulatory scrutiny and poor reporting by consumers and manufacturers lead to significant under-reporting of adverse events, with only 200-400 reported annually

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Gays and lesbians who feel supported are more certain about retirement prospects

A University of Waterloo study found that gay men and lesbians who feel socially supported are more certain about their retirement prospects. The research, which analyzed data from over 6,000 working Canadians aged 45 to 70, showed that those who felt isolated or marginalized were less secure in their retirement plans.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement·DateJun 26, 2017

Integrated medical records can reduce disparities between blacks and whites in HIV care

A streamlined method of tracking medical records reduced racial disparities in HIV care, with blacks and Latinos showing significant improvements in viral suppression rates. The study found that integrated medical records improved use of anti-retroviral therapy and reduced gaps between whites and minorities in HIV health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJun 26, 2017

Air pollution casts shadow over solar energy production

A new study estimates that air pollution and dust are cutting global solar energy production by more than 25% in certain parts of the world, with China, India, and the Arabian Peninsula being the hardest hit. The regions experiencing heavy losses are also those investing the most in solar energy installations.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 26, 2017

Thwarting metastasis by breaking cancer's legs with gold rods

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new treatment that prevents cancer cells from migrating and spreading, known as metastasis. The treatment uses locally administered gold nanorods heated by a low-energy laser to target and destroy cancer cells' leg-like protrusions, effectively halting their migration.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

New insights into the toxin behind tetanus

Researchers at Stockholm University have determined the three-dimensional structure of the entire tetanus toxin protein, revealing its exact atomic positions. The discovery sheds light on how the toxin interacts with nerve cells and causes life-threatening muscle cramps and spasms.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 26, 2017

Young American Latinos report the most discrimination

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 26, 2017

A little place for my stuff

A new study published in Current Biology found that bacterial cells are limited by their ability to produce fat, which affects their growth and size. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, used a novel approach to understand the role of biosynthesis in cell-size regulation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 26, 2017

Skin cell model advances study of genetic mutation linked to heart disease, stroke risk

Researchers have developed a new skin cell model to study the genetic mutation ACTA2-R258C, which is linked to early-onset aortic aneurysm and moyamoya-like cerebrovascular disease. The study found that the mutation disrupts cytoskeleton functions, leading to impaired smooth muscle contraction and increased risk of heart disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Mitochondrial flash signals long-term memory at neuronal synapse

Researchers discovered that dendritic mitochondrial flash, also known as 'mitoflash,' is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones. The study revealed that mitoflash facilitates the transition from short-term to long-term synaptic potentiation through a bi-directional interaction between mitochondria and synapses.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017

Dementia patients may die sooner if family caregivers are mentally stressed

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that dementia patients tend to die sooner when cared for by family members with depression or anxiety. The study tracked 176 patients and their caregiver mental health over several years, revealing a strong link between patient survival and caregiver well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

'Own-point-of-view' video method leverages power of perception to improve emergency care

Researchers developed a novel technique that combines a micro-camera with a subjective re-situ interview to better understand physician decision-making in emergency medicine. The study found that this approach provided a more authentic understanding of clinical decision-making compared to traditional external perspectives.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Hot cities spell bad news for bees

A study from North Carolina State University found that common wild bee species decline as urban temperatures rise. The researchers used a lab test to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas, finding that the least heat-tolerant species are most affected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 26, 2017

Mechanism shown to reverse disease in arteries

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a mechanism to reverse disease in arteries by targeting an immune reaction. Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that certain immune cells can switch from promoting inflammation to healing, which can lead to reduced plaque growth and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 26, 2017

Gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Southwestern US Hispanic families

A study has identified a common gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Hispanic families from the Southwestern US, with over 70 genes now known to cause the disease. The researchers found that a dominant mutation in the arrestin-1 gene is responsible for 36% of cases, offering hope for future treatments and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 26, 2017

Glycans as biomarkers for cancer?

Scientists have developed a bioorthogonal labeling approach to identify sialylated glycoproteins in prostate cancer tissue, which could serve as tumor markers. The method allows for direct assessment of tumor metabolism in its natural environment, providing insights into cancer biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2017

Panda love spreads to benefit the planet

A recent Michigan State University study reveals that panda conservation in China has far-reaching benefits for the environment, including increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research found that nature reserves created to protect pandas are also benefiting other plant and animal species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 26, 2017

Predicting future outcomes in the natural world

A study reveals how individual-based modeling can help researchers predict the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on invasive species, such as melaleuca. The model suggests that introducing a native beetle can reduce melaleuca growth by 83% and its reproduction by 49% over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateJun 26, 2017

Animals, not drought, shaped our ancestors' environment

Researchers from the University of Utah analyzed oxygen isotope data from herbivore teeth and tusks to understand climate dynamics in the Omo-Turkana basin. The findings suggest that fluctuations in rainfall timing and interactions between plants and animals, rather than long-term drought, drove changes in the region's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Night shifts may hinder body's ability to repair DNA damage

Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Water exists as two different liquids

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can exist as two different liquids at low temperatures, with large differences in structure and density. The discovery was made possible through experimental studies using X-rays, which revealed the existence of these two liquid phases.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

New method to rapidly map the 'social networks' of proteins

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput technique to determine protein interactions, generating massive libraries and revealing over 8,000 interactions in Arabidopsis transcription factors. This approach enables faster study of fundamental biological interactions and potential treatments for metabolic dysfunction.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 2017

2-D material's traits could send electronics R&D spinning in new directions

Researchers have discovered a new 2D material with unique spin properties, making it a promising candidate for spintronics applications. The material's electronic structure was characterized using X-ray and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, revealing its potential to carry data more efficiently and with lesser power demands.

Regulating the indirect land use carbon emissions imposes high hidden costs on fuel

Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.

Cancer hijacks natural cell process to survive

Researchers at the University of Oxford have discovered that cancer cells manipulate a natural cell process called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) to promote their survival. By understanding how NMD affects different types of cancer, scientists may be able to develop new treatments and therapies to control tumour growth.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017

Novel viral vectors deliver useful cargo to neurons throughout the brain and body

Researchers at Caltech have developed two new viral vectors that can deliver genetic cargo to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The vectors, AAV-PHP.eB and AAV-PHP.S, can reach their targets via the bloodstream and are customizable for gene therapy applications. They offer a significant improvement over existing me...

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 26, 2017

Formation of artificial cells with a skeletal support reinforcement to withstand application realized

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology create liposomes with a DNA-based skeletal support, allowing them to withstand osmotic pressure and maintain their structure. This innovation enables controlled release of entrapped compounds and opens up new possibilities for drug delivery and cosmetics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Talking science

Karin Heineman, a seasoned science communicator, emphasizes the importance of capturing underlying stories and emotions in scientific discoveries. She shares her expertise on how to effectively convey complex ideas through video, highlighting its potential to impact audiences beyond the lab.

Mitochondria targeting anti-tumor compound

A novel compound, FA-M-β-CyD, induces mitophagy-mediated antitumor activity by targeting FR-α-expressing tumor cells. It increases mitochondrial transmembrane potential and ROS production, leading to cancer cell death. The compound shows promise as an anticancer drug with minimal side effects.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomedicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Drones that drive

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL have developed a system of quadcopter drones that can both fly and drive through urban environments with ease. The drones, equipped with wheels on the bottom, can navigate around obstacles in both air and ground modes, making them ideal for transporting objects or rescuing people in disaster zones.

Scientists find clever way to help you de-clutter your home

Researchers found that taking a photo of sentimental items before donating them increases the likelihood of getting rid of clutter. The study suggests this strategy helps people keep memories alive while parting with possessions, benefiting nonprofits and recipients. Participants were more willing to donate items that still held sentim...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 26, 2017

Where are the new therapies for heart disease?

A new study from Bentley University and Tufts University tracks the progress of developing new therapies for cardiovascular disease, finding that median time to first approval is greater than 40 years. The authors propose accelerating drug development by optimizing basic research and synchronizing it with growth.

SourceBentley University·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateJun 26, 2017

Computer model simulates sense of touch from the entire hand

A computer model developed by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago can simulate the entire nerve response of the hand to any pattern of touch stimulation, providing insights into how the nervous system perceives touch. This tool will enable scientists to create realistic touch sensations in bionic hands for amputees.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Curtains for privacy and quiet

Researchers developed a sound-insulating curtain system that can reduce outside noise levels by up to 26 decibels. The system uses multiple layers of fabrics with different acoustical impedances attached to aluminum tracks, creating variable zones for private conversations or meetings.

Fluid in the knee holds clues for why osteoarthritis is more common in females

Studies found significant differences in microRNA cargo carried by exosomes in males and females with osteoarthritis, with females showing more altered biological processes. The findings suggest a link between estrogen levels and the development of osteoarthritis, potentially leading to new diagnostic and treatment options.