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Science News for June 29, 2017


Bringing CRISPR into focus

Researchers describe for the first time the exact chain of events as the CRISPR complex loads target DNA and prepares it for cutting by the Cas3 enzyme. The study reveals a molecular redundancy that prevents unintended genomic damage, providing insights into ways to improve CRISPR-Cas systems for precision gene editing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

Car seat laws for older kids have limited impact

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that car seat laws for older kids have a limited effect on compliance rates. Despite increased fines, the same number of kids remain unrestrained. The study suggests that education and access to safety seats might be more effective in improving road safety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJun 29, 2017

Surprisingly exact timing of voluntary movements

A new study reveals that people are capable of controlling the exact timing of their blinking, a movement previously thought to be automated. This discovery challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of the cerebral cortex in controlling movements at will.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017

Osaka University researchers push metals to their limits

Researchers at Osaka University have created a novel metal alloy by adding two metals to generate a unique cross-lamellar microstructure, significantly improving its mechanical performance. The new alloy shows excellent high-temperature strength and could lead to efficiency gains in gas turbines and jet engines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017

3-D-printed implants can improve integration of amputee prosthetic devices with bone

Researchers developed two types of titanium implants with fine and coarse textures using electron beam melting and direct metal laser sintering. The study found substantial differences in mechanical testing results, including improved osseointegration and torsional properties for the fine-textured implants.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJun 29, 2017

Human activities worsen air quality in Dunhuang, a desert basin in China

Air quality has deteriorated in Dunhuang due to increased human activities, shifting from dust aerosol alone to a mixture of coarse and fine particles. Seasonal characteristics show significant variations in aerosol optical properties, with dust aerosols dominating during spring and fine urban aerosols during summer.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 29, 2017

Cancer researchers overestimate reproducibility of preclinical studies

A survey of experts and novices found that cancer scientists overestimated the replicability of high-profile preclinical studies. In reality, none of the six completed studies by the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology reproduced the original results. Training might help overcome cognitive biases in interpreting scientific reports.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 29, 2017

Serious pain afflicts a third of nursing home residents in last 6 months of life

A significant proportion of nursing home residents suffer from chronic pain during their final six months, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed data from over 960 seniors and found that 60% reported consistent low or mild pain, while around 34% experienced moderate or severe pain, with little improvement as death approached.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 29, 2017

Elephantiasis on the decline in Cameroon

Mass drug administration campaigns in Cameroon have successfully reduced lymphatic filariasis rates, with only 0.13%, 0.57%, and 0.45% of children infected in three evaluation units. The WHO's elimination strategy is on track, but post-mass drug administration surveillance is necessary to ensure disease transmission does not resume.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 29, 2017

University of Leicester develops pioneering X-ray technique to analyze ancient artifacts

The University of Leicester has developed a non-destructive X-ray technique that can analyze artifacts of any shape or texture, providing high-quality phase information without causing damage. This technique has the potential to eliminate the need for destructive sampling and provide vital context information for museum collections.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateJun 29, 2017

Immersive journalism in a post-truth world

The rise of immersive journalism poses challenges to traditional journalistic principles, as it offers a personal experience that can be subjective and relativistic. However, when used thoughtfully, immersion can enhance the narrative and create a powerful emotional impact.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Digital Humanities·DateJun 29, 2017

University of Surrey's research reveals secrets of success of tourism entrepreneurs

The University of Surrey's research has identified key characteristics and approaches that successful tourism entrepreneurs use to overcome barriers. They emphasize the importance of being dynamic, market-driven, and willing to experiment with new ideas. The study found that entrepreneurs often rely on creative strategies such as runni...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·DateJun 29, 2017

Why does acupuncture work?

A recent study from LA BioMed researchers found that the proper use of acupuncture can lead to elevated levels of nitric oxide in the skin at acupoints, increasing blood flow and analgesic release. The study suggests that this method may contribute to the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJun 29, 2017

Penn collaboration produces surprising insights into the properties of butterfly wings

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made surprising discoveries about the properties of butterfly wings, shedding light on their structural origins. The study reveals that the whiteness on male butterflies' wings changes depending on the angle, and that this phenomenon is crucial for signaling and mating purposes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2017

A new way out of the cycle of rejection

A study found that emotional messages are more effective in motivating people to pursue social activities again, especially for those who feel socially excluded. Emotional appeals can help counteract the cycle of rejection and isolation, making it easier for individuals to take care of themselves.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJun 29, 2017

Treatment benefits patients with thalassaemia and HCV

A new study shows that sofosbuvir and ledipasvir single pill therapy leads to a sustained virological response in 98% of patients with thalassaemia and HCV. The treatment is expected to be limited by drug-to-drug interactions, but offers a significant benefit for these patients.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateJun 29, 2017

Bumble bees make a beeline for larger flowers

Researchers found that bumble bees create more efficient foraging routes when larger flowers are available, as they can quickly recognize and navigate to the next nearest flower. This study suggests that learning is a choice that foragers make based on the cost-benefit balance of learning, depending on circumstances.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJun 29, 2017

One step closer to a DNA vaccine against dengue virus

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology has made significant progress in developing a DNA vaccine against the dengue virus. Researchers have successfully induced persistent humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, providing efficient protection against lethal challenge from one of the four ser...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJun 29, 2017

AI helps to fight against lung cancer

Researchers developed an AI-based approach to extract lung nodules from chest CTs, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing false positives. The method can be integrated into existing CADe systems and accommodate new data streams, potentially increasing the five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients.

Solving a sweet problem for renewable biofuels and chemicals

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new approach to convert biomass into renewable biofuels and chemicals, using the trial-and-error power of evolution. By harnessing this power, they were able to coax bacteria to better ferment sugars derived from biomass, leading to a 50% increase in product yield.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2017