Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 1, 2017


Yale-led team puts dark matter on the map

A Yale-led team has created one of the highest-resolution maps of dark matter ever produced, providing a detailed case for its existence. The map, derived from Hubble Space Telescope Frontier Fields data, closely matches theoretical predictions and offers insights into the universe's structure and galaxy formation.

SourceYale University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 1, 2017

Exploring the cause of chronic lung transplant rejection, in a quest to stop it

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that cells from lung transplant patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) can become activated and promote scarring. The team identified a chain of upstream signals starting with autotaxin, an enzyme that generates lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates collagen production.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2017

Autoimmune disease may be linked to heightened dementia risk

A large-scale study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. People admitted to hospital for autoimmune diseases were 20% more likely to be readmitted for dementia compared to those with other conditions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 1, 2017

Study identifies strategies to improve knee replacement outcomes in patients with obesity

Researchers identified key strategies to enhance total knee replacement outcomes for patients with obesity, including managing chronic conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Excess soft tissue during surgery can obstruct visibility, leading to difficulty achieving proper alignment and implant fixation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2017

Neither increased access to surgery nor reduced costs achieved in states that 'opt-out' of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia

A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalHealth Economics Review·DateMar 1, 2017

How can we predict whose MS will worsen?

A preliminary study found that individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who experience fatigue and limited leg function are at higher risk of progressing to secondary progressive MS. The study suggests that tailored treatments may be more effective for these patients, providing valuable insights into predicting MS progression.

Benefits of physical activity may outweigh impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of age. For middle-aged and elderly people, the benefits of physical activity may outweigh the impact of overweight and obesity on cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

The Lancet Psychiatry: Experts ask: Can cannabis be made safer?

The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2017

New drug lead identified in fight against TB

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a new compound that could translate into a new drug lead for tuberculosis. The compound, which is derived from soil bacteria compounds, has been shown to be effective against the bacterium causing TB in containment laboratory tests.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2017

Aging can be good for you (if you're a yeast)

Research in yeast reveals increased adaptability with age, benefiting growth on alternative food sources like galactose. This study challenges the notion of aging as an inevitable process, suggesting potential benefits and ancient mechanisms that may be conserved in more complex organisms.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 1, 2017

Study examines pesticides' impact on wood frogs

A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2017

Study: Physicians not prepared for male patients who perpetrate intimate partner violence

A study found that family medicine physicians are unprepared to intervene with male patients known to have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health conducted interviews with primary care physicians who reported experiences with such cases. The findings highligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

African elephants may be the shortest-sleeping mammals

Researchers tracked two African elephant matriarchs for 35 days and found they slept an average of 2 hours a day, with some periods lasting up to 46 hours without sleep. This unique sleep pattern raises questions about when elephants experience REM sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Racial gap in children's asthma linked to social inequality

A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.

SourceRice University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMar 1, 2017

Nanoinjection increases survival rate of cells

Physicists at Bielefeld University develop new nanoinjection method that increases survival rate of cells to 92%, surpassing traditional microinjection's 40% success rate. The technique enables precise delivery of fluorescent molecules into living cells, opening up new possibilities for cellular research and experimentation.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2017

The ultimate power nap

Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Magic cover crop carpet?

Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 1, 2017

Researchers imitate molecular crowding in cells

Chemists from the University of Basel have successfully simulated molecular crowding in artificial vesicles, offering insights into the development of nanoreactors and artificial organelles. The study reveals that the crowding effect influences enzymatic kinetics, enabling specific control over chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateMar 1, 2017

New tool, RODEO, promises to capture the breadth of microbial biosynthetic potential

Researchers developed software RODEO to identify clusters of genes indicating an organism's ability to synthesize therapeutically promising molecules. The tool uses machine learning approach to recognize predictive genomic features and has been successfully applied to a class of molecules called lasso peptides.

Monoclonal antibody drug superior to chemotherapy for advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A Phase III clinical trial revealed that blinatumomab significantly increased overall survival and remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study showed a median survival of 7.7 months for those treated with blinatumomab versus four months for those on chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

Study examines burden of skin disease worldwide

A new article published online by JAMA Dermatology estimates the global burden of skin disease, with dermatitis and acne vulgaris ranking among top causes. Skin diseases accounted for 1.79% of the global burden of disease in 2013, equivalent to 41.6 million DALYS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 1, 2017

Few heart attack survivors get recommended physical activity

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that only 16 percent of heart attack survivors meet the recommended amount of physical activity in the weeks following hospitalization. Clinician-supervised exercise programs have shown promise in encouraging more physical activity, but participation remains poor.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

Poor adolescent, early adult diet associated with increased risk for premenopausal breast cancer

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who consumed a diet high in sugar-sweetened drinks and processed meats during adolescence or young adulthood had a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers recommend consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 1, 2017

Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategy

A new framework guided by game theory, known as the Blame Game, can help policymakers decide whether to retaliate against a cyber attack. The framework considers vulnerability and potential consequences of assigning blame, helping nations make informed decisions in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017

Keep calm and measure cats' blood pressure!

The International Society of Feline Medicine has published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of hypertension in cats. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment, highlighting challenges such as routine blood pressure monitoring being performed infrequently in cats.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 1, 2017

FDG PET/CT found useful in certain lung cancer patients

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that FDG PET/CT is a valuable imaging tool for treating lung cancer patients, especially when clinical suspicion or evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis is present. However, its routine use without clinical suspicion should be discouraged until its value fo...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 1, 2017

2017 forecast: Significant chance of earthquake damage in the Central and Eastern US

The 2017 seismic hazard model forecasts lower damaging ground shaking levels in the central and eastern U.S., but Oklahoma and southern Kansas still face a significant risk of induced earthquake damage. For over 3 million people, the chance of damage is similar to natural earthquakes in high-hazard areas of California.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateMar 1, 2017

Study shows role of depression in the ongoing tobacco epidemic

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that depression significantly increased in the US from 2005 to 2013 among current, former, and never smokers. The prevalence of depression is consistently higher among smokers, but the rate of increase was more prominent among former and never smokers.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 1, 2017

Research finds we can civilize punishment by learning a perpetrator's unfortunate history

New research by Lehigh University professor Michael Gill and Stephanie C. Cerce found that considering a wrongdoer's life history reduces harsh blame but doesn't change the perception of their free will. This approach, known as historicist narrative, can lead to more constructive prison systems and improved mental health.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 1, 2017