Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 13, 2017


'Preventable' asthma attacks in Houston cost millions

A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of School Health·DateMar 13, 2017

Underwater vehicle design inspired by schools of fish

Researcher Keith Moored aims to understand the forces, energetics and flow physics of collective locomotion in schools of fish to develop optimized underwater vehicles. He will use a low-speed wind tunnel facility and particle image velocimetry system to characterize flow fields and forces acting on pitching wing models.

One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic ion channel molecule with two distinct openings, allowing for different-shaped paths into a cell. The molecule's rotation and attachment to lipids control its conductance states, offering potential insights into the unique functioning of these channels in living organisms.

SourceKyoto University·JournalChem·DateMar 13, 2017

Parenthood linked to longer life

Research published in Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that parenthood is associated with lower risks of death in older age, particularly among men. The study tracked the lifespan of over 1.4 million people in Sweden and found a two-year difference in life expectancy between parents and childless individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 13, 2017

Children experience long wait times for developmental and behavioral specialists

A Rutgers study finds that an estimated one in six US children have development disorders, but only 1,000 developmental pediatricians exist nationwide. The study also reveals a lack of programs offering accommodations for non-English speaking families, resulting in extended wait times and delayed diagnostic evaluations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMar 13, 2017

After Deepwater Horizon spill: Which animals weathered the disaster

A new study from Rutgers University reveals that killifish played a crucial role in the food web, while terns, gulls, and wading birds were highly sensitive to oil due to their extensive connections as prey and predator. The researchers identified blue crabs as key species for future research due to their importance in the ecosystem.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 13, 2017

Expensive taxi rides for business travelers

A recent study found that taxi drivers in Athens charge business travelers a 7% higher fare than locals, taking advantage of the fact that passengers are reimbursed by their employers. The researchers also discovered that women were more likely to be overcharged than men.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateMar 13, 2017

A multidrug efflux pump in motion

A multidrug efflux pump in motion: Researchers have mapped the conformational changes that occur in P-glycoprotein, a protein notorious for pumping chemotherapeutic drugs out of cancer cells. This study sheds light on how P-glycoprotein binds and transports molecules, with potential implications for developing new treatments.

Researchers offer overview of composite metal foams and potential applications

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed composite metal foams with enhanced properties, including reduced armor-piercing bullet penetration and effective radiation shielding. The new data provides a comprehensive overview of the materials' performance in various tests, including high-speed impacts and cyclic loading.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 13, 2017

Profiting from the fight against corruption

Researchers at HEC Montréal found that cooperative civil society organizations can increase government payoffs, as they become more efficient and allocate time to productive activities. This surprising finding suggests that corruption can be a net positive for governments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMathematical Social Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Are military physicians ready to treat transgender patients?

A survey of military physicians found most lacked formal training on transgender care, had not treated patients with gender dysphoria, and were insufficiently trained to prescribe cross-hormone therapy. The study highlights the need for greater medical training in transgender care among military physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

Keeping pitchers in the game: Potential in osteopathic medicine to prevent shoulder injury

Researchers found a single administration of the Spencer technique restored internal rotation of pitchers' shoulders by 85%, reducing susceptibility to injury. Osteopathic medicine focuses on prevention, and this study validates the technique's potential for preventing shoulder injuries in baseball players.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMar 13, 2017

Thirsty mangroves cause unprecedented dieback

Researchers found unprecedented dieback of 7400 hectares of mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria due to prolonged drought, record-breaking heatwaves, and a 20cm sea level drop. This discovery highlights mangroves' vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine and Freshwater Research·DateMar 13, 2017

A kiss of death to drug the 'undruggable'

Researchers have found a way to selectively degrade proteins that are difficult to target with drugs, using a small molecule approach that binds to neutralizing agents. The discovery provides a paradigm shift in targeting 'undruggable' proteins and offers new hope for cancer treatment and drug development.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 13, 2017

Study finds differences in lifespan between Canadians and Americans with cystic fibrosis

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that people with cystic fibrosis are living longer in Canada than in the United States, with a median age of survival being 50.9 years in Canada compared to 40.6 years in the US. The study found that after accounting for factors such as age and disease severity, the ri...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 13, 2017

Study questions benefits of long-term use of ADHD medications

A recent study following over 500 children with ADHD into adulthood found that extended stimulant medication use is associated with suppressed adult height but not reduced symptoms of ADHD. The findings suggest a trade-off between symptom-related benefits and growth-related costs of long-term treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 13, 2017

Dramatic improvement in surface finishing of 3-D printing

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new 3D Chemical Melting Finishing (3D-CMF) method that improves surface texture and structural rigidity while reducing waste and cost, making it suitable for home 3D printing. The process uses a tool to selectively apply solvent to specific parts of the printed piece.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

First physiological test for schizophrenia and depression

Researchers have identified a new way to distinguish between schizophrenia and depression using proteins in nerve cells. The method measures the level of hormone arginine-vasopressin (AVP) released in response to salt solution, which can indicate NMDA receptor signalling. This test may lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as we...

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMar 13, 2017

Supplemental fat not necessary when canola meal is fed to weanling pigs

A new study from the University of Illinois shows that high protein canola meal contains glucosinolates, which reduce diet palatability and affect growth performance. Pigs fed diets containing conventional canola meal had greater final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake than those fed high protein canola meal.

Pain in the neck

Researchers have discovered a way to curb chronic pain by modulating genes that reduce tissue- and cell-damaging inflammation. This technique uses the CRISPR system to protect cells from inflammation, preventing tissue degeneration and pain.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMar 13, 2017

Mount Sinai researchers publish results of first-of-its-kind iPhone asthma study

The Asthma Mobile Health Study demonstrates a successful, large-scale participant enrollment approach using iPhones and the Apple ResearchKit framework. The study collected rich research data from thousands of individuals, providing a comprehensive view of 'real-world' patterns of disease, wellness, and behavior.

3+ hours daily screen time linked to diabetes risk factors for kids

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found a strong association between daily screen time of 3+ hours and increased risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children, including adiposity and insulin resistance. The study suggests that reducing screen time may be beneficial in reducing these risk factors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 13, 2017

Cellular 'garbage disposal' has another job

Researchers discovered proteasomes embedded in nerve cell membranes, degrading proteins and expelling peptides that carry essential signals. This finding suggests a new role for proteasomes in cell-to-cell communications and raises questions about neurological disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 13, 2017

Vaccines do work for pandemic flu, says study

A study led by University of Nottingham researchers found that pandemic flu vaccines are effective in reducing the number of patients hospitalized due to the illness. However, vaccine effectiveness varies depending on age, with children being more protected than adults, especially those over 50 years old.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalVaccine·DateMar 13, 2017

Diving with the sharks

A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that sharks can interact with humans without long-term behavioral impacts. The research used video surveys to monitor shark abundance and behavior at sites with and without a history of scuba diving, revealing no significant differences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMar 13, 2017

Some genetic variations difficult to evaluate using current stem cell modeling techniques

A recent study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that certain genetic mutations are challenging to recreate in laboratory-produced stem cells. This limitation may hinder neuropsychiatric research, highlighting the need for researchers to carefully check for retained genetic elements in newly created stem cells.

Phage therapy shown to kill drug-resistant superbug

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThorax·DateMar 13, 2017

Taking B vitamins may reduce epigenetic effects of air pollution

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Flowering times shift with loss of species from a grassland ecosystem

Researchers found that reducing the number of species in a grassland ecosystem can cause remaining species to flower earlier, similar to the effects of climate change. The study suggests that future changes in biological timing could be much bigger than expected, with potential cascading effects on ecosystem dynamics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

UTHealth awarded $1.5 million to increase HPV vaccinations in medically underserved areas

Researchers at UTHealth aim to increase HPV vaccination rates among minority youth in medically underserved areas by launching a three-year project. The initiative includes a parent-focused social marketing campaign and comprehensive school-based vaccination clinics to educate parents and adolescents about the vaccine's importance.

'Good' bacteria is potential solution to unchecked inflammation seen in bowel diseases

Researchers found that adding back beneficial bacteria can help end a cycle of unchecked inflammation, suggesting a new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests targeting the inflammation downstream of NLRP12 with anti-inflammatory drugs or feeding specific beneficial bacteria to potentially lead to treatments.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 13, 2017