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Science News for March 14, 2017


Zebrafish without stripes

Dowling-Degos disease patients with PSENEN gene mutations display unusual pigment cell behavior in zebrafish, leading to similar skin patterns. The discovery provides new insights into the causes of acne inversa and its link to the genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2017

Breathtaking gene discovery in Dalmatian dogs

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Dalmatian dogs. The gene study found that the disorder results from a defect in an anillin protein which binds to actin, leading to abnormal regeneration capacity of the bronchiolar epithelium.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2017

Money, not access, key to resident food choices in 'food deserts'

A new study finds that financial resources are the primary factor limiting diet choices in so-called 'food deserts', where residents often have to travel long distances and spend more time and money to shop at supermarkets. The study suggests that improving affordability is crucial to addressing public health concerns in these areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateMar 14, 2017

What makes farmers try new practices?

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that educated networkers and young innovators are most likely to adopt multifunctional perennial cropping systems. These groups are motivated by environmental concerns and the potential for high-value products. On the other hand, farmers classified as 'money motivated' and 'hands-off'...

Imaging at the speed of light

Scientists have developed a technique to visualize the complete evolution of micro- and nanostructure formation on a material's surface. This allows for better control over these structures, which are crucial for improving various technologies such as anti-corrosive materials, energy absorbers, and medical instrumentation.

Cooking at home tonight? It's likely cheaper and healthier, study finds

Researchers found that cooking at home more often is associated with a greater dietary compliance and a lower risk of unhealthy eating. The study showed no increase in costs for eating a healthier diet, challenging common assumptions about income and education. Home-cooked meals were linked to diets lower in calories, sugar, and fat.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Did humans create the Sahara desert?

A new study challenges the idea that changes in Earth's orbit triggered Sahara desertification. Human activities, such as pastoralism, are believed to have contributed to the region's ecological shift towards desert-like conditions. The findings highlight the importance of understanding human impact on environmental systems.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateMar 14, 2017

Bonding chips using inkjet printers

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new bonding technique for chips using inkjet printers with silver nanoparticles, enabling the creation of rigid and flexible hybrid circuitry. The method uses inkjet printing technology to assemble surface mount devices, achieving high electrical conductivity and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 14, 2017

The molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that exhausted T cells have distinct DNA structures and activate specific genes, including NFAT and Nr4a proteins. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion and offer potential targets for improving cancer immunotherapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Microbes measure ecological restoration success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new method to monitor soil microbes, which could boost the success of ecological restoration projects. By analyzing the DNA of bacteria in soil samples, scientists found that native plant revegetation can restore a natural state to cleared land just eight years after implementa...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 14, 2017

World's oldest plant-like fossils discovered

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

Switching oxygen on and off

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully switched individual oxygen molecules between a reactive and unreactive state using a force microscope. This process enables new possibilities for investigating the inner workings of photocatalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Finding positive in the negative

A phase 2 clinical trial of sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Trop-2, achieved a response in 21 participants with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. The responses were early and durable, lasting up to 20 months, with improved overall survival.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2017

AASM publishes new guideline for diagnostic testing for adult sleep apnea

The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Emotional intelligence helps make better doctors

A new Loyola study reveals that physicians-in-training possess a high level of emotional intelligence, scoring in the high range on an emotional intelligence survey. The study found that pediatric and med-peds residents scored highest in empathy and social responsibility, but lowest in assertiveness.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Contemporary Medical Education·DateMar 14, 2017

Study finds no benefit, but possible harm, from drug used to prevent preterm births

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with a history of early delivery provides no benefits, while potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers also noted a higher rate of preterm births among those treated with the dru...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2017

Major research project provides new clues to schizophrenia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017

For surgeons in the OR, a way to fight bad posture

A team of engineers and doctors is developing a tool to identify poor posture and correct awkward positions in the operating room. Early results show that the tool is effective at spotting pain-inducing positions, which could lead to improved surgical safety for surgeons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateMar 14, 2017

Why do people switch their language?

A study by Katharina Prochazka and Gero Vogl applied a physics-based approach to analyze language movement in Southern Carinthia, Austria. The research found that interaction with other speakers of the same language is the primary driver of language shift, with village-level demographics playing a crucial role.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Ebola vaccines provide immune responses after 1 year

A new study found that Ebola vaccines provide durable immune responses at one year after vaccination, with 100% of recipients retaining Ebola virus glycoprotein-specific antibodies. The heterologous primary and booster vaccination schedule showed long-lasting immunity, exceeding eight months after primary immunization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 14, 2017

Streamlining the measurement of phonon dispersion

Researchers adapted an instrument for high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy to reduce the time required to measure phonon dispersion. The device uses a hemispherical electron analyzer and high energy-resolution electron source, allowing surface scientists to measure samples that were previously too cumbersome.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 14, 2017

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·DateMar 14, 2017