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Science News for March 22, 2017


Many adults have insufficient knowledge about heart failure

A German survey found that overall awareness of heart failure has not increased over the past decade, with many adults lacking knowledge on its causes, presentation, prognosis, and treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about heart failure to improve early recognition and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateMar 22, 2017

Minitablets help medicate picky cats

Researchers developed minitablets with synthetic flavourings and coatings to enhance palatability, making it easier for cats to take medication. The study found that amino acids and vitamin B-based flavours were promising options, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Loss of smell linked to increased risk of early death

Poor smell was associated with an 8% lower risk of mortality, while those with complete olfactory loss had a 19% higher risk of death. Olfactory assessments may provide insights into the aging brain and future research aims to pinpoint underlying biological processes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 22, 2017

Google Street View cars are eyes on the ground for urban methane leaks

Researchers at Colorado State University are using Google Street View cars equipped with methane analyzers to create a comprehensive inventory of urban methane leak sources. The project aims to help utility companies prioritize leak repairs based on emissions, reducing pipeline methane emissions by 30% and accelerating crucial repairs.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 22, 2017

Sea urchin spines could fix bones

Researchers have developed a degradable bone scaffold from sea urchin spines that promotes bone formation and easily degrades, overcoming limitations of current bioceramics. The study's findings could lead to the design of new bone repair materials with improved strength and properties.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 22, 2017

Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills

Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Combating wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that collagen can get unraveled at a molecular level before complete failure of connective tissues, leading to common injuries such as ligament and tendon tears. This breakthrough allows for early detection and potential treatment using the CHP probe.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2017

How do metals interact with DNA?

Researchers developed a protocol to detect high-precision how, where, and why drugs interact with DNA biomolecules. This method uses X-ray radiation and advanced simulations to rationalize drug preferences, revealing new insights into the mechanism of platinum-based drugs like Pt103.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 22, 2017

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

Safety of autologous Schwann cell transplantation demonstrated following SCI

A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 22, 2017

Machine learning lets scientists reverse-engineer cellular control networks

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the outcome of cellular interactions and design new cancer treatments. The Stampede supercomputer enabled the team to run billions of simulations, allowing them to identify patterns in the data and create a system capable of predicting laboratory results.

Too much structured knowledge hurts creativity, shows Rotman study

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that giving structure to information can hinder creativity and cognitive flexibility. Participants in organized information groups displayed less creativity and spent less time on tasks compared to those working with unorganized information.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 22, 2017

It's a fish eat tree world

A recent study analyzing 147 northern lakes reveals that many rely on nutrients from tree leaves, pine needles, and other land-grown plants to feed aquatic life. This underscores the importance of understanding how landscape changes impact lake food webs for effective freshwater management.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2017

3-D printing turns nanomachines into life-size workers

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a 3D printing method to transform microscopic nanorings into smart materials that perform work at human-scale. The new technique enables the creation of complex smart devices beyond current grasp, with potential applications in soft robots and other tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 22, 2017

Major new issue of CVIA on imaging

The first issue of Volume 2 of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has been published with a Special Issue on Imaging. The issue brings together contributions from leading cardiologists and features recent advances in noninvasive cardiac imaging, as well as clinical applications and future directions.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 22, 2017

When green means stop

Researchers at IST Austria create a novel optogenetic receptor that responds to green light, allowing for the rapid control of cellular behavior in defined spaces. The new tool enables scientists to study cellular signaling pathways and their role in human disorders without constant exposure to light.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 22, 2017

Some blood thinners may increase heart attack risk

A recent study found that direct acting oral anticoagulants and aspirin may increase heart attack risk compared to vitamin k antagonists like warfarin. Researchers are urging more research on the topic as use of these medications increases.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Study reveals surprises concerning COPD and smoking

A new study reveals a significant decrease in airway wall cells and certain inflammatory cells in smokers and mild to moderate COPD patients. The findings challenge the widely accepted description of airway inflammation in these individuals, suggesting a more complex underlying mechanism.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 22, 2017

Livestock grazing effects on sage-grouse

Research found that higher levels of grazing early in the growing season decline sage-grouse population trends, while similar levels of grazing later in the season correspond with increases. Grazing management actions can positively affect sage-grouse populations by increasing food resources and nesting cover.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 22, 2017

Brief module effective in teaching hemorrhage control basics to staff in a large workplace

Researchers from UnityPoint Health developed an effective eight-minute educational module to teach staff in a large workplace about basic knowledge and skills to locate and use bleeding control equipment. The module showed positive results with 55% of respondents having direct patient care responsibilities, but limitations were noted r...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 22, 2017

Penn researchers call for better laws covering patient incentives to improve care

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose recrafting federal anti-kickback laws to allow more sensible health-promoting initiatives. The authors suggest laws should distinguish between inducements for high-value services with medical benefits and those that mainly benefit provider profit margins.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 22, 2017