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Science News for March 27, 2017


Longer telomeres may shield mice from age-related human diseases

A recent study found that longer telomeres in mice may shield them from age-related human diseases. Researchers used mice with shortened telomeres to examine a genetic defect causing an age-associated congenital heart disease in humans. The findings suggest that decreasing telomere length contributes to the onset of age-related diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 27, 2017

Evolving 'lovesick' organisms found survival in sex

A new theory suggests that sexual reproduction evolved as a way to resist disease-causing microbes and adapt to constantly changing environments. Researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate the benefits of sex in nematode worms co-evolving with a highly pathogenic bacterium, providing evidence for the Red Queen theory.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2017

Zika virus protein mapped to speed search for cure

A recent study by Indiana University researchers has mapped a key protein of the Zika virus, enabling the analysis of existing drugs and compounds that can disrupt its spread. The study's findings offer hope for finding effective treatments against the disease, which causes birth defects and neurological disorders in infants and adults.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2017

A new test to rapidly identify worldwide TB infections

A new rapid blood test to diagnose and quantify the severity of active TB cases has been developed by a team of researchers from Arizona State University. The NanoDisk-MS assay can detect minute blood levels of two proteins that are released only during active infections, providing faster results than current tests.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

How randomness helps cancer cells thrive

A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that large regions of the human genome have built-in variability in reversible epigenetic modifications, which enables cancer cells to proliferate and adapt. This variation can make cancer cells more resistant to chemotherapy and treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 27, 2017

Farming becoming riskier under climate change

Climate change will make farming more difficult due to reduced planting windows and increased drought risk, affecting crop yields and food security. The University of Illinois study forecasts that the typical planting window for corn will no longer be workable, with April and May being too wet to work fields in most parts of Illinois.

Unique wheat passes the test

Scientists developed a unique type of wheat that can increase the digestibility of phosphorus and other minerals, improving health for undernourished populations. The new wheat, HIGHPHY, was tested in broilers and demonstrated improved digestion coefficients for calcium and phosphorus.

SourceAarhus University·Journalanimal·DateMar 27, 2017

Transport of molecular motors into cilia

Dynein motors are actively transported into cilia via the intraflagellar transport system and adaptor protein ODA16. The crystal structure of ODA16 shows how it recognizes dynein motors and binds the IFT complex, enabling their import into cilia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 27, 2017

GW study finds social media course impacts online behavior in first-year medical students

A study published in Teaching and Learning in Medicine found that a social media course had a significant impact on the online behavior of first-year medical students, with 94% reporting increased awareness of their social media habits. The course aimed to empower students to use social media professionally and responsibly.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalTeaching and Learning in Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

Emotion: An important link to HIV prevention in black adolescents with mental illnesses

A new study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies suggests that psychoeducation and skills building can help sever the emotion-behavior link contributing to HIV/STI risk among black adolescents with mental illnesses. The study found that improving coping mechanisms to regulate emotions may be crucial for preventing HIV/S...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateMar 27, 2017

New insight into superfluids reveals a storm at the surface

Mathematicians from Newcastle University discovered a new 'storm' layer in superfluid Helium that 'sticks' to surfaces like ordinary fluid. The layer is created by mini tornadoes tangling together, slowing the flow. This finding changes past assumptions about superfluids and their use as coolants and precision measurement devices.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 27, 2017

A big leap toward tinier lines

A team of researchers at MIT and University of Chicago has developed a self-assembly technique to produce narrow wires on microchips, breaking through fundamental limits in manufacturing processes. The new method uses block copolymers and could be scaled up for mass manufacturing with standard equipment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 27, 2017

Stars born in winds from supermassive black holes

Astronomers have observed stars forming within powerful outflows of material blasted out from supermassive black holes. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy properties and evolution, shedding light on how galaxies obtain their shapes and become enriched with heavy elements.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2017

The electric sands of Titan

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that Titan's non-silicate granules become electrically charged when kicked up by wind, causing them to cling together and resist further motion. This property helps explain the formation of large sandy dunes on Titan's surface, which are unlike anything seen on Earth.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 27, 2017

Improving memory with magnets

Scientists at McGill University used magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography to study the relationship between theta waves and auditory memory. They found that applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at the same frequency as natural theta waves improved memory performance, while arrhythmic TMS had no effect.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 27, 2017

New international banking rules would not prevent another financial crisis

Researchers argue that new international banking regulations would not be effective in reducing the risk of financial crises. Instead, they propose restructing financial networks to increase resilience while avoiding efficiency loss. A state-of-the-art model suggests capital surcharges are insufficient to control systemic risk.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of Economic Dynamics and Control·DateMar 27, 2017

Our aging scientific workforce raises concerns

The study estimates that the average age of US scientists will increase by another 2.3 years in the near future, primarily due to the baby boomer generation getting older and scientists working longer. Despite concerns about productivity and creativity with aging, the research found no significant impact from demographic changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2017

A little nudge may provide a big boost to flu vaccination rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that a simple behavioral economics technique, known as 'active choice,' can increase flu vaccination rates by up to 37%. By programming electronic health records to alert care providers when a patient is eligible for a flu vaccine, clinics saw significant increases in vaccinations. ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

Satellites reveal bird habitat loss in California

A Duke University-led study using satellite images shows the Sacramento Valley in California has lost nearly all its wetlands, which are crucial for millions of migratory shorebirds. The habitat loss is threatening the survival of these birds, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

SourceDuke University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 27, 2017

Children, youth born in Canada at higher risk of unintentional gun injury than immigrants

A study published in CMAJ found that Canadian-born children and youth are at a higher risk of unintentional gun injury compared to immigrant children and youth. The study identified certain subgroups of immigrants as being at higher risk of assault-related injury, particularly those from Africa and Central America.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 27, 2017

During late life, what's important changes

A study by Allina Health researchers reveals that both patients and healthcare providers tend to delay conversations about serious illness. The study's findings emphasize the need for clinicians to discuss patients' social, emotional, and spiritual priorities to provide better end-of-life care.

Internists issue recommendations for preventing and treating substance use disorders

The American College of Physicians (ACP) issues recommendations for preventing and treating substance use disorders involving illicit and prescription drugs. Key findings include limited access to care, with only 18% of those needing treatment receiving it, and the need for expanded public health initiatives and improved prescribing pr...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 27, 2017

Planetary waves, first found on Earth, are discovered on sun

A team of scientists has discovered large-scale planetary waves on the Sun, which may influence space weather and offer a new source of predictability. The discovery uses data from multiple satellites to identify and track coronal bright points, revealing bands of magnetized activity that propagate slowly across the Sun.

Mobile gold fingers

American researchers have characterized 'gold fingers' using ion mobility mass spectrometry and identified the exact gold binding sites. The study reveals that gold ions force zinc ions out of zinc fingers, changing their conformation. This finding could lead to new metal-based antiviral and antitumor drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2017

Color change test to help cancer research advance

Researchers at University of Bath have developed a simple and cheap test to measure functional levels of AMACR protein, allowing for the investigation of new cancer treatments. The test turns clear liquid bright yellow in minutes, enabling quick analysis and development of new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Communications·DateMar 27, 2017