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Science News for March 9, 2017


Bilateral tinnitus is hereditary

A Swedish twin registry study reveals that bilateral tinnitus has a strong genetic component, especially in men, while unilateral tinnitus is more influenced by environmental factors. The findings have important clinical implications for diagnosis, treatment, and public health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017

Scientists reveal structure of potential leishmaniasis vaccine

Researchers have characterized the structure of a protein from sand flies that can convey immunity to Leishmania parasites. The SALO protein showed promise in inducing long-term protection against leishmaniasis in mice, with no appreciable similarities to human proteins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 9, 2017

Conquering metal fatigue

A team of researchers at MIT has developed a novel material with a laminated nanostructure that reduces metal fatigue, allowing it to deform without spreading microcracks. This breakthrough could lead to improved structural components in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

Chronic comorbidities raise hospitalization risk in dementia

A retrospective analysis of 30,112 home-care clients with dementia found that chronic comorbidities significantly increase the risk of hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The study suggests that targeting high-risk individuals may help prioritize healthcare resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017

The prototype of a chemical computer detects a sphere

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a chemical computer that can recognize the shape of a sphere with great accuracy. The system uses a network of oscillating droplets, where each droplet acts as a 'neuronal' unit, to process information and make decisions.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalComputational Methods in Science and Technology·DateMar 9, 2017

Songs that make robots cry

A machine-learning device developed by Osaka University can detect the emotional state of its listeners and produce new songs that evoke different feelings. This technology has the potential to enhance the interactive music experience and be applied in healthcare settings to motivate people to exercise or improve their mood.

New material helps record data with light

Researchers from ITMO University and their European colleagues created quasiparticles called excitons, fully controllable and room-temperature capable. These particles can generate light in LEDs and lasers, while also being used for recording optical signals.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 9, 2017

Study: Medicare prescription drug benefit reduced elderly mortality by more than 2 percent

A new study found that Medicare Part D reduced elderly mortality by 2.2 percent annually since 2006, primarily driven by a 4.4 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality. The program's social value is estimated at $5 billion per year, accounting for a significant fraction of its total expenditures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateMar 9, 2017

Brain hardwired to respond to others' itching

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mice scratch in response to seeing other mice scratch due to the release of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), a key transmitter of itch signals. This behavior is hardwired into the brain and not a form of empathy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

Too much TV can impact primary school readiness for kids from low-income families

A Concordia study found that watching TV for more than two hours a day negatively impacts kindergarten readiness, particularly among children from lower-income families. The study suggests limiting screen time, especially in middle- to lower-income households, is crucial for early academic skills and executive functioning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2017

Fish eyes may hold key to regenerating human retinas

Scientists have identified GABA as a signal that triggers self-repair in fish retinas. They believe this could be the key to regenerating human retinas, naturally repairing damage caused by degenerative diseases. The researchers are now pursuing further studies with mice and zebrafish to confirm their findings.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 9, 2017

People who trust their doctor tend to feel better

A meta-analysis by psychologists at the University of Basel found that patients' confidence in medical personnel has a positive effect on satisfaction, health-related behavior, and quality of life. However, the study did not find a clear-cut result when using objective clinical parameters or doctors' assessments.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2017

Social phobia: Indication of a genetic cause

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found evidence for a genetic link to social phobia, with a specific focus on the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4. This gene plays a crucial role in suppressing feelings of anxiety and depressive moods, which are common symptoms of social phobia.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPsychiatric Genetics·DateMar 9, 2017

Immunotherapy trial cures Tasmanian devils of DFTD

An international study has shown that immunotherapy can cure Tasmanian devils of the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The treatment successfully triggered the devil's immune system to recognise and destroy established DFTD tumours, with tumours shrinking and disappearing over three months.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 9, 2017

NIH-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group details progress, challenges

The NIH-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group has reviewed over 70 study proposals and initiated more than 30 clinical studies to address antibacterial resistance. The group's key accomplishments include the launch of the CRACKLE study, a prospective multicenter cohort study designed to characterize CRE infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 9, 2017

Pelvic fractures may increase older adults' risk of dying early

Adults over 60 years old face a significantly increased risk of death following a pelvic fracture, particularly within the first four weeks. The study emphasizes the severity of these fractures and highlights the need for improved preventive strategies to reduce mortality rates.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 9, 2017

First fully artificial yeast genome has been designed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have designed a fully synthetic yeast genome, dubbed Sc2.0, which is smaller and more customizable than the natural yeast genome. The artificial genome allows scientists to study genetic questions that are difficult to answer with natural yeast, enabling new discoveries in biotechnology.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

Hard choices? Ask your brain's dopamine

Researchers at Salk Institute find that changing dopamine levels can alter upcoming choices, suggesting new avenues for treating Parkinson's and OCD. The study uses advanced techniques to measure dopamine concentration in mice brains, revealing a tight association between brain chemistry and decision-making.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMar 9, 2017

Five new artificial yeast chromosomes set stage for first synthetic eukaryotic genome

Scientists construct five new artificial yeast chromosomes, representing over one-third of yeast's entire genome, paving the way for building the first fully synthetic complex organism. The successful assembly demonstrates genetic plasticity and potential applications in gene therapy, biofuel production, and medicine.

'Blurred times' in a quantum world

Researchers demonstrate that clocks placed next to each other necessarily disturb each other, causing a universal limitation on measuring time. This effect is independent of clock mechanism or material, highlighting the need to re-examine our ideas about time in both quantum mechanics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2017

Using nature to build nanomachines

Researchers at Osaka University used electron cryomicroscopy to study flagellar motors, revealing that small changes in amino acids can significantly impact function. The discovery provides insight into constructing synthetic nanomachines with similar properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2017

New NHS safety investigator must become fully independent body

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) will investigate serious risks to patient safety across the healthcare system, publicly reporting findings and issuing recommendations for improvement. The HSIB's independence is crucial to build an authoritative system-wide view of safety issues.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017

Penn researcher calls on the scientific community to defend individuals with disabilities

A new perspective paper warns that the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act poses a threat to critical mental and behavioral health services for people with autism and other disabilities. The author, David S. Mandell, calls on the scientific community to use evidence to guide policy in this area.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017