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Science News for May 10, 2017


Laundered in space

University of Arizona College of Engineering senior Christina Morrison develops antimicrobial socks using silver and hydrogen peroxide, achieving a nearly 5-log reduction in bacteria on treated material. The innovative design aims to reduce the need for water-based laundry in space, saving mass and allowing longer missions.

Study finds worsening outcomes in service members 5 years after mild blast-induced concussion

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that US military service members who experienced a mild concussion after blast injury may continue to experience mental health symptoms and decreased quality of life for at least five years. The study also highlights the need for more effective, long-term treatment strategies.

Stroke, MS patients walk significantly better with neural stimulation

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a neural stimulation system that improves walking ability for stroke and MS patients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) significantly helped patients walk more effectively, with one patient covering nearly a mile and another gaining balance and confidence.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateMay 10, 2017

Laser, sound waves provide live views of organs in action

Researchers at Duke University and CalTech have developed a hybrid imaging technology that combines light and ultrasound to provide live, holistic views of small animal organs. This technique breaks the resolution and speed barriers in whole-body imaging, enabling functional imaging of entire bodies with sub-millimeter-level resolution.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 10, 2017

How cells combat Salmonella

A team of researchers has discovered an inflammatory signaling platform that cells use to defend against Salmonella infections, which may lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments. The study found that protein chains relay pro-inflammatory signals to trigger degradation of bacteria and restrict their proliferation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 10, 2017

Virtual support groups help grieving spouses with depression

A new study by University of Arizona researchers found that virtual reality support groups can be an effective tool for older adults dealing with grief and depression. Participants showed improvements in stress, loneliness, and sleep quality, but only those in the virtual reality group reported a reduction in symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 10, 2017

Dread of roses: Neurobehavioral effects found in children exposed to flower pesticides

Researchers found altered short-term neurological behaviors in Ecuadorian children exposed to flower pesticides during peak Mother's Day production. Children examined shortly after the harvest displayed lower performance on measures such as attention and self-control compared to those examined later. The study suggests that pesticide e...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuroToxicology·DateMay 10, 2017

Story of silver birch from genomic big data

A recent study utilizing genomic big data analyzed the silver birch genome, uncovering population bottlenecks and speciation events that shaped the species' current form. The research also identified genes under natural selection, which have contributed to birch's cold tolerance and rapid growth.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 10, 2017

Controlling bacteria's necessary evil

Researchers have discovered that certain bacteria use quorum sensing to regulate their virulence levels, allowing them to coexist with insects without causing harm. By studying the genetic differences between mutualistic and pathogenic strains of bacteria, scientists have gained insights into the mechanisms behind these relationships.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 10, 2017

Nipping flu pandemics in the bud

Scientists have developed a rapid and low-cost diagnostic device that can detect influenza A with 70% accuracy. The point-of-care test is fast, easy to use, and costs less than $6 per device, making it a promising solution for doctors and hospitals in preventing the spread of flu pandemics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2017

Thirsty seeds reach for medicine cabinet

Scientists discovered that salicylic acid can improve a crop's ability to deal with drought by increasing the levels of three enzymes involved in the stress response. The treatment allows for more selective planting of drought-tolerant cowpea varieties, enabling them to grow in areas with limited water.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 10, 2017

Antibiotic breakthrough: Team discovers how to overcome gram-negative bacterial defenses

Scientists have developed a new broad-spectrum antibiotic that can target gram-negative bacteria, which are increasingly resistant to most available antibiotics. The breakthrough was achieved by modifying a drug that kills only gram-positive bacteria and discovered key traits required for access to the bacterial cell.

Scientists create unique disease 'catalog' linked to immune system gene variations

A comprehensive catalog of diseases associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene variations has been generated by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The catalog identifies individuals at risk for certain autoimmune diseases and potential new associations with multiple sclerosis and cervical cancer.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 10, 2017

Hospitals must be prepared for ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks on hospitals have increased fourfold from 2015 to 2016, with the amount of money paid to hackers rising to $1bn. Hospitals can take steps to prevent these attacks by implementing digital hygiene measures and frequent backups to protect their data.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 10, 2017

Do red Smarties make you happier? 'Live the trial' class debunks the myth

A mock randomized control trial across three countries found that eating red Smarties had no effect on participants' levels of happiness. This study debunks the common assumption that red is associated with feelings of happiness and demonstrates how complex scientific concepts can be made engaging through hands-on learning.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Public Health·DateMay 10, 2017

Novel tissue-engineered islet transplant achieves insulin independence in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute have successfully transplanted tissue-engineered islet cells into a patient with type 1 diabetes, achieving long-term insulin independence. The omentum tissue site has been found to be a viable alternative for islet implantation, minimizing inflammatory reactions.

SourceDiabetes Research Institute Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 10, 2017

Personalized music may help nursing home residents with dementia

The study found that personalized music playlists reduced the use of antipsychotic medications by 20.1% and antianxiety medications by 24.4%, while also reducing behavioral problems by 56.5%. These improvements were seen in nursing homes that implemented the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but not in similar homes that did not adopt the program.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 10, 2017

As heat index climbs, emergency visits, deaths rise in New England

A new study analyzing summer weather data in small to midsize population centers across the New England region shows that deaths and emergency department visits begin to rise significantly before the heat index hits triple digits. The study led by Brown University researchers finds a significant association between daily heat index and...

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 10, 2017

Harnessing geometric frustration to tune batteries for greater power

Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a way to increase the charge transport rate in solid materials using geometric frustration, a phenomenon that breaks up regimented atomic formations. This technique enables faster ionic conductivity, potentially leading to more powerful batteries and fuel cells with zero-emission ca...

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 10, 2017

Engineering human stem cells to model the kidney's filtration barrier on a chip

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute has successfully engineered human induced pluripotent stem cells into mature podocytes with over 90% efficiency, paving the way for modeling patient-specific kidney diseases and guiding therapeutic discovery. The development of a functional human kidney glomerulus chip opens up new expe...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 10, 2017

Trigger for autoimmune disease identified

Researchers at National Jewish Health have identified Age-associated B Cells (ABCs) as a key driver of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Crohn's disease. The study found that ABCs cause the immune system to attack organs and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 10, 2017

The dark side of helping coworkers

Research suggests that helping coworkers in the morning can cause mental fatigue, leading to reduced helpfulness later in the day and increased self-serving behavior. The study found that employees' mental states switch from other-oriented to selfish in the afternoon, harming not only themselves but also their colleagues.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateMay 10, 2017

Training surgeons to teach the public is effective in advancing bleeding control knowledge

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that 93.79% of trained surgeons believe teaching bleeding control techniques to the public is an appropriate priority. The study's findings suggest that training surgeons can effectively disseminate bleeding control knowledge and teach skills to the general public.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 10, 2017