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Science News for May 15, 2017


Molecular dynamics, machine learning create 'hyper-predictive' computer models

Researchers from North Carolina State University have demonstrated that integrating molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning techniques can create more accurate computer prediction models. The new models, called 'hyper-predictive,' can quickly predict which new chemical compounds could be promising drug candidates. This is a...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateMay 15, 2017

Ebola: Lives to be saved with new management approach

A new management approach developed by an international team of researchers, including the University of Warwick, helps to streamline outbreak decision-making. The approach identifies two effective strategies: reducing transmission rates at funerals and in communities, such as educating people about disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Ebola survivors have a 'unique' retinal scar

Researchers found that around 15% of Ebola survivors have distinctive retinal scars, which appear specific to the disease but spare vision. The study also suggests that aqueous fluid analysis can help diagnose Ebola eye disease and enable access to cataract surgery for affected survivors

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

Let there be tissue

UCSB researchers have developed a new method to control gene expression in embryonic stem cells using light, allowing for the precise engineering of tissues. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapeutic applications and insights into tissue development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Skin cancer on the rise

Researchers found that squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses increased by 263% and basal cell carcinomas by 145% between 2000-2010. Women in specific age groups experienced the greatest increase in basal cell carcinoma diagnoses, while men's diagnosis trends varied across time periods.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 15, 2017

Gladiator games: In the natural world, biodiversity can offer protection to weaker species

A new study by Yale researchers found that maintaining a diverse collection of species in fungal communities not only safeguards weaker species but also protects the genetic diversity of the larger community. This phenomenon, known as biodiversity begetting biodiversity, can help protect threatened ecosystems like coral reefs.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2017

Unfolding the folding mechanism of ladybug wings

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered how ladybugs fold their wings by transplanting a transparent artificial wing onto an insect. The study revealed that the ladybugs use a combination of origami-like creases and abdominal movements to achieve complex folding, which has significant implications for engineering science.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Grassy beginning for earliest Homo

Researchers discovered the oldest known evidence of Homo at Ledi-Geraru, dated to 2.8 million years ago, with early Homo associated with open and arid grassy environments. The diet of early Homo appears similar to that of Australopithecus, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of Homo.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 15, 2017

Scientists study atmospheric waves radiating out of hurricanes

Researchers have discovered atmospheric gravity waves radiating from hurricanes, which could be used to monitor the storms' intensity and location from hundreds of miles away. These subtle waves can reveal processes occurring in the eyewall of a hurricane that are obscured by thick clouds, leading to better forecasts.

A path toward ending AIDS in the US by 2025

A new study models HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality to determine feasible targets for ending the US AIDS epidemic. Achieving a reduction of 12,000 new infections by 2025 could mark an important turning point in the epidemic, with significant declines in HIV transmission rates and related deaths.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

New research links outdoor air temperature and risk of developing gestational diabetes

Research found that women exposed to colder temperatures during pregnancy had a lower rate of gestational diabetes compared to those exposed to hotter temperatures. The study also discovered that for every 10-degree Celsius rise in temperature, women were six to nine percent more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 15, 2017

Tumor-trained T cells go on patrol

New study reveals that immune cells trained to recognize cancer can exit one tumor and move to another to attack cancerous cells. The research sheds light on how immune therapies for cancer might work and suggests new approaches to developing anti-cancer immune therapies.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Where you live may impact how much you drink

A University of Washington study found that neighborhoods with high poverty and disorganization tend to have residents who drink twice as much and binge-drink four times as frequently. The researchers suggest that improving neighborhood quality of life can lead to benefits, including reduced problem drinking.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateMay 15, 2017

Year-round flu vaccinations promote healthier infants in subtropics

Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increasing birth weights by 15 percent. The study also found that expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2017

Wasted nutrients: The result of widespread food waste

A recent study found that discarded food in the US food supply chain contains large amounts of key nutrients like vitamin D, fiber, and potassium. The study estimates that around 1,217 calories per person per day are squandered, equivalent to 5.9g dietary fiber, which is 23% of the RDA for women.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 15, 2017

Wasted food means wasted nutrients

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 15, 2017

No escaping ocean plastic: 37 million bits of litter on one of world's remotest islands

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that Henderson Island, a remote UK territory, is heavily polluted with an estimated 37.7 million pieces of plastic. The island's beaches have the highest density of plastic debris reported anywhere on the planet, posing significant threats to marine life.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania - Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

Decision aid, support strategy boosts colorectal testing for groups with low screening

A decision aid and support strategy increased screening completion among patients with historically lower screening rates, with 68% screened for colorectal cancer within six months. The intervention provided clear information about screening options and personalized support, facilitating shared decision-making with physicians.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 15, 2017

Folk contraceptives lead researchers to drugs that block fertilization

Researchers have discovered two chemicals found in anti-fertility folk medicines that can block fertilization, potentially providing an effective alternative to hormone-based contraceptives. The chemicals, pristimerin and lupeol, work by stopping sperm's power kick, allowing for a new type of emergency contraceptive.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2017

LGB-focused resources help stressed teens cope

A new study by University of Arizona researcher Russell Toomey found that LGB-specific strategies promote health and reduced likelihood of dropping out of high school. Cognitive and alternative-seeking strategies were associated with poorer adjustment, depressive symptoms, and lower self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateMay 15, 2017

Understanding changes in extreme precipitation

A study by ETH Zurich researchers reveals that regional variability plays a key role in extreme precipitation, with increasing atmospheric moisture and weaker vertical wind velocities contributing to differences. The decomposition of projections highlights weaknesses in existing climate models and provides insights into where to focus ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 15, 2017

Entropy landscape sheds light on quantum mystery

Researchers precisely measured the entropy of a cerium copper gold alloy to shed light on high-temperature superconductivity and similar phenomena. The study provides new evidence about the possible causes of these phenomena near a quantum critical point, where electrons fluctuate between two different quantum states.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 15, 2017

New therapeutic approaches for uveitis featured in special festschrift issue

The Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics presents novel therapeutic approaches for treating uveitis, including cyclosporine, topical ganciclovir, and regulatory T cell therapy. These advances aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with autoimmune uveitis.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateMay 15, 2017