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Science News for May 22, 2017


Let there be light

Scientists have successfully created large-scale arrays of quantum light emitters in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a breakthrough that could enable the integration of ultra-thin single photons in electronic devices. This new method allows for deterministic and robust generation of quantum sources, opening up opportunities fo...

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Study examines polyneuropathy and long-term opioid use

A study published in JAMA Neurology examined the association of long-term opioid therapy with functional status, adverse outcomes, and death among patients with polyneuropathy. The study found that patients with polyneuropathy were more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy and experience depression, opioid dependence, or overdose.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 22, 2017

Medical gamma-ray camera is now palm-sized

Researchers at Waseda University developed the world's first compact Compton camera for medical imaging, capturing high-resolution 3D molecular images of a live mouse in just 2 hours. The device weighs only 580g and can image energy from hundreds to mega-electron volts.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2017

The secret to combating pancreatic cancer may lie in suppression of a common protein

A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California reveals that reducing glucose-regulated protein GRP78 can halt pancreatic cancer development and prolong survival. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could lead to a novel approach in treating KRAS-mutation related cancers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

National study looks at tobacco advertising and susceptibility to use tobacco among youth

A new national study analyzed data from the PATH Study and found that nearly half of 12- to 17-year-olds who had never used tobacco products were receptive to tobacco marketing if they recalled or liked at least one advertisement. Receptivity to tobacco ads is linked with an increased susceptibility to smoking cigarettes in the future.

Magnetic order in a two-dimensional molecular chessboard

In a breakthrough study, Uppsala researchers demonstrate magnetic order in a two-dimensional molecular chessboard lattice consisting of organometallic molecules. The researchers created long-range magnetic order at low temperatures through the transmission of Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interactions and Kondo screening.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Researchers suppress fibrosis chemical signal to block haywire healing

Researchers identified a key protein, SMAD3, that facilitates pro-fibrotic TGF-beta signaling. By blocking this protein, they created a peptide-carrying SNX9 that prevents SMAD3 from entering the nucleus and impacting genes regulated by TGF-beta. This approach may lead to effective treatments for fibrosis-related diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2017

Mindfulness takes practice

A new study from Aarhus University found that mindfulness practice at home is related to reduced stress, pain, and better well-being. Although the 45-minute daily home practice may seem short, it still has a statistically significant positive impact on participants.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateMay 22, 2017

Micro delivery service for fertilizers

A team has introduced a controlled delivery system for micronutrients based on biohybrid microgels. The system adheres selectively to leaves and slowly releases nutrients, minimizing environmental problems and plant damage.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 22, 2017

Interrogating proteins

Researchers from the Bristol BioDesign Institute created a miniprotein with a stripped-down structure to investigate molecular forces that assemble and stabilize protein structures. They discovered subtle forces beyond hydrophobic interactions, which could lead to new drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 22, 2017

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Zap! Graphene is bad news for bacteria

Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2017

Humanizing, harmonizing effects of music aren't a myth

Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMay 22, 2017

Better, cheaper healthcare with dry blood samples

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMay 22, 2017

Fat can neutralize listeria

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalResearch in Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2017

The fungal microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage in mice

A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2017

Investigational biologic appears to reduce oral corticosteroid use in severe asthma

A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

Why fewer blood cancer patients receive hospice care

Research shows that blood cancer patients are less likely to enroll in hospice care compared to solid cancer patients. However, a survey of hematologic oncologists found that 68% agree that hospice care is helpful for blood cancer patients, and most would refer patients if red blood cell transfusions were available.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 22, 2017

Female STEM leaders more likely to back policies aiding women

A national study of college and university administrators has found that female department chairs, deans, and provosts have different attitudes and beliefs than their male counterparts about how to retain women professors in STEM fields. Female administrators gave higher ratings to policies and strategies designed to improve the lives ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 22, 2017

Reimbursement for integrative health care suggests violation of non-discrimination law

A new study found that health insurance reimbursement for complementary healthcare services is significantly lower than for primary care physicians. The likelihood of reimbursement was 69% lower for acupuncturists, 71% lower for chiropractors, and 62% lower for doctors of naturopathic medicine.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

Flexible new method for early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method for early cancer diagnosis that uses DNA barcoding to detect tumor cells in blood. The technique has been shown to increase sensitivity by thousand-fold, making it possible to screen at-risk patient groups and spot relapsing patients more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateMay 22, 2017

New method: Water mapping around solutes

Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 22, 2017

Biofilm discovery suggests new way to prevent dangerous infections

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

ASKAP telescope to rule radio-burst hunt

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has successfully detected its first fast radio burst (FRB), marking a major breakthrough in this elusive field of astronomy. The detection was made using an innovative strategy, allowing the telescope to scan a larger area of the sky and increasing its chances of finding FRBs.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 22, 2017

New insight into life-threatening childhood brain cancer

Childhood medulloblastoma can be separated into seven distinct subgroups with unique biological and clinical characteristics. This new understanding may lead to increased survival rates as each subgroup responds differently to treatment, allowing for tailored treatment options. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes...

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 22, 2017

Cultural backgrounds of media organizations affect international news coverage

A new study by University of Missouri researchers reveals that cultural values of photojournalists' home countries influence the framing of international events. The study analyzed over 400 photographs from Pope Francis's 2015 visit to Cuba, finding differences in camera angles and news priorities between media outlets from the US, UK,...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournalism Studies·DateMay 22, 2017

Experimental therapy for immune diseases hits Achilles heel of activated T cells

A new treatment modality called PPCA has been discovered that targets the DNA damage in rapidly expanding T cells, reducing autoimmune damage in mouse models of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapy, which leverages p53 potentiation with checkpoint abrogation, selectively interrupts DNA damag...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

Raised blood platelet levels 'strong predictor' of cancer

A large-scale study found that raised blood platelet counts are a strong predictor of cancer, with lung and colorectal cancers being more commonly diagnosed. The research suggests that substantial numbers of people could have their cancer diagnosed up to three months earlier if thrombocytosis prompted investigation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMay 22, 2017

Total synthesis of flueggenine C via an accelerated intermolecular Rauhut-Currier reaction

Researchers at KAIST successfully synthesized the natural product (-)-flueggenine C via an accelerated intermolecular Rauhut-Currier reaction. The conventional RC reaction is non-selective and high-temperature, but the team modified it to use a base at ambient temperature.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 22, 2017

Awareness of controversial Arizona immigration law influenced male students' classroom behavior

A new study found that U.S.-born Latino male middle school students who were aware of the Arizona immigration bill had difficulty exhibiting proper classroom behavior, such as following instructions and staying quiet. The study also discovered that awareness of the law predicted lower levels of academic self-regulation among male stude...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·DateMay 22, 2017

UNLV study: Warming news from Russia

A new UNLV study published in Nature Geoscience has found evidence of nearly continuous warming in the Ural Mountains in central Russia over the past 11,000 years. This contradicts previous work that focused on summer temperature trends and supports computer models predicting continual warming.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 22, 2017