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Science News for May 24, 2017


Precise insight into the depths of cells

Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have combined two advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques to observe cells with high-resolution imaging. The new technique, called csiLSFM, allows for three-dimensional insight into a cell's interior with sub-100nm resolution.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2017

Labeling a bacterial cell 'jacket'

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to label and visualize the sugar backbone of bacterial cell walls, also known as the 'cell jacket'. This breakthrough allows scientists to better understand how the immune system misidentifies beneficial bacteria, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. By using th...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Parent training on ADHD using volunteers can help meet growing treatment needs

A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that a parent training program using volunteers, Caring in Chaos, improved parenting behavior, competence, stress, and depressive symptoms for families with children with ADHD. The model has potential to increase access to behavioral parent traini...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateMay 24, 2017

Racial disparities in risk of stroke

Researchers found that black patients have not benefited equally from declining risk factors for stroke, with a greater decline in hypertension. Despite decreasing contributions of major risk factors across the entire participant sample, the disparity in reducing these risks highlights racial disparities in cardiovascular health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Chemical Safety Board faces uncertain future

The US Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board has investigated over 130 accidents since its creation in 1998. The board's work has positively influenced industrial safety in the US and globally, producing over 90 accident reports and 40 safety videos with a budget of $12 million per year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 24, 2017

How listening to music in a group influences depression

New research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group music listening can either exacerbate or alleviate depression, depending on the individual's coping style. Younger individuals with tendencies towards rumination are more susceptible to negative outcomes from group interactions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 24, 2017

Helping plants pump iron

A recent study at Salk Institute found that genetic variants of a single gene, FRO2, play a crucial role in determining a plant's ability to grow and stay healthy in environments with limited iron. The research has the potential to improve crop yields and increase dietary sources of iron for animals and humans.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Moffitt researchers demonstrate mathematical modeling limits aggressive tumor cell growth

Moffitt researchers demonstrate that mathematical models can be used to predict how different tumor cell populations interact with each other and respond to environmental changes. By applying small biological forces, they show that complex systems like cancer can be steered into a less invasive growth pattern.

Fighting forgery with paper fingerprints

Researchers from Newcastle University have found an inexpensive and easy way to validate the authenticity of ANY paper document by taking a picture with a standard camera. The unique 'texture' fingerprint for every sheet of paper can be identified and verified with 100% accuracy, making it highly reliable even under rough handling.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalACM Transactions on Information and System Security·DateMay 24, 2017

Religious devotion as predictor of behavior

A study published in Evolutionary Psychology Science suggests that sincere religious beliefs are not associated with hostile attitudes toward outsiders. In contrast, those who use religion for non-religious goals, such as social status or group membership, tend to exhibit greater out-group hostility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateMay 24, 2017

Fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate but not calories burned, study finds

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that fitness trackers generally accurately measure heart rate but struggle with calculating energy expenditure, which is often used to track calories burned. The study evaluated seven devices and found that six were accurate in measuring heart rate within 5% error, while none ...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

A fresh look inside the protein nano-machines

A new study by Université de Genève researchers reveals the basic geometry of the gene-to-protein code, highlighting the mechanical basis for DNA's map of functional proteins. The research focuses on the segment of the gene coding the hinges of nano-machines, which are essential for protein function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 24, 2017

Health benefits of moderate drinking may be overstated, study finds

A recent study analyzed over 9,000 middle-aged adults in England and found that moderate drinkers who also smoked experienced more health problems than those who drank lightly or abstained. The researchers suggest that other lifestyle factors, such as education and smoking habits, may be more influential on midlife health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMay 24, 2017

Population only part of tornado casualty story

A study by Florida State University researchers found that doubling the population under a tornado's path leads to only a 21% increase in casualties, while a doubling of energy dispersed by the tornado leads to a 33% increase. Stronger storms tend to pass through areas with lower population density, and climate change could impact futu...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 24, 2017

Study suggests metals from Bolivian mines affect crops and pose potential health risk

A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateMay 24, 2017

Genetic mutation studies help validate new strategy for reducing lipids, cholesterol

Researchers found that blocking ANGPTL3 activity with an injectable antibody reduced triglycerides by up to 76 percent and lowered LDL cholesterol 23 percent in human study participants. Carriers of mutations disabling ANGPTL3 had nearly 40 percent fewer incidents of coronary artery disease compared to non-carriers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Study documents range of challenging meditation experiences

A new study chronicles and categorizes challenging meditation experiences among Western Buddhists, revealing a broader range of effects than previously documented. The research identified seven types of experiences and 26 categories of influencing factors, which vary widely in duration and associated distress or impairment.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 24, 2017

Near real-time genomic sequencing maps introduction and spread of Zika virus in US

A study by a multi-national research team, including scientists from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, explains how Zika virus entered the US and how it might re-enter the country. They used near real-time genomic sequencing to create a family tree showing the virus's spread through space and time.

Three types of work stress increasing in the US, according to SUNY downstate researchers

Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center found increasing trends in US work characteristics since 2002, including low job control, job strain, and work-family conflict. These stressors are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and contribute to the slowing of declining CVD mortality rates.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 24, 2017

Brain microenvironment makes HER2-positive breast cancer metastases resistant to treatment

A recent study led by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers has identified a novel mechanism behind the resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer metastases to treatment. The study found that overexpression of the HER3 gene contributes to this resistance, and combining anti-HER2 and anti-HER3 therapies can slow tumor growth.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

Study shows need for increased protection of world's national animal symbols

A recent study found that 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The analysis also revealed that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania fare better than those in Africa.

Revealed: How polyomavirus tricks our cells into helping it build its invasion route

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered how polyomaviruses hijack cellular molecular motors to build a portal for itself, allowing it to reach the nucleus and cause problems. The findings could aid in the development of new treatments or preventive strategies against polyomavirus diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017