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Science News for May 30, 2017


Rice lab creates tough, but tender, cancer fighters

Scientists at Rice University have developed analogs of potent anti-tumor agents, which show superior properties and exhibit potent cytotoxicities against certain cancer cells. The new compounds were tested on kidney cancer and human uterine sarcoma cell lines, including a drug-resistant cell line.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 30, 2017

Understanding T cell activation could lead to new vaccines

Researchers have identified a key to generating effective tissue-resident memory T cells that can fight off infections in organs. By adjusting the strength of T cell receptor stimulation, scientists can promote the generation of these cells, which could lead to more efficient protection against viruses like Zika and HIV.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 30, 2017

'Quantum leap' for Liverpool

Physicists from the University of Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in probing the 'dark content' of the universe using a novel experiment based on quantum interferometry. The experiment relies on ultra-cold atoms and could have far-reaching applications in navigation, gravity scanning, and understanding dark energy.

The next enchanted ring?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to synthesize ß-lactone peptides, a new class of antibiotics, by copying bacterial enzymes. These peptides inhibit serine hydrolases and may be useful in treating cancer, obesity, and infectious diseases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2017

Your sex life is only as old as you feel

A University of Waterloo study of 1170 adults aged mid-40s to mid-70s found that those closer to their chronological age reported lower quality sex lives. Feeling younger at heart was associated with increased interest in sex, particularly for middle-aged and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMay 30, 2017

More frequent extreme ocean warming could further endanger albatross

A recent study found that changes in temperature variability have a threefold effect on albatross population growth rate compared to changes in mean ocean temperature. The researchers' findings suggest that increased variation in ocean temperatures leads to population decline, while an increase in the mean ocean temperature favors the ...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 30, 2017

Assessing and addressing the impact of childhood trauma

A growing body of research suggests that childhood trauma can increase the risk for psychosis in later life. Key factors include poor emotional control, limited coping skills, and stress sensitivity. Early identification and treatment through targeted training and protocols may help mitigate this vulnerability.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMay 30, 2017

More to the bunch: Study finds large chromosomal swaps key to banana domestication

Scientists have identified a large chromosomal swap in banana crops, which may help explain their reduced fertility and increased susceptibility to diseases like Panama disease. The study found that this chromosomal rearrangement was preferentially transmitted to progeny, highlighting its significance for breeding programs.

Awareness, adherence key to improved osteoporosis care

Research at the University of Missouri School of Medicine highlights the importance of understanding risk factors and following treatment plans to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures. The study emphasizes the need for preventive screening methods, cost-effective medications, and patient education to effectively manage the disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine·DateMay 30, 2017

Gender minority adults more likely to report poor or fair health

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that gender minority adults are more likely to report poor or fair health compared to their cisgender counterparts. The research highlights significant disparities in health outcomes, including lower income, unemployment, and uninsured status among gender minorities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 30, 2017

Preventing software from causing injury

Researchers have developed a new tool called SEAT to measure software-induced ergonomic risks, which can help prevent debilitating hand and wrist problems in office workers. The tool uses self-reported surveys to identify stressors and strain, allowing developers to remove stressors from software and prevent injuries.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateMay 30, 2017

Violence against conflict-affected teenage girls in Africa is widespread

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that over half of conflict-affected girls aged 13-19 were victims of violence, with intimate partners and family members being perpetrators. The researchers identified context-specific predictors of violence, highlighting the need for prevention strategies that ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Global Health·DateMay 30, 2017

Causes of major birth defects still largely unknown

Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 30, 2017

The synchronized dance of skyrmion spins

Researchers in Singapore used computer simulations to study skyrmion particles, gaining insights into their internal behaviors. The study found that the three fundamental modes of skyrmions respond differently to external magnetic fields, potentially leading to new microwave nano-oscillators and ultra-compact devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 30, 2017

Hunting can help European ecosystems

A study found that recreational hunting in Spain's Asturias region can help control wild boar populations. The research team analyzed hunting bag data and found a significant increase in population numbers after temporary bans were lifted, indicating hunters' ability to regulate wild boar numbers.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 30, 2017

Must children attend obesity treatment with parents to be effective?

A randomized clinical trial found that parent-based weight loss treatment (PBT) with or without child attendance resulted in similar weight loss outcomes, including decreased BMI z scores and improved calorie intake and physical activity. The study suggests that child attendance at treatment is not necessary to achieve similar outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 30, 2017

Just how old are animals?

Researchers from the University of Bristol found that a recently developed molecular clock method called RelTime failed to relax the clock, sparking debate on the age of animals. The team's findings suggest that animals are unlikely to be older than approximately 850 million years, in agreement with previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateMay 30, 2017

Childhood obesity causes lasting damage to the body

A new study reveals that childhood obesity can cause lasting arterial damage and increase the likelihood of pre-diabetes, heightening the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and found that obese children were more prone to these conditions, even 25 years later.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalObesity Reviews·DateMay 30, 2017

Breaking glass in infinite dimensions

A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.

Evolution on the fast lane -- 1 flounder species became 2

Researchers found two groups of flounders became distinct species at an extraordinary pace of approximately 2400 generations, setting a new record for the fastest event of speciation. The study's findings have important implications for our understanding of ecological speciation and its role in marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2017

How the popularity of sea cucumbers is threatening coastal communities

A growing global demand for sea cucumbers is causing complex social and ecological impacts on coastal communities, leading to financial rewards that incentivize risky fishing practices and deplete local resources. The study highlights the need for rapid management of these impacts to sustainably manage fisheries with coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 30, 2017

Prenatal stress predisposes female mice to binge eating

A study found that stressed mouse mothers gave birth to pups exhibiting binge-eating-like behavior, which was reversed by a balanced diet. The researchers identified an epigenetic signature in the embryo's brain and suggest non-invasive dietary interventions may prevent binge eating.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 30, 2017

Cost of a common ER visit? Study finds most health care providers don't know

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that only 38% of emergency medicine healthcare professionals can accurately estimate the costs for three common conditions. This lack of transparency has the potential to lower costs for patients and the overall healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 30, 2017

How circadian clocks communicate with each other

Researchers have discovered a key connection between circadian clocks in the brain and peripheral organs, revealing how they synchronize their rhythms. The study found that a specific neuropeptide pathway enables communication between the central clock in the brain and peripheral clocks in organs like the prothoracic gland.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2017

Nanosubmarine with self-destroying activity

A Dutch scientist has designed a nanomotor that can deliver and release drugs for cells, triggered by glutathione, a chemical signal inside cells. The nanomotor uses hydrogen peroxide to propel itself across the cellular membrane and releases its cargo upon encountering higher concentrations of glutathione.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2017

Identifying species from a single caviar egg

A new tool enables identification of high-end caviar from Beluga sturgeons by analyzing DNA from a single caviar egg, contributing to conservation and fair international trade. The development helps distinguish Beluga caviar from Bester and other species using targeted genetic variants.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 30, 2017

LGBQQ college students face barriers to campus mental health services, study finds

A RAND Corporation study found that LGBQQ college students are more likely to seek off-campus mental health services due to concerns over confidentiality and uncertainty about on-campus eligibility. Despite this, they experience higher rates of psychological distress, academic impairment, and stress compared to their heterosexual peers.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 30, 2017