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Science News for November 2, 2017


Synaptic disorder

Scientists discover dysfunctional autophagy plays a central role in motor neuron diseases, characterized by muscle atrophy and loss. The PLEKHG5 gene controls the degradation of synaptic vesicles, and its dysfunction leads to aggregation and motor neuron disorder progression.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2017

Patients report worse care experience in GP practices owned by limited companies

Research published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that patients registered to general practices owned by limited companies reported worse experience of their care compared to those registered with independently owned practices. The study analyzed data from over 7,900 general practices in England and found signifi...

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 2, 2017

What effect has substance abuse on outcome of schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics?

Long-term administration of antipsychotic drugs can worsen schizophrenia outcomes if patients consume substances like nicotine and alcohol or drugs like cannabis and amphetamines. However, measures such as administering long-acting injectable antipsychotics and psychoeducation can improve adherence and reduce substance abuse.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Abuse Reviews·DateNov 2, 2017

UZH anthropologists describe third orangutan species

Researchers from the University of Zurich have identified a distinct third species of orangutans, Pongo tapanuliensis, through genomic and morphological analysis. The Tapanuli population is believed to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population and has been isolated for at least 10,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 2, 2017

The secret lives of ancient land plants

The study of Marchantia polymorpha's genome sheds light on land plant evolution, showing liverworts possess ancestral characteristics. The findings have significant implications for molecular and genetic studies, providing insights into future agricultural applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Family favoritism: Younger siblings impacted more

A new study by Alex Jensen reveals that younger siblings experience a stronger impact from family favoritism compared to older siblings. The research found that when children perceive favoritism, their relationship with parents is strengthened if they feel like the favorite and the parents agree, but weakened if they don't.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateNov 2, 2017

Learning a mother tongue: A universal process?

Researchers studying a traditional population in the Bolivian Amazon found that Tsimane children spend less than one minute per hour talking to their parents, compared to ten times less than in Western countries. This variation highlights wide intercultural differences in language development.

SourceCNRS·JournalChild Development·DateNov 2, 2017

Computer program helps doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier to save lives

A new computer program has been developed to help doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier, reducing its severity and improving survival rates. The program, which was tested in over half a million patients, showed a significant reduction in hospital mortality, length of stay, and dialysis rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 2, 2017

A bit of a 'quantum magic trick'

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and University of Rochester use quantum mechanics to measure frequency with unprecedented accuracy, reducing uncertainty by a factor of 100. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including MRI medical imaging, navigation, and astronomy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2017

Ions in the spotlight

Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a method to trap ions in optical traps, preventing driven motion and allowing for longer lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-cold temperatures and observation of quantum effects in chemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2017

Is gun violence contagious?

Gun violence in US cities like Washington D.C. shows an endemic pattern, with clustering in certain neighborhoods rather than spreading rapidly. Researchers recommend place-based interventions targeting neighborhood features to reduce crime rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateNov 2, 2017

New pathway identified as a target for precision medicine against a common brain tumor

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a promising target for precision medicines to block the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway, which drives cell proliferation in medulloblastoma. Inhibiting this pathway using an investigational drug INK128 significantly extended the lives of mice with the tumor.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

Are cities affecting evolution?

A recent study reveals that urbanization is driving evolutionary changes in various species, including mosquitoes, bedbugs, and rats, with potential consequences for human health. The researchers argue that cities are becoming a novel ecosystem, influencing the evolution of species that may, in turn, affect our lives.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017

Tanning beds and risky behavior linked -- in men

A study by the University of Connecticut found that men who tan use tanning beds more frequently than women but engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and binge drinking. Men who tan also exhibit addictive behavior towards tanning, with 49% of users reporting difficulty quitting.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateNov 2, 2017

More time on social media is not linked to poor mental health

A study by Chloe Berryman found that social media use among young adults is more closely linked to mental health problems than the amount of time spent using it. However, vaguebooking – writing cryptic posts to solicit attention – was a worrying trend that showed a correlation with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateNov 2, 2017

Preventing a genetic uprising in early life

A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell has discovered a mechanism to prevent genetic chaos caused by transposons in early human development. The research found that endosiRNAs, a type of small interfering RNA, play a crucial role in regulating transposon activity during epigenetic reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 2, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalZeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie/International journal of research in physical chemistry and chemical physics·DateNov 2, 2017

Dioxane-chomping microbe has helpful gene

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a novel gene cluster in Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus PH-06 that expresses an enzyme capable of initiating dioxane biodegradation. This finding could lead to the development of a cost-effective tool for treating contaminated groundwater sites.

Mindfulness may help mothers cope with stress when their babies have a heart condition

Researchers from CHOP and Penn Nursing found that mindfulness can be a helpful tool for mothers to pause and be present in the moment, reducing stress and improving focus. The study suggests that mindfulness should start early, preferably immediately after the prenatal CHD diagnosis, and can be more accessible than traditional meditation.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateNov 2, 2017

How toxic air clouds mental health

A University of Washington study found a direct connection between toxic air and mental health, with fine particulate matter linked to increased psychological distress. The study, which controlled for other factors, showed that even moderate levels of pollution can be detrimental to health, particularly among specific populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth & Place·DateNov 2, 2017

Wrinkles give heat a jolt in pillared graphene

Pillared graphene's thermal transport was found to be faster with wrinkles due to reduced phonon scattering. The optimal configuration involves three octagons instead of six heptagons, facilitating a smoother turn without significantly stressing the graphene.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 2, 2017