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Science News for November 21, 2017


Drug could cut transplant rejection

A diabetes drug that increases the movement of regulatory T cells into human organs may help prevent transplant rejection without side effects. Researchers found that the enzyme glucokinase is linked to increased movement of these immune cells, which act as guardians against organ rejection.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalImmunity·DateNov 21, 2017

Health of people with cystic fibrosis shows positive trends in US and Canada

Research shows cystic fibrosis patients in the US have better nutritional status and faster lung function improvements compared to those in Canada. The study suggests early implementation of newborn screening and quality improvement initiatives may contribute to these positive trends.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Air pollution linked to poorer quality sperm

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that air pollution is associated with poorer quality sperm. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 6,500 men in Taiwan, discovered a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and abnormal sperm shape.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Taking proton pump inhibitors not linked to higher dementia risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found no link between proton pump inhibitor use and increased dementia risk among older adults. The study reviewed data from 3,484 participants aged 65 and older, concluding that developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease was not associated with taking PPIs.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 21, 2017

Nano-watch has steady hands

Scientists at the University of Vienna have developed an incredibly stable nanoscale clock that can maintain its accuracy for extremely long periods. The clock, which consists of a levitated silicon cylinder, has a precision of one millionth of a second over four days.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

Bridging the gap

A team of UCSB researchers has developed a single-step method to convert methane into hydrogen while preventing the formation of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The process uses molten metals and results in a solid form of carbon that can be readily transported and stored indefinitely.

Sunrise and sunset guide daily activities of city-dwellers

Researchers used 'reality mining' to analyze mobile phone records of one million people, finding that the timing of sunrise and sunset still guides daily activities. The study also reveals sex differences in sleep duration, with women sleeping more than men as they age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2017

Can an insulin pill delay or prevent type 1 diabetes?

A daily insulin pill did not slow down or prevent type 1 diabetes development among individuals with a higher risk of developing the disease. The trial involved 560 participants who received either oral insulin or a placebo, and found that time to diagnosis was not significantly different between groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 21, 2017

Ice shapes the landslide landscape on Mars

A new study explores the impact of ice on Martian landslides, finding similarities with Earth's ice-lubricated landslides and demonstrating how ice influences shape and velocity. The research uses glacial morphology and remote sensing measurements to model landslide dynamics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateNov 21, 2017

Finding their inner bird: Using modern genomics to turn alligator scales into birdlike feathers

Researchers identified key genes involved in scale and feather development, demonstrating their ability to convert scales into feathers by turning on specific molecular circuits. The study reveals five morpho-regulatory modules essential for modern feather formation and potentially explains how early birds evolved flight.

Second HIV test helps prevent incorrect HIV diagnosis in infants

A new study suggests that a second HIV test can substantially reduce incorrect diagnoses in infants, saving costs on unnecessary treatment. The study found that confirmatory testing reduces the number of infants incorrectly diagnosed with HIV by 99.6%, leading to cost savings over a lifetime.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 21, 2017

Baby-boomers and millennials more afflicted by the opioid epidemic

A recent study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that baby-boomers and millennials are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2014 and found that these age groups experienced a significantly increased risk of death from prescription opioid overdose and heroi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 2017

Legal analysis finds Arkansas law that bars protection of LGBTQ people unconstitutional

A new analysis by NYU College of Global Public Health finds Arkansas' law prohibiting local governments from enacting civil rights protections for LGBTQ individuals to be unconstitutional. The law, which was enacted in response to a similar attempt by Fayetteville, Arkansas, violates the Establishment and Equal Protection clauses.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 2017

A model by which plants adapt their photosynthetic metabolism to light intensity

Researchers proposed a model explaining how plants regulate photosynthesis in response to varying light intensities through redox systems like thioredoxins and NTRC. The chloroplasts have protective antioxidant enzymes, such as 2-cys peroxiredoxin, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of these redox systems.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2017

Hidden properties of solids

Researchers at UCSB have successfully measured Berry curvature in solid matter for the first time using a unique laser experiment. This breakthrough has significant implications for designing new materials with optimized Berry curvature for applications in electronic and optical devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 21, 2017

Good cells gone bad

Researchers from TSRI have identified a process in nerve cells called the S-nitrosylation reaction that may contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that this reaction can trigger cell death by preventing the proper removal of damaged mitochondria, leading to neuronal damage and death.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 2017

The main switch

Researchers at the University of Freiburg discover that DNA folding reorganization is a key switch for defining cell types during cardiomyocyte differentiation. The study reveals that spatial genome organization determines cellular identity and provides insights into future reprogramming strategies.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2017

Refining pesticides to kill pests, not bees

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a key to designing more selective pesticides that target pests without killing beneficial insects like bees. By understanding the molecular differences between mammals and insects, they hope to create new chemicals that spare bees while effectively controlling agricultural pests.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2017

New database catalogues plants that soak up contamination

The Global Hyperaccumulator Database contains data on 721 species of plants capable of absorbing high amounts of metal compounds. The database aims to facilitate the identification and utilization of these hyperaccumulators for environmental cleanup, particularly in mining-affected areas.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 21, 2017

New study points the way to therapy for rare cancer that targets the young

A new study identifies a chimeric gene as the driver of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), a rare and usually lethal liver cancer. The research offers prime targets for drugs to treat the disease, including kinases and cellular signaling systems. Researchers are now working to design therapeutics targeting these pathways.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2017

A chicken-flavored electrolyte drink could help sniffer dogs stay hydrated

A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has investigated three common hydration methods for sniffer dogs. The research found that dogs drink more and are more hydrated when given a chicken-flavored electrolyte drink compared to plain water or electrolyte injections, making it a safe and effective hydration alternative.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateNov 21, 2017

Atopic eczema: One size does not fit all

The study identified five subgroups of eczema in children, with one-third resolving by age five and others persisting into adulthood. Genetic risk factors contribute to long-lasting eczema, highlighting the need for tailored treatments and clinical trial approaches.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 21, 2017