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Science News for October 12, 2017


Study finds cold therapy may be effective at controlling cancer treatment side effects

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that cryotherapy can prevent symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, improving quality of life for cancer patients. Cryotherapy involves wearing frozen gloves and socks during chemotherapy to reduce pain, numbness, and tingling.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 12, 2017

Using Facebook data as a real-time census

A study by University of Washington researchers found that Facebook data can be used to estimate migration statistics more accurately than the US Census Bureau. However, biases and limitations in the data must be considered when combining Facebook and American Community Survey information.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateOct 12, 2017

A liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a safe and effective way to derive genetic information from retinoblastoma tumors without removing the eye. The technique uses aqueous humor, which contains tumor DNA, to provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 12, 2017

Sandia's Direct Numerical Simulations enhance combustion efficiency, reduces pollution

Researchers discovered novel behavior of cool flames in diesel combustion, accelerating ignition kernel formation and improving engine design efficiency. The study used Direct Numerical Simulations to resolve all turbulence scales and has the potential to optimize engine design for cleaner burning engines.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateOct 12, 2017

A better understanding of space -- via helicopter

Yale researchers Darryl Seligman and Greg Laughlin have created a new model for understanding how black holes, planets, and galaxies emerge from the vortex-rich environments of space. They found that vortices may shed Rossby waves as they spin and that the number of orbits between two vortices is different in their model.

NIST urges caution in use of courtroom evidence presentation method

Statisticians Steve Lund and Hari Iyer argue that Likelihood Ratio's Bayesian reasoning approach is flawed for courtroom use, risking conclusions driven by assumptions rather than data. NIST recommends using the method only in cases where probability-based models are warranted.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateOct 12, 2017

Like it or not: Broccoli may be good for the gut

Researchers found that broccoli's indole glucosinolates can activate the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the intestinal lining, maintaining a healthy balance in gut flora and immune surveillance. This may help prevent diseases like various cancers and Crohn's Disease caused by inflammation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateOct 12, 2017

Lead fishing tackle may be threatening loon populations

A new study reveals that lead fishing tackle is the leading cause of mortality in adult common loons, resulting in 43% population decline over 24 years. The study found that jigs and sinkers accounted for most lead tackle objects ingested by loons.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 12, 2017

Few patients hospitalized with acute kidney injury receive recommended follow-up care

A study found that Canadian nephrologists generally recommend follow-up kidney evaluations for most patients with acute kidney injury but only a minority receive these evaluations. The disparity between recommendations and actual practices may be attributed to various factors, including patient age and pre-existing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 12, 2017

Warming seas could lead to 70 percent increase in hurricane-related financial loss

A new study published in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure predicts that warmer oceans will lead to higher wind speeds and larger storms, resulting in increased damage and financial losses due to hurricanes. The study estimates a 70% increase in hurricane-related financial loss by 2100 for coastal communities in South Carolina.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSustainable and Resilient Infrastructure·DateOct 12, 2017

Fred Hutch studies advance methods to avert toxicity that can accompany immunotherapy

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center identified potential biomarkers and created algorithms to identify patients at risk of severe side effects from CAR T-cell therapy. The studies found that most patients with these toxicities experienced reversible or no harm, but severe cases were associated with endothelial cell activation.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 12, 2017

Genes critical for hearing identified

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified 52 previously unknown genes that play a crucial role in human hearing. The research used 'knock-out' mice to assess their hearing thresholds and found that these genes can lead to mild to severe hearing loss or difficulties at specific frequencies.

SourceMedical Research Council·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2017

Young men are getting more out of 'bromances' than romances

A recent study by Robinson et al. found that young men's 'bromances' are more emotionally satisfying than their romantic relationships with women. The researchers discovered that men felt less judged and more able to express emotions in their close male friendships compared to their girlfriends.

SourceSAGE·JournalMen and Masculinities·DateOct 12, 2017

Making healthier decisions, step by step

A study at San Diego International Airport found that signs encouraging stair use increased steps taken by 50% compared to sign-free days. The prompts appeared to nudge both regular and non-exercisers into taking the stairs, demonstrating a ripple effect in behavior.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateOct 12, 2017

Halting liver cancer with a sugar look-a-like

Researchers at RIKEN discovered a way to prevent liver cancer spread by treating with a modified fucose sugar. The treatment disrupts biological pathways, blocking hepatoma cells from invading healthy liver cells and suppressing migration, but not proliferation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 12, 2017

Understanding rare earth emulsions

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that surface polarization in mixed media increases the attraction among rare earth elements. This finding could make rare earth recovery faster, easier, and less expensive. The study's results have implications for separating rare earths as well as other elements and nuclear waste removal.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 12, 2017

Cholesterol byproduct hijacks immune cells, lets breast cancer spread

Researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol metabolism's byproduct 27HC facilitates breast cancer metastasis by hijacking specific immune cells. The study identifies 27HC as a potential drug target to inhibit its creation or actions, offering hope for effective therapies against this aggressive form of cancer.

Brain stimulation can improve athletic performance

A study published in Brain Stimulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve endurance performance by decreasing perceived effort. The research, conducted at the University of Kent, used a placebo-controlled study to test the effects of tDCS on cycling time to task failure.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateOct 12, 2017

Uncovering origins of developmental brain disorders could eventually help treat seizures

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that imbalances in the regulation of GABA, a crucial neurotransmitter, can lead to developmental brain disorders such as autism and seizure disorders. The research offers new hope for developing treatments by identifying a potential molecular switch controlling GABA production.

An evolving sticky situation

Researchers studied the evolution of sticky toe pads in lizards, finding that geckos took an 'adaptive stumble' approach, while anoles committed to a single type. This divergence highlights the complex nature of evolutionary processes and challenges assumptions about the predictability of evolution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEvolution·DateOct 12, 2017

Researchers make headway in desalination technology

Engineers at the University of Illinois have made a breakthrough in developing a saltwater desalination process that is potentially cheaper than reverse osmosis. The new technology uses a battery-like device to remove salts from brackish water, opening up possibilities for inland and industrial sources. Further research is needed to de...

Study reveals new threat to the ozone layer

Researchers discovered increasing emissions of short-lived ozone-depleting chemicals in East Asia, threatening the recovery of the ozone layer. The study found dichloromethane and 1,2-dichloroethane in large amounts, which can be carried up into the stratosphere and cause damage.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 12, 2017