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Science News for October 16, 2017


Risk of cesarean section is heritable

A recent study by Philipp Mitteroecker and colleagues used the cliff edge model to predict that women born by Caesarean are more likely to develop FPD in their own childbirth, with a 2.8 times higher risk compared to women born vaginally.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Most medical students overconfident, underprepared on nutrition guidelines

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that nearly 55% of medical students are confident in their ability to counsel patients on nutritional recommendations, despite half failing a nutrition quiz. The study highlights a gap between nutritional knowledge and attitudes among future physicians.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 16, 2017

Aus gravitational waves world-first finding

A team of Australian researchers has confirmed the detection of radio waves from a gravitational wave event, providing new insights into massive bodies like black holes. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and marks a significant contribution to the global discovery of gravitational waves.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Approximately 1 in 9 US men infected with oral HPV

A study by the American College of Physicians found that almost 11 million US men have oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a high prevalence among men with multiple lifetime oral sex partners and those who report having sex with men. HPV causes various cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which dispropo...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

ESnet's science DMZ design could help transfer, protect medical research data

A Science DMZ architecture can be adapted to meet the needs of the medical research community, allowing for secure sharing of large datasets while protecting individual privacy. The design provides speed and security for moving large data sets, enabling teams of experts to collaborate in real-time.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 16, 2017

A cautionary tale

Researchers at LMU's Gene Center found that human cells use a different mechanism to recognize misplaced DNA than mouse cells. The inflammasome complex is activated via the cGAS-STING recognition mechanism, triggering both an antiviral response and a classical inflammatory reaction.

An epigenetic key to unlock behavior change

A new study sheds light on the molecular mechanism that shapes behavior in fruit flies, revealing a causal link between epigenetics and genetics. Researchers found that epigenetic marks interact with genes to regulate differences in feeding behaviors.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Liquid metal brings soft robotics a step closer

Researchers at University of Sussex and Swansea University have created a way to morph liquid metal into physical shapes, opening up new possibilities in soft robotics and shape-changing displays. The invention uses electrical charges to program the liquid metal, allowing it to dynamically change shape and form complex geometries.

Cancer relapse linked to body's own immune system

A new study reveals that cancer cells can use the body's own immune system to wake themselves up and fuel their growth after treatment, leading to relapse. Researchers found that immunotherapies targeting this response could delay or prevent cancer return in mice, suggesting a promising approach for patients at risk of relapse.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateOct 16, 2017

Waves in lakes make waves in the Earth

Scientists have discovered that waves in lakes can generate microseismic signals that can reveal subsurface geology and track ice cover duration. By analyzing these signals, researchers can create a seismic 'CT scan' of the Earth, providing valuable insights into geological structures.

Harvey runoff menaces Texas' coral reefs

A recent expedition to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary revealed a 10% drop in salinity levels due to Hurricane Harvey's floodwater plume. The team hopes to track the plume as it migrates through the Gulf, aiming to understand its impact on the reefs' health.

Cocktail tests on toxic waste called for

Scientists found that low concentrations of toxic chemicals can affect aquatic creature behavior, including feeding and swimming speed. The study calls for low dose and mixture toxicity testing to assess the impact of complex pollutant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 16, 2017

Attending a middle vs. a K-8 school matters for student outcomes

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that attending a middle school compared to a K-8 school negatively impacts certain measures of students' beliefs about their academic abilities, particularly in reading skills. The researchers suggest strengthening middle schools by focusing on the instructional and social environment, teacher...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateOct 16, 2017

The importance of asymmetry in bacteria

A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2017

SUTD researchers developed single cell level sorting technology using sound waves

A research team from SUTD developed a highly accurate single cell level sorting technology using sound waves, which enables the isolation of rare cell populations in complex biological samples. This technology has the potential to advance precision medicine for cancer treatment by examining DNA mutations at single cell level.

Gestational diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with a history of gestational diabetes were at a modestly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, adhering to a healthy lifestyle appeared to help mitigate this risk in younger women, particularly those who were predominantly white and followed healthy habits over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

Predictions by GSI scientists now confirmed

Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017

Nidoviruses redundantly express genes and encode more proteins than previously believed, study finds

Researchers discovered 96 transcription regulatory sequences (TRSs) used by arterivirus Simian hemorrhagic fever virus to produce subgenomic messenger RNAs, exceeding the previously reported nine TRSs. The study found that multiple TRSs are involved in producing structural proteins and alternative reading frames.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

A new target for marijuana

A study published in JNeurosci found that chronic exposure to THC may alter inhibitory function in GABA neurons, increasing dopamine levels and promoting addictive qualities. This discovery could lead to a new target for treating cannabis use disorder.

Healthy lifestyle reduces cardiovascular risk after gestational diabetes, NIH study shows

Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and found that adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and not smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after gestational diabetes. Women who failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle had a 43-percent-higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Rice's Laurence Yeung named 2017 Packard Fellow

Laurence Yeung, a geochemist at Rice University, has been awarded a 2017 Packard Fellowship to support his research on the atmospheric system. He plans to use the grant to take risks and explore new ideas in his field, including the development of a compact device for isotopic measurements.

Rice U. study: Vibrating nanoparticles interact

Rice University researchers have found that placing gold nanodisks into groups can selectively alter their vibrational frequencies, a discovery that could lead to new ways of converting light energy into mechanical energy. The study's findings show promise for applications in secure communications, sensing, and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Spinning strands hint at folding dynamics

Researchers at Rice University have created a platform to study polymer folding dynamics using magnetic beads. The new method allows for the observation of complex behaviors, such as bending and coiling, in semiflexible fibers like actin and DNA.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 16, 2017

Integration of smoking cessation within CT lung cancer screenings shows life-saving results

A study integrating smoking cessation programs with low-dose CT lung cancer screenings found that this approach can decrease mortality rates while being relatively cost-effective. The research suggests that adding a robust smoking cessation intervention to an organized LDCT screening program could result in significantly fewer deaths, ...

Marketing study examines what types of searches click for car buyers

Researchers analyzed survey data on automobile purchases between 2002 and 2012 to compare time spent on internet sources with time spent on offline sources. The study found that those who searched more online tend to spend more time at dealerships, while consumers older than 50 spend less time searching and are less likely to be satisf...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateOct 16, 2017

Biopsy specimen found to be reliable for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer

A study published at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) conference found that biopsy specimens are a reliable material for evaluating DLL3 expression in small cell lung cancer. High levels of DLL3 expression were correlated with poor survival trends, smoking history, and neuroendocrine differentiation.

Sound and color

Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.

Early palliative care provides no quality of life benefits for recently diagnosed MPM patients

A study published in the IASLC 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer found that early specialist palliative care for recently diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients does not impact quality of life. Researchers concluded that there is no role for routine early referral to palliative care, regardless of symptoms.

Long nanotubes make strong fibers

Researchers at Rice University have advanced the art of making nanotube-based materials by characterizing and purifying long nanotube wires and films. The study found that longer nanotubes yield stronger and more conductive fibers, with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and electrical conductivity of 8.5 megasiemens per meter.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2017

Sleep duration may affect the integrity of sperm DNA

A study of 796 male volunteers found that shorter or longer sleep durations were associated with lower High DNA Stainability in sperm. Volunteers sleeping 6.5 hours or less had 30% lower DNA stainability compared to those sleeping 7-7.5 hours.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 16, 2017

Sales of sugar-sweetened drinks in Jamie's Italian restaurants fall by 11 percent after 10p levy

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that introducing a small levy of 10 pence per drink to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Jamie's Italian restaurants contributed to a significant decline in SSB sales, with a 9.3% decrease observed six months later. The study suggests that financial measures...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 16, 2017

New study finds nature is vital to beating climate change

A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.

SourceNature Conservancy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

What's the next step for exon skipping therapies to treat duchenne muscular dystrophy?

A team of leading European clinicians and scientists presents a unique perspective on how to move forward in the development of exon skipping therapies for DMD. The authors discuss the main challenges and opportunities for these therapeutic agents going forward, including biomarkers in AON drug development and regulatory tools in the EU.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 16, 2017

Treatment based On BRCA1 level does not increase survival of stage II/III NSCLC N+ resected patients

Researchers found that treating stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy based on their specific BRCA1 expression levels did not increase overall survival rates. However, BRCA1 expression levels were found to be prognostic, and individualized treatment could achieve different outcomes.

Cool your airfoils

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing advanced strategies to reduce the adverse effects of extremely high-temperatures on gas turbines. They are exploring applications for an anti-oxidation coating that can help cool airfoils and other hot-section components, enabling higher temperature operation for better efficie...

Portable 3-D scanner assesses patients with elephantiasis

A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 16, 2017