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Science News for October 2, 2017


Children without allergies can still be afflicted with asthma-like coughing and wheezing

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that TRPV1 protein plays a critical role in airway disease through mucus production, cough reflex stimulation and airway narrowing. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new strategies to reduce the impact of RSV infections in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 2, 2017

DNA: The next hot material in photonics?

Researchers fine-tune DNA-based thin films to achieve a range of refractive indexes four times greater than silicon, enabling the creation of thinner optical fibers. This could lead to applications in photodynamic therapy, optogenetics, and biosensors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 2, 2017

DNA mutations shed in blood predicts response to immunotherapy in patients with cancer

A study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers reveals that a simple blood test can predict which patients will respond to checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies, with 45% of patients showing significant response. The findings suggest that patients with high numbers of genomic alterations in their tumo...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 2, 2017

Non-invasive imaging predicts cancer malignancy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a non-invasive imaging technique using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to quantify cancer severity. The method, called non-labeling multiphoton microscopy (NL-MPM), uses second harmonic generation and autofluorescence to detect malignancy with high accuracy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 2017

A new model of treatment for youth with anxiety

A new model of treatment for youth with anxiety can be effectively delivered using at least 14% less therapist time than traditional treatment services. The study tested a stepped care model, where young people first begin using self-help to manage their symptoms before stepping up to treatment with a therapist.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2017

Kinesins ignore weak forces as they carry heavy loads

A Rice University-led study shows that kinesins ignore weak forces as they transport cargo in cells, with lead kinesins carrying 90% of the load. The research provides molecular-level details of how kinesins respond to external forces and confirms earlier experiments on team-based motor proteins.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Our muscles measure the time of day

Researchers discovered that muscle cell lipid composition varies with the time of day, influenced by a biological clock, which could help regulate insulin sensitivity. This variation is linked to type 2 diabetes development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

How much is that call worth?

A new model from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management provides an integrated marketing-operations framework to help companies design effective service policies for their call centres. The framework links call centre capacity, service quality, and future consumer behaviour, enabling companies to tailor service levels ...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateOct 2, 2017

Tropical diversity takes root in relationships between fungi and seeds

A team of scientists discovered that tropical fungi form species-specific associations with seeds, influencing survival and germination rates. The study found that different fungi can aid or hinder seed development, depending on the seed species, providing new insights into the persistence of tropical forest diversity.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Scientists find new source of radioactivity from Fukushima disaster

Researchers found high levels of radioactive cesium-137 in beach sands and brackish groundwater beneath beaches up to 60 miles away from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The study suggests that this new pathway for radionuclide release should be considered in managing coastal areas near nuclear power plants.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Advancing algae for better biofuels

The Colorado State University team aims to increase algal cultivation productivity, optimize biomass composition, and extract different types of algal lipids to reduce upgrading costs. The goal is to double the yield of biofuel precursors from algae to around 3,700 gallons per acre per year.

Doctors define 'safe and effective' margins for 'one and done' skin removal around suspicious moles

A study led by NYU Langone Health found that removing a 2mm margin from suspicious moles can completely remove cancer cells with a single procedure. Researchers monitored patients for over a year and found no further suspicious growths, with 90% of biopsied moles being completely removed.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateOct 2, 2017

Gene therapy shows promise for reversing blindness

Researchers have shown that gene therapy can reprogram cells at the back of the eye to become light sensitive, potentially reversing blindness. In a study, mice blind from retinitis pigmentosa regained vision and recognized objects in their environment after receiving melanopsin gene therapy.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Study finds new program reduces absenteeism in primary schools

A pilot program in five North Carolina schools reduced absenteeism among first- and second-grade students by an average of 10%. The Early Truancy Prevention Program, which involved teachers visiting homes to establish a positive connection with parents and students, showed strong evidence of effectiveness.

SourceDuke University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 2, 2017

Healthy lifestyle linked to lower pain in MS sufferers

A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateOct 2, 2017

A deeper understanding of a surface phenomenon

Researchers studied the movement of acetone droplets on water using a simplified model and three independent approaches, finding that ignoring surface tension's curvature leads to accurate calculations. The study has implications for understanding complex phenomena like droplet gliding and measurements like the Langmuir balance.

Glowing news for organic materials

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated persistent luminescence from organic materials, achieving long-lived emission lasting over an hour. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including bio-imaging and safety applications.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2017

Researchers get first look at electrons escaping atoms

Scientists have successfully tracked an electron leaving the vicinity of an atom as it absorbs light, allowing for the classification of quantum mechanical behavior of electrons from different atoms. The breakthrough could eventually lead to controlling electrons' behavior inside matter and creating new states of matter.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 2, 2017

ALMA and Rosetta detect Freon-40 in space

Researchers detected Freon-40, a stable organohalogen molecule, around infant star system IRAS 16293-2422 and comet 67P/C-G using ALMA and Rosetta. This finding suggests that organohalogens may be an important element in the origin of life, rather than indicators of existing life.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 2, 2017

A sea of spinning electrons

Scientists have discovered a 'chiral spin mode' - a sea of electrons spinning in opposing circles that can transport information with little energy dissipation. This breakthrough paves the way for building novel electronic devices such as computers and processors with reduced energy loss.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2017

Blast off!

The University of Pittsburgh has established a new NSF-funded research center, SHREC, to focus on mission-critical computing in space, high-performance computing, and resilient computing. The center aims to bring in $1 million in annual external funding and collaborate with industry partners.

Genre may impact cognitive training using video games

Researchers found that video game genres impact cognitive training, with strategy games offering unique benefits for memory and processing speed. Strategy games were associated with improved white matter connectivity in brain regions related to memory, while action games were linked to a brain region governing mood.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateOct 2, 2017

Sticker shock

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the cost of compounded medication to prevent preterm births is significantly lower than the brand-name version. The analysis showed that the compounded form costs an average of $206 per pregnancy, compared to $10,917 for the brand-name version.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 2017

After medical error, apology goes a long way

A study published in Health Affairs found that communication-and-resolution programs significantly improve patient safety while reducing liability costs. The programs, which include apologies and explanations for medical errors, lead to a low percentage of events resulting in lawsuits, with only 5% leading to malpractice claims.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 2, 2017

Physician licensing laws keep doctors from seeking care

A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that nearly 40% of physicians hesitate to seek mental health care due to concerns about their medical license. The researchers discovered that states with licensing requirements asking about past mental health conditions have more reluctant physicians.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateOct 2, 2017

Tracking live brain activity with the new NeuBtracker open-source microscope

The NeuBtracker microscope allows for the simultaneous observation of neuronal activity and behavioral responses in zebrafish. This enables researchers to test the effects of substances on both brain activity and behavior, opening up new avenues for drug discovery and metabolic research.

Did game design elements increase physical activity among adults?

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that game-based interventions can increase physical activity among adults. In a 12-week clinical trial, participants who engaged with gamification elements showed significant improvements in step goal achievements and average daily steps compared to those in the control group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 2, 2017

Financial incentives for physicians did not increase follow-up of patients after discharge

A study published in CMAJ found that financial incentives for physicians to see patients sooner after discharge did not influence their behavior, with no significant improvement in follow-up rates. The incentive program, introduced in Ontario in 2006, aimed to reduce costly readmissions by encouraging early physician follow-up.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 2, 2017

Asphalt helps lithium batteries charge faster

Rice University scientists have created a new anode material made from asphalt that shows exceptional stability and can bring lithium metal batteries from zero to full charge in just five minutes. The finding has significant implications for high-power density devices, including rapid charging capabilities.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 2, 2017

Low consumption of vitamin K by adolescents associated with unhealthy enlargement of the heart's major pumping chamber

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that adolescents consuming the least amount of vitamin K1 were at a higher risk for unhealthy enlargement of their heart's major pumping chamber. This association was independent of other factors such as physical activity and blood pressure.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 2, 2017