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Science News for October 23, 2017


Diabetes still on rise, but new study suggests major progress in screening and diagnosis

A new study suggests that increased screening by primary health care providers is yielding a bigger proportion of diagnoses, leading to more opportunities for treatment. The study found that the proportion of missed cases of diabetes dropped significantly over time, from 16.3% to 10.9%, and targeted screening in high-risk populations c...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Understanding how electrons turn to glass

A Japanese team has gained a deeper understanding of the electronic processes guiding liquid-to-glass transitions. By studying an organic metal material with 'frustrated' electrons, they revealed that rapid cooling can create glass-like states similar to conventional glasses.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2017

Nanodiamonds show promise for aiding recovery from root canal

Researchers at UCLA School of Dentistry used nanodiamonds embedded with biomaterials to protect disinfected root canals, resulting in improved tissue healing and no infection in three patients. The study confirms the immense promise of using nanodiamonds for overcoming barriers in various medical procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Are teens more likely to take charge of their health when money is on the line?

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted a randomized control trial showing that providing small financial incentives can motivate young people to engage in daily glucose monitoring. Participants who received $60 monthly credits were nearly three times more likely to achieve daily goals, but overall gl...

Integrative health group visit reduce chronic pain in underserved Spanish-speaking Latinos

Researchers adapted an Integrative Medical Group Visit approach to address chronic pain, fatigue, and depression in low-income Spanish-speaking Latinos. The program combined complementary and integrative medicine, medical group visits, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques, showing significant benefits.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Proton therapy lowers treatment side effects in pediatric head and neck cancer patients

A study published in Pediatric Blood and Cancer found proton therapy to be as effective as photon radiation while improving quality of life for pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The treatment resulted in similar rates of tumor control and lower rates of toxicity, with no severe side effects reported.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateOct 23, 2017

Nanotube fiber antennas as capable as copper

Researchers at Rice University developed nanotube fiber antennas that match the performance of traditional copper antennas but weigh significantly less. The flexible fibers offer practical advantages for aerospace and wearable electronics applications, where weight and flexibility are crucial factors.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 23, 2017

Disaster makes people with depression less healthy

Research from Rice University found that individuals with depressive symptoms before a disaster experience increased inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease. The study tracked participants' health markers after the 2005 Texas City petrochemical refinery explosion and found a significant increase in inflammatory markers.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

MIT neuroscientists build case for new theory of memory formation

Researchers suggest existing models of memory formation should be revised due to existence of 'silent engrams' which store memories even when they cannot be retrieved through natural cues. Memories are stored in a specific pattern of connections that form between cells during the first few minutes after an event occurs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Single-molecule dissection of developmental gene control

A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology reveals the mechanism by which PHF1 increases PRC2 activity, allowing for efficient gene regulation across different species. The findings suggest that stable PRC2 chromatin interactions mediated by PHF1 are key to increased lysine trimethylation and gene repression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 23, 2017

Cryo-EM reveals ignition mechanism for DNA replication

Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute and collaborators have shed new light on the critical step of DNA replication, revealing a spring-loaded mechanism that positions DNA strands toward two side-way gates. This discovery offers fresh insights into a fundamental process of life and driver of many different diseases, including cancer.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017

Study: Gun deaths, injuries in California spike following Nevada gun shows

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that gun-related deaths and injuries in California spiked after Nevada gun shows. The study, which analyzed data from 2005 to 2013, showed a nearly 70% increase in firearm injury rates in California near Nevada gun shows compared to regions without such exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 23, 2017

Selective memory

Researchers developed a new cache-management scheme that improves the data rate of in-package DRAM caches, reducing metadata transfer and increasing bandwidth. The 'Banshee' system adds three bits of data to each entry, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of frequently used data.

Introduction of a novel system for in vitro analyses of zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

Researchers have developed a novel in vitro platform to analyze zebrafish oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which could lead to improved spinal cord repair in humans. The system allows for efficient and controlled analysis of these cells, enabling the study of their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017

Rhythm of memory

A study by Prof. Dr. Marlene Bartos and her team found that inhibiting circuits in the hippocampus create high-frequency brainwaves that support parallel processing and storage of information, a key mechanism for laying initial traces of memory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Activation of immune T cells leads to behavioral changes

Scientists have discovered that T cell activation leads to a depletion of amino acids in the blood, which in turn affects neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, causing anxiety and fear responses. In mice without PD-1 receptor, they found behavioral changes dominated by anxiety and exacerbated fear responses.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 23, 2017

Crops evolving 10 millennia before experts thought

Research reveals that humans systemically affected crop evolution up to 30,000 years ago, triggering domestication of rice, wheat, and barley. This discovery proves the existence of dense populations and challenges previous understanding of agriculture's origins.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 23, 2017

How hospitals respond when it's uncertain if the newborn is a boy or a girl

A new study found substantial variability across US medical centers in diagnosing and treating disorders of sex development (DSD), with some institutions lacking specialist teams. Families often face difficult decisions about irreversible procedures, highlighting the need for improved guidelines and collaboration among providers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateOct 23, 2017

Novel therapies for multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed novel antimicrobial compounds that can treat multidrug-resistant bacteria, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. The combination of colistin and a manganese tricarbonyl complex showed significant antibacterial activity in killing multidrug-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2017

Solution to mysterious behavior of supercooled water

The study reveals that anomalous molecular motions in supercooled water lead to the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior, with regions forming hydrogen bonds heterogeneously. The findings provide insights into the physical implications of this anomaly, which could help explain dynamic behaviors in glassy materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2017

IUPUI receives NSF grant to enhance geosciences education, expand community engagement

IUPUI has received a $428,000 NSF grant to develop a novel educational program that enhances geosciences education and inspires students to address community problems. The program will engage undergraduates from underrepresented groups and provide opportunities for them to explore environmental justice through a themed learning community.

Better sleep, less fear

A study by Itamar Lerner and colleagues found that higher quality sleep patterns are associated with reduced activity in brain regions involved in fear learning. The researchers suggest that baseline sleep quality may be a useful predictor of susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

NUS researchers discover pathway by which blood cells release a potent signalling factor

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered a critical molecular target for sphingosine-1-phosphate production, paving the way for regulating its signalling in circulation. Low levels of S1P have been linked to various immune and vascular diseases, including multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular complications.

Scientists identify 'first responders' to bacterial invasion

Researchers at KU Leuven have identified specific ion channels in airway cells that recognize lipopolysaccharide molecules from bacteria, triggering a rapid response mechanism against infections. This early defence mechanism is essential for combating bacterial invasion and could lead to the development of more effective treatments.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2017

Taming 'wild' electrons in graphene

Researchers successfully controlled electrons in graphene using a high-tech microscope, paving the way for novel electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast transport of electrons with low energy loss in applications such as transistors and sensors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 23, 2017

Air pollution cuts solar energy potential in China

Severe air pollution in northern and eastern China blocks about 20% of sunlight from reaching solar panels, significantly reducing solar energy production. The study found that aerosol pollution reduces the potential for solar electricity generation by as much as one and a half kilowatt-hour per square meter per day.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017