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Science News for October 9, 2017


Nerve cells' gatekeepers take many forms

Scientists use single-molecule FRET imaging techniques to study the dynamics of NMDA receptor gates, which control chemical signals into electrical signals. The research reveals that these gates have multiple conformational interactions that improve or degrade signaling.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 9, 2017

No 'narcissism epidemic' among college students, study finds

Researchers analyzed data from thousands of students and found a significant decline in narcissism, particularly in traits like vanity and entitlement. The average college student scores lower on the Narcissism Personality Inventory than grandparent counterparts, suggesting that age brings a decrease in narcissistic tendencies.

Clear lakes disguise impaired water quality

Scientists from the University of Minnesota found that excessively fertilized lakes in Iowa had low algae growth due to the destructive effect of nitrate particles, resulting in increased water clarity. This study suggests that relying on water clarity to gauge water quality may not be effective in all regions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInland Waters·DateOct 9, 2017

Calorie postings on menus cause more health mentions in online restaurant reviews

A study found that calorie postings on menus lead to a significant increase in health-related discussions in online restaurant reviews, suggesting potential spillovers towards healthier restaurants. The result indicates that calorie posting can shift consumers towards healthier alternatives not only inside but also outside the restaurant.

Global kids study: More trees, less disease

A University of Vermont-led study of 300,000 children in 35 nations reveals that those living near areas with greater tree cover are less likely to experience diarrheal disease. The research suggests that protecting watersheds can have a comparable effect to improved water sanitation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2017

Genome architecture caught in motion

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered how the genome's three-dimensional architecture changes during the cell cycle. The study found that condensation and de-condensation occur gradually, with larger domains forming during mitosis.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 9, 2017

Alzheimer's gene poses both risk -- and benefits

Researchers found that high-risk TREM2 variants can hobble the immune system's ability to protect against amyloid beta, but later in the disease, the absence of TREM2 protein protects the brain from damage. The study suggests targeting the TREM2 protein as a means of preventing or treating Alzheimer's may be complicated and that doctor...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

A 'turbo charge' for your brain?

Researcher Robert Reinhart found that synchronizing specific brain oscillations enhances executive function by improving communication between two key brain areas. Participants showed improved learning and decision-making skills, and effects could be quickly reversed.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

Risk factors for heart health linked to marital ups and downs -- at least for men

A study found that changes in marital relationship quality over time are associated with variations in cardiovascular risk factors for men. Improving relationships were linked to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and relatively lower weight, while deteriorating relationships were associated with worsening diastolic blood pressure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 9, 2017

Open-ocean wind farms

Researchers suggest open-ocean wind farms can sustain higher electricity generation rates than on-land wind farms due to kinetic energy reservoir access. Annual global energy demand could be met with commercial-scale open-ocean wind turbines spanning approximately 3 million square kilometers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

How global warming is drying up the North American monsoon

A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that the North American monsoon is facing a dramatic reduction in precipitation, with significant implications for regional water resources and hazards. The study corrects for sea surface temperature biases and suggests that the region's famous thunderstorms may become less common.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 9, 2017

HIV: The benefits of prophylaxis of tuberculosis are confirmed

Long-term follow-up confirms that isoniazid prophylaxis reduces both severe morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected individuals. The study provides evidence for the WHO recommendation of isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV-positive patients, even with early antiretroviral treatment.

SourceANRS·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 9, 2017

Black carbon deposits on birds

Estimates of early industrial emissions of black carbon are inexact due to limited sampling before the mid-1950s. Researchers found regional black carbon concentrations peaked during the first decade of the 20th century and were linked to coal consumption, with concentrations becoming decoupled after 1960.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

JILA spinning method confirms the electron still seems round

Physicists at JILA have confirmed the leading results on electron roundness using a unique spinning molecule technique, measuring its symmetry to provide new insights into fundamental physics and potential fossils of ancient asymmetry. The method offers future potential for more sensitive searches and tests of natural constants.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 9, 2017

Trench Foot discovery paves way for new treatment

Researchers have discovered that patients with non-freezing cold injury, also known as 'trench foot,' have a significant reduction in nerve fibers within the skin. This damage causes chronic pain experienced by these patients. Understanding the root cause of the condition may lead to new treatments and improved prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBrain·DateOct 9, 2017

Bacteria self-organize to build working sensors

Bacteria self-organize to form a golden shell around their colony using gold nanoparticles, creating a functional pressure sensor. The researchers controlled the size and shape of the device by altering the growth environment, demonstrating a proof-of-principle for fabricating structured materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2017

Noncompliance thwarts comprehensive background check policy for private-party sales, study finds

A study found that Delaware's expansion of comprehensive background check policies to include private-party sales resulted in a 25% increase in handgun background checks and a 34% increase for long guns. In contrast, Washington and Colorado experienced no overall change in background checks despite enacting similar policies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 9, 2017

Study finds few restrictions on Rx opioids through Medicare

A new Yale study finds that Medicare plans place few restrictions on the coverage of prescription opioids, despite federal guidelines recommending such restrictions. The researchers highlighted an untapped opportunity for Medicare formularies to limit opioid prescribing, citing a modest increase in opiate coverage between 2006 and 2015.

SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 9, 2017

Cancer scientists crack the durian genome

Researchers from SingHealth, Duke-NUS Medical School, and NCCS have sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of durian, a tropical fruit known for its unique smell. The study reveals that durian has approximately 46,000 genes, nearly double those found in humans.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 9, 2017

Addressing the double standard

Compounded bioidentical hormone therapies are not FDA-approved, lack quality control, and have the same risks as FDA-approved hormone therapy products. Women often unknowingly choose these over FDA-approved options due to misconceptions about safety and efficacy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 9, 2017

Green gentrification can limit the favourable effects of green areas on health

Research at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona suggests that green gentrification in cities may not equally benefit all residents, particularly socially disadvantaged neighbours. The process of recovering natural spaces tends to displace low-income populations, increasing chronic stress and negatively affecting their mental health.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 9, 2017