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Science News for September 28, 2017


Achieving National HIV/AIDS Strategy targets would save lives, be cost effective

A Massachusetts General Hospital analysis shows that achieving the treatment targets of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy by 2020 would prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections and deaths. Meeting NHAS goals would also demonstrate excellent value, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $68,900 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 28, 2017

How molecular scissors cut in the right place

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 finds its target sequence in the genome, taking around six hours to search a bacterium's four million base pairs. To improve speed and reliability, they found that sacrificing Cas9's flexibility can lead to faster, but still versatile genetic scissors.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017

Uncovering why psoriasis recurs

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 2017

End to circus in plastic surgery social media videos?

A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 28, 2017

Biodegradable microsensors for food monitoring

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created biocompatible microsensors made from magnesium wire and compostable polymer for temperature measurement in food products. The sensors are thin, flexible, and can function for up to 67 days before dissolving, making them suitable for monitoring fish shipments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 28, 2017

Fluorine-containing molecules from cell cultures

Researchers genetically engineered a microbial host to produce fluorinated metabolites and bioplastics, leveraging the potential of living systems to create complex chemical compounds. The breakthrough enables controlled incorporation of fluorine into polyhydroxyalkanoates, resulting in more durable and targeted bioplastics.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 28, 2017

Students know about learning strategies -- but don't use them

A survey of university students found that many know about common learning strategies, but fewer actually use them. The reasons include lack of time, ineffective application, and difficulty in seeing the benefits. To improve this, universities should provide more self-regulated learning training, including hands-on practice to learn ho...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 28, 2017

Computer model showed an optimal anti-amyloid treatment

A computer model developed by InSysBio scientists suggests that activating beta-amyloid degradation is key to preventing protein plaques in the brain. The model found that starting treatment at age 60 can lead to relative normalization of indices, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

SourceInSysBio LLC·JournalCPT Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 2017

Making surgical screws from bones

Researchers are developing surgical screws from donated human bone material, reducing the risk of complications and eliminating the need for second surgeries. The technology, developed by TU Graz's Institute of Biomechanics, is being used in 14 Austrian hospitals and aims to improve outcomes for foot and jaw surgery patients.

Abusive bosses experience short-lived benefits

Researchers found that abusive supervisors experience a sense of recovery from their behavior, which helps replenish mental energy and resources. However, this benefit is short-lived, lasting only a week or less, after which they start to experience decreased trust, support, and productivity from employees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 28, 2017

Database of earthquakes triggered by human activity is growing -- with some surprises

The Human-Induced Earthquake Database has grown to over 730 entries, revealing that mining projects and water impounded behind dams are the most common causes of induced earthquakes. Unconventional oil and gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing is also a frequent contributor, according to geophysicist Miles Wilson.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateSep 28, 2017

Supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang drive massive black hole formation

Researchers used super-computer simulations to recreate the formation of a massive black hole from supersonic gas streams left over from the Big Bang. The study suggests these black holes could be the source of the largest and oldest super-massive black holes in the Universe, posing a challenge to existing theories.

JCU team's winning basketball formula

Researchers analyzed 156 men's basketball games from last four Olympics to identify key factors contributing to success. The winning formula centers on field-goal percentage and defensive rebounds, with the latter providing a 93% probability of victory.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Sports Science and Medicine·DateSep 28, 2017

Paper: Don't rely on mixed messages to change health behaviors

A new study found that combining recommendations for health behaviors in a homogeneous way, such as increasing exercise and eating more vegetables, is more effective than mixing positive and negative instructions. This approach can lead to better behavioral outcomes and reduced confusion among individuals trying to change their habits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Psychology Review·DateSep 28, 2017

Sharks longer in the tooth than we thought

A study by Dr Alastair Harry found that nearly a third of shark populations had underestimated ages, with an average underestimation of 18 years. This could lead to inefficient management and research priorities, affecting the many disciplines relying on baseline life history data.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateSep 28, 2017

Tracking the body's mini-shuttles

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a new way to label exosomes, which can be used as mini-shuttles to deliver drugs to specific sites in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNanoscale·DateSep 28, 2017

Researchers look to protect 'self-reactive' immune cells so they can fight melanoma

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a way to protect T-cells that are normally blocked from attacking melanoma cells, allowing them to go on to attack cancer. By combining this strategy with an existing immunotherapy treatment, they found that it can shrink melanoma tumors and prolong survival in p...

Catch a wave

A team of UC Santa Barbara geologists used ground-penetrating radar to study the effects of a massive tsunami that hit Northern California 900 years ago. The researchers found that the wave removed three to five times more sand than any historical El Niño storm, with erosion extending up to 360 feet inland.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Geology·DateSep 28, 2017

Why are many dialysis patients readmitted to the hospital soon after discharge?

A study found nearly a quarter of dialysis patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, often for a diagnosis different from their initial hospitalization. Patient characteristics such as female gender, younger age, and certain medical conditions were linked to a high likelihood of readmission.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 28, 2017

Stanford study shows how 'love hormone' spurs sociability

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the brain circuitry behind social reward, pinpointing oxytocin as a key player. The study suggests that oxytocin promotes sociability by binding to receptors on dopamine-secreting neurons, enhancing their firing and fostering positive social interactions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2017