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Science News for September 7, 2017


Circadian clock's inner gears

A team of researchers led by Charles Weitz shows that a set of core clock proteins organize into molecular machines that control circadian rhythms. The findings provide a starting point for understanding the clock's machinery and its role in various conditions, including sleep disorders and cancer.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 7, 2017

Ultraviolet light from superluminous supernova key to revealing explosion mechanism

A team of researchers discovered a way to use ultraviolet light observations to determine characteristics of superluminous supernovae previously unknown. They found that Gaia16apd was most likely an shock-interacting supernova, and their technique could help identify the explosion mechanism of future supernovae.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 7, 2017

Study: SNAP benefits aren't enough to afford a healthy diet

A new study from North Carolina State University and the Union of Concerned Scientists found that SNAP benefits only cover 43-60% of the cost of a healthy diet. Lower-income households face significant challenges in affording a balanced diet. The study highlights the need for more affordable food options to support vulnerable populations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 7, 2017

Trigger for fatty liver in obesity

Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2017

Better understanding of 'one of the most complex organs' for better lung treatments

A study published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified two distinct cell types in the lungs, one promoting regeneration and the other forming scar tissue. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary...

Cilia: 'The bouncer' of bacteria

Researchers found that cilia play an active role in filtering bacteria by creating a vortical flow field, and shorter cilia mix the local flow to enhance chemical screening. Cilia are essential for selective recruitment of symbiotic bacteria, as their dysfunction can lead to pulmonary conditions and infertility.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2017

What role do genome variations play in tuberculosis?

A genome-wide association study identified the CD53 gene as a susceptible locus for tuberculosis. Increased CD53 expression was observed in active TB patients, supporting its biological role in disease susceptibility. This research lays the foundation for identifying individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateSep 7, 2017

Sometimes you shouldn't say sorry

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology reveals that saying sorry when making a social rejection can have the opposite effect of its intention. Researchers found that apologizing can increase feelings of hurt and create pressure to forgive before being ready. The study's findings challenge popular beliefs about apologies in so...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateSep 7, 2017

Chen receives Humboldt Award

Long-Qing Chen, a renowned professor at Penn State, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to materials science and engineering. He plans to establish international collaborations and learn about European cultures through a one-year research project in Germany.

Fast magnetic writing of data

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully developed a novel method to rapidly and efficiently write data onto magnetic carriers using a spin-orbit-torque technique. The technique involves the application of electric current pulses through an adjacent wire, which causes magnetization inversion without the need for coils.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 7, 2017

Potentially lifesaving implantable cardioverter defibrillators underutilized in eligible patients

A study found that only 57% of qualified patients receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), despite guidelines recommending their use. ICDs can detect and stop life-threatening arrhythmias, reducing death by over 30%. The study suggests a treatment gap and calls for improved education to ensure eligible patients receive t...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateSep 7, 2017

Paint by numbers

The study uses image data to reconstruct the cell cycle of white blood cells and the progress of diabetic retinopathy, demonstrating the method's capability in handling continuous biological processes. The software also identifies individual categories and assigns measured data to clusters when data is not part of a continuous process.

Interrupting Parkinson's disease

Researchers have identified a toxic cascade in Parkinson's disease and found that treating dopamine neurons with antioxidants early on may prevent degeneration and improve neuron function. The study also highlights the importance of studying human neurons to develop new therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2017

Helping cancer survivors return to work

A new analysis highlights the diversity of employer-related factors that can help or hinder cancer survivors' return to work. The study emphasizes the need for individualized approaches and effective communication between employers and survivors.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateSep 7, 2017

Smooth, manmade surfaces create a 'blind spot' for bats using echolocation

Researchers found that bats produce fewer calls, spend less time near vertical glass surfaces, and approach at a more acute angle, highlighting the 'blind spot' in their echolocation ability. The study's findings underscore the negative impact of human development on wildlife, particularly injured or dead bats often found near buildings.

HCV treatment found safe and effective in individuals with kidney disease

A new study finds that sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral therapy is safe and effective in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The treatment improved kidney function in stage 3 patients after cure, suggesting a potential therapeutic option for CKD patients with HCV.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 7, 2017

Chemical hot spots

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used a scanning tunneling microscope to analyze the surface activity of catalysts. They found that defects on the surface create ideal conditions for catalysis by attracting but not holding onto hydrogen ions.

New facial recognition findings could help develop new treatments for conduct disorder

Researchers found that teenage girls and boys with severe antisocial behavior have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly those showing negative emotions. The study suggests that boys with Conduct Disorder may need more comprehensive interventions than girls due to their unique challenges in emotion recognition.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2017

Pressure to be perfect may increase suicide risk in some individuals

A recent analysis of published studies suggests that self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect may contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Thirteen perfectionism dimensions had positive relationships with suicidal thoughts, particularly the most pernicious form involving perceived external pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Personality·DateSep 7, 2017

New method for producing malaria treatment at large scales

Scientists have successfully produced artemisinin, a key malaria treatment, in large quantities using genetically engineered moss. The process is simple, efficient, and cost-effective, offering a promising solution to the global shortage of artemisinin.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2017

Want your question answered quickly? Use gestures as well as words

A study published in Springer's Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that incorporating gestures into conversations leads to faster turn transition times and quicker responses. Gestures appear to provide a visual component that helps speakers convey additional information, enabling listeners to process and respond more efficiently.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 7, 2017

Children exposed to chemicals in 9/11 'dust' show early signs of risk of heart disease

Children who lived near the World Trade Center on 9/11 are showing early signs of increased risk for future heart disease due to exposure to toxic chemicals. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of artery-hardening fats in their blood, linked to higher blood levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 7, 2017

Curious properties

Theoretical physicists analyze flocking behavior on curved surfaces, including a sphere and an hourglass-shaped figure called a catenoid. They found special sound modes that don't dissipate and flow around obstacles, with the sphere's bands centered on the equator.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 7, 2017

Study: Biomarkers as predictive of sepsis as lengthy patient monitoring

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that measuring five key biomarkers in blood can quickly identify patients with sepsis, potentially saving lives. The researchers used machine learning models to determine the predictive power of using traditional vital sign data, biomarkers alone, or a combination of both.

A fair wage for global garment industry workers?

Research by Surrey's Centre for Environment and Sustainability found that Western European garment industry workers in BRIC countries are paid only around half the living wage. The study estimated that workers need to be paid an additional 35% to offset financial demands, such as income tax and social security contributions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateSep 7, 2017