Marlene Bartos receives ERC Advanced Grant
Bartos' project will examine the functional role of inhibitory nerve cells in forming memory traces and controlling cognitive behavior, a process not yet fully understood.
Science News Archive 2018 - Page 351
Browse by Month - 2018
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Carnegie's Arthur Grossman receives Human Frontier Science Program grant
Arthur Grossman, a Carnegie scientist, has received a $300,000 Human Frontier Science Program grant to investigate how light and metabolic signals control photosynthetic processes in algae. This research aims to develop a holistic view of photosynthetic control, spanning metabolism to epigenetics and mathematical modeling.
Breast cancer therapy: All clear for the heart
A large study of breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Good risk management in hospitals and short interval screenings may offset elevated risks. The study's findings are considered positive for treatment of breast cancer.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy·DateApr 9, 2018
New source of global nitrogen discovered: Earth's bedrock
A study published in Science reveals that up to 26 percent of the nitrogen in ecosystems comes from weathering of rocks at Earth's surface. This discovery sheds light on the mysterious gap in nitrogen balance and has implications for forest growth, carbon sequestration, and conservation efforts.
New Penn State-USDA patented technology removes phosphorus from manure
A new system called MAPHEX can remove almost all phosphorus from stored livestock manure, addressing a major environmental issue in the US. The technology could have a huge impact on water quality problems if made more affordable to operate.
Study sheds new light on how bilinguals process language
A study led by UC Riverside psychologist Megan Zirnstein found that bilinguals can actively predict word meanings and adapt quickly, just like monolingual peers. The research highlights the need to acknowledge variability in bilingual communities and suggests that control ability can help readers overcome prediction errors.
A UC3M study analyzes the keys to fragmentation of metallic materials
A UC3M study identifies inertia effects as key mechanisms controlling dynamic fragmentation in ductile metallic materials. This knowledge can improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of protective structures used in industries such as nuclear power plants and aerospace sector.
Removing the brakes on plant oil production
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that plants have a built-in brake on oil production, which can be disabled to increase biofuel and bioproduct synthesis. Disabling the gene for an inactive enzyme subunit increases oil production even under normal conditions.
When heart disease runs in the family, exercise may be best defense
Greater grip strength and physical activity are associated with reduced risk of heart attacks and stroke in individuals with a genetic predisposition for heart disease. Physical activity also reduces cardiovascular events by 49 percent among high-risk individuals.
Stop prioritizing the car to tackle childhood obesity, governments/planners urged
Research highlights the dominance of car travel in school commutes, which contributes to childhood obesity, air pollution, and decreased independent mobility. Governments are advised to invest in active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport.
An oil-eating bacterium that can help clean up pollution and spills
Researchers at INRS have identified a non-pathogenic marine bacterium that can effectively degrade petroleum products in soil and water. The bacteria's enzymes have been shown to break down benzene, toluene, and xylene with high efficiency, offering an eco-friendly method for decontaminating oil sites.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalBiochemical Engineering Journal·DateApr 9, 2018
Advancing the science of smell -- with a hint of musk
A Yale-led research group has identified two olfactory receptors that respond to musk compounds, which could advance the study of the pharmacological effects of musks. The discovery may have implications for understanding how human smell works at a molecular level and its impact on behavior.
Vaccination apathy fueled by decades of misinformation
A study by University of Waterloo historians reveals that vaccine hesitancy, also known as immunization apathy, is rooted in social and political factors rather than bad parenting. The study shows how decades of misinformation and a lack of political priority on disease prevention contributed to the issue.
Scientists fix genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in human brain cells
Researchers discovered that the apoE4 gene causes damage in human brain cells by altering its main structure and function. They found that adding a small molecule structure corrector eliminates signs of Alzheimer's disease, restores normal cell function, and improves survival in human apoE4 neurons.
Oral sirolimus alters the course of DIPNECH syndrome in three patients
Researchers found that oral sirolimus treatment significantly improved pulmonary function and reduced carcinoid tumor volume in three patients with DIPNECH syndrome. The study provides promising evidence for sirolimus as a viable treatment option for this rare condition.
Major disruptions are frequent in primary care
A recent study found that major disruptive events, such as clinician losses and changes in ownership, frequently disrupt primary care practices in Oklahoma. These events negatively affect quality improvement efforts and patient care, highlighting the need for further research to address their root causes.
How tumors caused by STD quickly regress in dogs
A recent study found that canine transmissible venereal tumors regress quickly due to the immune system's response, involving chemokines and host skin cells. The findings may lead to more effective therapeutic strategies for various human cancers.
Man develops severe 'thunderclap' headaches after eating world's hottest chili pepper
A man developed excruciatingly painful episodic headaches after eating a Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest chilli pepper. His symptoms cleared up on their own, and a CT scan later showed that his affected arteries had returned to normal width.
Pharmacogenetics of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease
Researchers investigated the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms and cognitive change in late-onset Alzheimer's disease dementia. They found that ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline independently of blood pressure variations, particularly for APOE4- carriers with specific ACE genotypes. No function...
Recruiting practices is costly
Recruiting small primary care practices for large-scale quality improvement initiatives is difficult and costly. Investigators should budget adequate funds to support high-touch recruitment strategies, including building trusted relationships for a year or more.
Brewing up Earth's earliest life
A team of planetary scientists from MIT has identified large concentrations of sulfidic anions in shallow lakes on early Earth, which may have sped up the chemical reactions required to convert simple prebiotic molecules into RNA. This finding fundamentally changes our knowledge of early Earth and its potential role in the origin of life.
Study finds how fat tissue shunts energy to tumors
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveal that the loss of p62 in fat cells fuels aggressive prostate cancer by inhibiting energy-consuming processes. This discovery opens new avenues for therapeutic targeting and highlights the importance of considering whole-body metabolism in cancer treatment.
Gender gap in academic medicine has negative impact, but there are simple solutions
A new study examines frontline perspectives on gender gaps in academic medicine, uncovering systems-based improvements to mitigate its negative impact. Solutions include streamlined recruitment processes, unconscious bias training for leaders, and formalized mentorship.
Rice University tech will power first fully programmable wireless network
Rice University's RENEW technology will underlie a city-scale wireless test platform in Salt Lake City, enabling researchers and developers to conduct tests with up to 40,000 users. The platform aims to prepare for the future of wireless communications, where scalability is crucial.
Public awareness of cancer drug shortages is low
A study found that only 16% of respondents were aware of drug shortages, and those with a personal history of cancer were more likely to be aware. Most respondents wanted to be informed about substitution due to shortages and would transfer care to avoid major differences in efficacy.
Gecko-inspired adhesives help soft robotic fingers get a better grip
Researchers developed a robotic gripper combining gecko toes' adhesive properties with air-powered soft robots, enabling it to grasp various objects, including rough and dirty ones. The gripper's unique design maximizes surface contact area, ensuring a better grip.
Why some beetles like alcohol
Researchers investigated the role of alcohol in ambrosia beetles' fungal farming, finding that increased enzyme activity allows optimal fungus growth in alcohol-rich wood. The beetles' sophisticated social care system ensures optimal symbiosis between beetle and fungus.
Studies show hookah also plays critical role in tobacco product landscape
Recent studies show a growing trend of hookah use among public high school students in New Jersey, with significant increases in hookah use across three indicators: ever, current, and frequent use. Hookah tobacco is taxed at a lower rate than cigarettes and is sold in various flavors, contributing to its popularity among teens.
Rats sniff out TB in children
Researchers have trained rats to sniff out tuberculosis in children, detecting cases 68% more accurately than traditional smear tests. The new method has the potential to save up to 70% of untreated patients in low-income countries.
To shore up beaches, just add sand?
A study analyzing four beach nourishment projects in San Diego County found that mechanically placed sand moves significantly, with some areas receiving more sand than was initially added. The research provides insight into the behavior of nourishment sand and its potential unintended consequences.
New cardiac imaging technique shortens testing time, improves patient comfort
The new MR Multitasking technique allows for faster and more comfortable cardiac MRI tests by continuously acquiring image data, separating motion from other changes into multiple time dimensions. This method was found to be accurate in testing healthy volunteers and cardiac patients, completing tests in as little as 90 seconds.
Survival strategy: How one enzyme helps bacteria recover from exposure to antibiotics
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered that lytic transglycosylase Slt helps gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa recover from antibiotic damage by repairing its cell wall. The enzyme rapidly attempts to rebuild the organism's structural entity, allowing it to survive and continue causing infection.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018
Geoengineering risks losers as well as winners for climate and wildfire risks
Researchers found that geoengineering methods could shift global rainfall patterns, leading to increased fire risk in some regions despite lower global temperatures. The study suggests that the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5C would be offset by unintended consequences for certain areas.
Lingering negative responses to stress linked with health a decade later
A recent study found that people who experience lingering negative emotions after daily stressors are more likely to report health problems and physical limitations later in life. The study, published in Psychological Science, suggests that minor, everyday stressors can have important implications for long-term physical health.
Like babies, eggs send signals when 'hungry'
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre found that the egg sends signals to surrounding cells to construct and multiply feeding tubes, a dynamic process essential for growth. This discovery highlights the egg's sophisticated communication skills and its active role in creating the microenvironment it needs to develop.
Study examines associations of prenatal SSRI exposure, fetal brain development
A study examining prenatal SSRI exposure and its effects on fetal brain development found associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and increased gray matter volume in the amygdala and insular cortex. The study also linked prenatal SSRI exposure to enhanced white matter structural connectivity between these regions.
Scientists tweak CRISPR to speed up genomic editing
Scientists have developed a new CRISPR method to analyze the effects of thousands of gene edits in parallel, improving their ability to identify harmful genetic changes. This technique enables researchers to rapidly distinguish between damaging and harmless edits, potentially leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Physical activity helps fight genetic risk of heart disease, Stanford-led study finds
A Stanford-led study of nearly half a million people in the UK Biobank database found that higher levels of physical activity and fitness are associated with lower risks of heart attacks and stroke. Even those with a high genetic risk for heart disease can benefit from regular exercise.
Interventions to decrease cardiovascular disease are not one-size-fits-all
A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that interventions to decrease cardiovascular disease are not one-size-fits-all. Community-based approaches, such as the Boot Camp Translation method, can elicit unique contextual messages and materials that may be more effective for specific primary care practices.
Human drugs could help treat transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified key anti-cancer drugs that could be used to treat transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. The study found that the two types of cancer are similar and likely arose due to the devils' susceptibility to developing these diseases.
First dynamic spine brace -- robotic spine exoskeleton -- characterizes spine deformities
The RoSE is a dynamic spine brace that measures 3-D stiffness of the human torso, enabling new treatments for children with spine deformities. The device applies controlled forces to correct abnormal curves, adapting to changes in the torso over time.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateApr 9, 2018
The absence of a single mitochondrial protein causes severe inflammation
Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that removing the single mitochondrial protein Opa1 from mouse muscle causes severe inflammation throughout the body, leading to premature death. This study supports the notion that mitochondrial defects underlie diseases of unknown origin involving chronic muscle inflammation.
Solid research leads physicists to propose new state of matter
Researchers at UT Dallas suggest a new type of matter that exhibits both zero viscosity and non-periodic structure. Theoretical framework proposes an experimental setup to produce the material, potentially creating a supersolid with unique properties.
Research links anti-immigrant prejudice to mortality risk
Research found that US-born ethnic minorities experience increased mortality risk in communities with high anti-immigrant prejudice, while foreign-born immigrants seem to have a mortality advantage. This counterintuitive finding suggests that community-level prejudice may be a key factor in health outcomes for immigrant groups.
Fatty liver under stress
Research by BfR scientists reveals that inflammatory processes disrupt liver enzyme function, impairing detoxification capabilities. Fatty liver cells treated with inflammation-promoting substances showed reduced ability to break down foreign substances.
SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·DateApr 9, 2018
Bloodless revolution in diabetes monitoring
A non-invasive adhesive patch has been created to measure glucose levels through the skin without a finger-prick blood test. The patch can accurately track glucose levels across several hours and does not require calibration with a blood sample.
Media alert: New articles in The CRISPR Journal
The CRISPR Journal has published new research on gene editing regulations, introducing potential global implications for food animal production. A bioinformatic pipeline, dubbed CRISPRdisco, has been developed to help researchers identify and characterize CRISPR repeats and genes encoding Cas nucleases.
Seeking hidden responders
Researchers used machine learning to classify abnormal protein activity in tumors, identifying potential 'hidden responders' who may benefit from specific therapies. The study combined genetic data with machine learning approaches to predict response to inhibitors affecting cancer cells with overactive Ras signaling.
Study confirms that inflammation during pregnancy is linked to baby's brain
A study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University has established a link between inflammation in pregnant women and the way the newborn brain is organized into networks. The results may provide promising avenues to explore treatments with potential to change negative impacts on newborn brain function.
Payments to doctors linked to prescription practices for two cancer types
A University of North Carolina-led study has found that physicians who received payments from pharmaceutical companies were more likely to prescribe those companies' drugs for two cancer types. The study analyzed prescriptions for Medicare patients with metastatic renal cell cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia, finding a significant as...
Blood flow is a major influence on tumor cell metastasis
New research confirms blood flow plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis by regulating the position of circulating tumor cells and their exit from the vasculature. The study found that slower blood flow rates are associated with increased metastasis development.
Kids with regular health care less likely to have life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis
Children with regular healthcare are less likely to develop life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 diabetes. Adolescents with a regular family physician or pediatrician have a significantly reduced risk of DKA, highlighting the importance of primary care for children.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2018
Developmental scars
Scientists create LINNAEUS technique to map cellular lineage, enabling identification of rare and unknown cell types. The method reveals connections between cells and allows for construction of lineage trees, providing insights into developmental processes and disease mechanisms.
SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 9, 2018
Ultra-powerful batteries made safer, more efficient
Researchers at the University of Delaware have made a breakthrough in mitigating dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries, enabling them to be used for electric vehicles. The new method uses porous materials to suppress dendrite growth, resulting in improved battery performance and safety.
Study: Almost 100 million adults have COPD in China
A new study found that almost 100 million adults in China suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with men having a higher prevalence than women. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent COPD, including smoking cessation programs and stricter control of ambient air pollution.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality releases early findings from EvidenceNOW
Early findings from EvidenceNOW reveal cost challenges in recruiting practices for quality improvement initiatives and the impact of hospital ownership on burnout. The study also found solo practices outperform groups in meeting ABCS targets, but leadership and adaptive reserve are not associated with blood pressure control.
UTHealth neurologists awarded NIH grants to explore causes of brain bleeds, dementia
Researchers at McGovern Medical School are studying how protein deposits in the brain can trigger dementia and stroke. Akihiko Urayama's team is examining the brain's clearance system, while Louise McCullough's team is investigating the gut-brain connection.
Corn hybrids with high yields come with more variability
A new study evaluated 101 commercially available elite corn hybrids for their yield stability and crop-management adaptability. The researchers found that hybrids with stable yields under varying conditions are less responsive to environmental factors, while those with high adaptability yield well in optimal conditions but may perform ...
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateApr 9, 2018
There's no such thing as oversharing in conservation
A study by Michigan State University and The Nature Conservancy found that informal boundary spanners are four times more likely to diffuse information, making them key influencers in organizational change. By analyzing the organization's social network structure, leaders can identify these hubs and disseminate new ideas efficiently.
Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, unless you are an app developer
Research shows high-quality clone apps negatively affect original app downloads, while low-quality ones positively impact sales as they advertise the original, but with no significant competition.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateApr 9, 2018