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Science News for April 24, 2018


Early childhood interventions show mixed results on child development

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that early childhood interventions may have some efficacy in boosting measures of child health and development, particularly in language skills. However, the interventions did not significantly impact cognition, motor skills, or adaptive behavior, highlighting the need for further research o...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 24, 2018

Mammary stem cells challenge costly bovine disease

Mammary stem cells from dairy cows may help heal damaged tissue and combat bacterial infections, potentially reducing antibiotic use and improving milk quality. The secreted factors of these cells have been shown to promote tissue regeneration, form new blood vessels, and protect epithelial cells from damage.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

Carbon consumers

A team of researchers discovered that deep ocean aquifers can break down more refractory carbon than previously thought. Microbes in the aquifer consume carbon, changing the composition of the surrounding seawater. This finding has the potential to reshape our understanding of carbon cycling in the deep ocean.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 24, 2018

AWI researchers measure a record concentration of microplastic in Arctic sea ice

Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found higher amounts of microplastic in arctic sea ice, with concentrations up to 12,000 particles per litre. The unique composition and layering of plastic particles suggest sources such as the Pacific Ocean's garbage patch and intensified shipping and fishing activities.

Attacks on healthcare in Syria are likely undercounted

Researchers found more than 200 attacks on healthcare in Syria in 2016, resulting in 112 health worker and 185 patient deaths. A new mobile reporting tool improved data collection accuracy, highlighting the need for consistent methods to quantify these attacks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 24, 2018

Novel pathway identified in development of acute myeloid leukemia with poor prognosis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Researchers at the National University of Singapore identified a novel molecular pathway involving circadian clock gene SHARP1, which causes AML growth. Removing or reducing SHARP1 levels can stop leukemic cell growth.

Exposure to domestic violence costs US government $55 billion each year

A groundbreaking study by Case Western Reserve University estimates that exposure to domestic violence carries significant long-term consequences for children and society. The research found that the average cost to the national economy over a child's lifetime is nearly $50,000, including increased medical costs, violent crimes, and pr...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateApr 24, 2018

Children are as fit as endurance athletes

Researchers found that children's muscles are more fatigue-resistant and recover faster than those of untrained adults and even well-trained endurance athletes. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how our bodies change from childhood to adulthood and inform the development of athletic potential in children.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateApr 24, 2018

Changes in breast tissue increase cancer risk for older women

Researchers identified age-related differences in breast tissue that contribute to increased risk of developing breast cancer in older women. The study found that accumulation of multipotent progenitor cells leads to defective luminal cells, which may be related to the increased susceptibility to breast cancer with age.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

How colorectal cancer cells spread to the liver

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute discovered that PKC zeta deficiency promotes liver metastasis through the inactivation of enzyme ADAR2, leading to increased secretion of miR-200s. Treatment with a compound inhibiting miR-200s reduced liver metastasis in mice with colorectal cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

Effect of a home-based exercise program with wearable activity monitor, telephone coaching on walking endurance for peripheral artery disease

A randomized clinical trial of 200 patients with PAD found that a home-based exercise program with a wearable activity monitor and telephone coaching did not improve walking endurance. The results suggest that traditional in-person exercise programs may be more effective in improving walking ability for this patient population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 24, 2018

Opioid prescribing at veterans hospitals varies widely in treating chronic pain

A recent study found that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities have varying care practices for military veterans with chronic pain, leading to inconsistent rates of long-term opioid therapy. Facilities with a wider range of non-opioid treatment options had lower rates of opioid use among veterans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2018

High immune function tied to stunted growth

A University of Oregon-led project found that high immune function during childhood is associated with significant growth reduction. Chronic exposure to parasitic worms was linked to reduced stature and lower-leg growth, highlighting the metabolic cost of a robust immune system.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

Study shows newspaper op-eds change minds

A study by Yale University researchers found that newspaper op-eds have a lasting impact on people's views, regardless of their political affiliation or initial stance. The study, which included experiments with the general public and elites, showed that op-eds can change minds on policy issues for a cost-effective estimated $0.50 to $...

SourceYale University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Political Science·DateApr 24, 2018

Mining the data

The fifth Act 54 five-year report assesses the impact of long-wall, room-and-pillar, and retreat mining methods on surface structures and water resources. The study provides vital information for environmental remediation and restoration efforts in Pennsylvania.

Healthcare costs for adults with autism more than double those for general population

Researchers found that adults on the autism spectrum have increased use of primary care, mental health services, and laboratory services, but lower use of gynecology visits and cervical cancer screening. The study highlights the importance of considering autism throughout the lifespan and emphasizes the need for better access to afford...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateApr 24, 2018

Burning tumors away

Researchers have developed a real-time thermal imaging method to guide minimally invasive brain tumor treatments. This technology enables doctors to precisely deliver the right dose to the right location, reducing risks and costs associated with follow-up imaging studies.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 24, 2018

Brain activity linked to stress changes chemical codes

A new study implicates a role for light-induced electrical activity in controlling chemical codes in the brain, potentially leading to chemical imbalances underlying mental illness. The researchers found that manipulating brain electrical activity prevented neurotransmitter switching associated with anxious and depressed behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

New study explains antibiotic resistance in apple, pear disease

A new study published in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions reveals the mechanism by which antibiotics kasugamycin and blasticidin S kill fire blight bacteria in apple and pear trees. The researchers found that the antibiotics target a critical gene, ksgA, leading to bacterial death.

New mechanism of radio emission in neutron stars revealed

Researchers from ITMO University have discovered a new mechanism for neutron star radio emission, based on the transitions of particles between gravitational states. This phenomenon is similar to laser amplification and was first observed in electrons on the surface of neutron stars, consistent with real experimental observations.

SourceITMO University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateApr 24, 2018

Blinded by the light: Climate change, the sun, and Lake Superior

Research led by Dr. Soren Brothers found that Lake Superior absorbs atmospheric CO2 from May to October, but expels it during winter due to El Niño events and climate change. The study, published in Limnology and Oceanography, suggests a potential marine-atmospheric feedback loop with global warming.

Fungus senses gravity using gene borrowed from bacteria

The pin mold fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus uses a gene from bacteria to create large gravity-sensing crystals that help it grow upright. Genetic analysis reveals the role of horizontal gene transfer in acquiring this unique trait, providing insights into the evolution of adaptation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 24, 2018

UNC-Chapel Hill and partners awarded $58.1 million to accelerate research discoveries

The UNC-Chapel Hill-led Clinical and Translational Science Award Program will broaden its reach across North Carolina by continuing its alliance with RTI International and NC A&T State University and adding a formal partnership with North Carolina State University. The grant will support the advancement of clinical and translational re...