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Science News for April 26, 2018


Tailoring blood cells in the laboratory

Scientists have engineered red blood cell lines to express fewer antigens, making them less immunogenic for patients with rare blood types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more universal blood sources for transfusion patients.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 26, 2018

New clinical trial shows second generation drug-eluting stents are safe and effective

The PERSPECTIVE trial presents a comprehensive review of the safety, efficacy, and durability of Zotarolimus-Eluting Stents in treating chronic total occlusion. Treatment with second-generation drug-eluting stents resulted in lower occurrence of adverse events compared to previous DES trials.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

Study sheds light on bacterial propeller assembly

A Japanese research team has uncovered new molecular details and provided a model explaining how stepwise flagellar assembly occurs in bacteria. The proposed model suggests that subtle changes in the ring's shape determine which proteins are exported to the growing flagellum, enabling its construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2018

From one, many

Researchers have developed a system to profile every cell in developing zebrafish and frog embryos, revealing the comprehensive landscape of gene expression events that mark new cell states and types. This work provides a significant resource for studying developmental biology and disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

Largest-ever study of thyroid cancer genetics finds new mutations, suggests immunotherapy

A large-scale study of thyroid cancer genetics has identified specific genes driving the disease and found that certain cancers can benefit from immunotherapy. The research also found amplifications of key receptor tyrosine kinases in anaplastic thyroid cancers, suggesting a potential target for treatment with lenvatinib.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 26, 2018

Be wary of cosmetic surgeons' online reviews

A Northwestern University study found that online ratings for cosmetic breast augmentation surgeries are highly polarized, with some reviews written by non-patients. The importance of interactions with the doctor's support staff is highlighted as a key factor in patient satisfaction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateApr 26, 2018

Dinosaurs' tooth wear sheds light on their predatory lives

Researchers studied the teeth of carnivorous dinosaurs and found that different species used varying biting strategies to capture and consume their prey. The study reveals that some dinosaurs, like Dromaeosaurus, were adapted for handling struggling prey or processing bone, while others, like Troodon, preferred softer fare.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2018

Who am I? How cells find their identity

A team of scientists led by Alex Schier has developed a new method to trace the entire history of individual cell differentiation. They discovered that cells can leave their initial path and change their identity, leading to a more flexible developmental program than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

The complicated biology of garlic

Researchers argue that garlic's unique flavor comes from sulfur compounds, which are biologically active within mammalian cells. However, the complexity of preparing garlic affects which sulfur compounds are consumed, leading to inconsistent results in human intervention studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateApr 26, 2018

Studies find more patients admitted to hospitals with cardiac conditions in winter months

Researchers found a significant increase in hospitalizations for aortic dissection and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarctions (STEMI) during winter months. The studies, presented at the SCAI 2018 Scientific Sessions, used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to analyze seasonal variations in cardiac-related hospitalizations.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

A simple method etches patterns at the atomic scale

Researchers at Penn State have developed a chemical-free method for etching nanoscale features on silicon wafers. The technique, called tribochemical reaction, uses a scanning probe microscope to remove single layers of atoms from the surface without damaging underlying layers.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2018

Who is using guns for suicide?

Research highlights gun suicides disproportionately affect older, married white men experiencing declining health. Financial stressors also play a role in younger age groups. Tailored interventions and gun ownership registry measures may help reduce mortality associated with gun suicides.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateApr 26, 2018

New study shows length of hospital stay impacts outcomes after TAVR procedure

A new study has found that patients who undergo TAVR procedure and stay in the hospital for more than 72 hours may be at risk of negative short and long-term outcomes. The study identified independent predictors of both early and delayed discharge, with delayed discharge associated with worse one-year outcomes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

Sub-sea rift spills secrets to seismic probe

A Rice University-led study has provided first clues about internal structure of the Galicia margin using a seismic probe. The data revealed seismic images of the S-reflector, a prominent detachment fault within the continent-ocean transition zone, which accommodated slipping along the zone.

SourceRice University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 26, 2018

First-of-its-kind study associates obesity with poorer stroke outcomes in non-white patients

A recent study found that obesity contributes to poorer outcomes in non-white patients who have hemorrhagic strokes, with African-Americans being particularly vulnerable. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address nutritional needs and reduce the burden of obesity on recovery following stroke.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateApr 26, 2018

New results from preserve clinical trial include data on patients who underwent PCI

The Preserve clinical trial has revealed significant benefits of oral acetylcysteine and sodium bicarbonate in reducing cardiovascular complications. Researchers analyzed data from a large cohort of high-risk patients who underwent PCI, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

Improving mid-infrared imaging and sensing

The new approach uses flat, artificial material composed of nanostructured optical elements to control and detect mid-IR waves, enabling cheaper, flatter, and more efficient detectors for night vision, biomedical sensing, and free-space communication. The devices can transmit up to 80% of mid-IR light with high efficiency and are made ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2018

Expanded registry data shows continued positive results for the mitraclip device

The MitraClip device has demonstrated improved echocardiogram measurements and six-minute walk test outcomes, with significant reductions in left ventricle volume and NYHA classification. The study also showed substantial improvement in quality of life outcomes for patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

Researchers simulate conditions inside 'super-Earths'

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and Princeton University simulated the deep interiors of super-Earths using intense X-ray beams, revealing insight into their crystal structure. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding planetary architecture and may lead to breakthroughs in exoplanet research.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2018

Did eating dark chocolate improve vision?

Researchers found slight improvements in vision after eating dark chocolate, particularly in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The effects of dark chocolate on vision remain unknown beyond the short-term, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 26, 2018

Weighing single molecules with light

Researchers have developed a new method for weighing single molecules using light scattering, enabling the measurement of mass with high accuracy. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as protein-protein interactions, drug discovery, and point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

Navigating with the sixth sense

Researchers found that desert ants look back precisely at the nest entrance while performing pirouetting motions, suggesting they use the magnetic field as an orientation cue. The ants' ability to integrate this information with other navigational cues like the sun and landmarks is still unknown.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2018

Repurposed medications enhance tuberculosis treatment in mice

Researchers found that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors improve blood vessel health at the sites of tuberculosis infection, enhancing delivery and retention of standard drugs. This synergy revitalize current TB treatment and reduce the risk of multi-drug resistant strains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 26, 2018

Transplant-damaging virus comes into focus

Scientists have created a detailed image of BKV, a virus affecting kidney and bone marrow transplant patients, which may aid in developing antiviral therapies. The new structures allow researchers to visualize potential targets for blocking the virus's entry into cells or preventing its assembly.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalStructure·DateApr 26, 2018

Why a robot can't yet outjump a flea

A new mathematical model explains how small organisms like mantis shrimp and trap-jaw ants generate their powerful strikes with spring-loaded parts. This knowledge could help design more efficient robots, but it's unclear how these mechanisms work together for optimal performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2018

New estimates of Mercury's thin, dense crust

A new study published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters estimates Mercury's crust to be 16 miles thick and denser than aluminum. This finding supports the theory that Mercury's crust formed largely through volcanic activity, shedding light on the planet's formation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 26, 2018

Double trouble for a coral reef

Scientists find nearly 80% of coral reefs on Upolu Island have less than 10% cover, with recent coral death and smaller fish populations. Local human activities and climate change exacerbate the issue, while protected areas show signs of effective management.

SourceCNRS·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateApr 26, 2018

Metastatic cancer gorges on fructose in the liver

Researchers found that metastatic cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to capitalize on fructose levels in the liver, leading to unchecked growth and proliferation. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting metastatic cells and provide insight into how cancers adapt to new environments.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 26, 2018