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Science News for April 5, 2018


'Sleeping' stem cells could aid brain repair

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new type of 'sleeping' stem cell in the brain that has a high potential for repair following brain injury or disease. The G2 quiescent stem cell can awaken and produce key brain cells, such as neurons and glia, faster than previously identified quiescent stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2018

Experts propose method to monitor ocean health

Experts propose using biological essential ocean variables to assess changes in marine ecosystems and support the Sustainable Development Goals. A new global observing system could help galvanize support for implementing effective measures to address the detrimental impacts of climate change on oceans.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Efficient genetic modification of immune cells

Scientists have developed a method to efficiently genetically modify T-cells from mice, allowing for targeted gene surgery and potential therapeutic applications. The technique involves using plasmids and CRISPR-Cas9 molecular scissors to introduce specific changes into the cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateApr 5, 2018

New actors identified in atherosclerosis

Researchers have identified three distinct macrophage populations that play different roles in the development of atherosclerosis. These findings provide new insights into the disease and may lead to improved treatments. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell populations in affected vessels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Parents struggle to discuss sex with LGBTQ teens

A Northwestern University study found that parents of LGBTQ teenagers face challenges discussing sexual health, including general discomfort and limited knowledge. The study emphasizes the importance of providing resources to help parents overcome these obstacles and establish supportive relationships with their children.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

More evidence shows exposure to traffic and outdoor air pollution increases risk of asthma

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that long-term exposure to high levels of road traffic and ozone significantly increases the risk of asthma symptoms and medication use. The study also identified a biological marker, 8-isoprostane, which is exhaled in the breath and linked to tissue damage in the lungs.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 5, 2018

Double perovskites in environmentally friendly solar cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed high-quality lead-free double perovskite films with long electron-hole diffusion length, a necessary property for efficient solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of these solar cells is still low, but the team has taken a major step towards increasing efficiency in the near future.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 5, 2018

Macular degeneration linked to aging immune cells

Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 5, 2018

Urinary incontinence may have negative effects on sexual health

Women with urinary incontinence reported declines in sexual activity and arousal, while men experienced decreased desire, erectile difficulties, and orgasm issues. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing the coexisting impact of incontinence on quality-of-life and well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 5, 2018

Cysticercosis epidemiology in Spain: What's new?

Researchers analyzed cysticercosis cases in Spain from 1997 to 2014, finding increasing hospitalizations, particularly among children under 15. The study also identified regional variations, with the Murcia region having the highest rate, and common clinical characteristics such as epilepsy and convulsions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 5, 2018

270 million visits made to English coastlines each year

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that 271 million people visit England's coastal environments each year, with walking being the most popular activity. Additionally, research shows that these 'blue' spaces play a crucial role in supporting physical activity, especially among females and older adults.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

Penguins go through the flow

Breeding king penguins form large, dense colonies that resemble particles in liquids, providing protection against predators and maintaining social cohesion. The unique structure of these colonies enables them to adapt to internal and external changes, making it crucial for predicting the species' resilience to climate change.

Computational approaches reveal new insights into molecular protein function

Recent studies published in PLOS Computational Biology have introduced novel computational methods to explore the molecular function of proteins. These approaches aim to simplify the challenge of determining functions for an ever-increasing amount of known proteins by identifying shared functional sites and predicting their activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Why do children tattle?

Young children tattle even when blameless, as a way to enforce social norms and cooperate with others. Research suggests that tattling can be seen as evidence of children recognizing important norms and caring about their importance.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Development·DateApr 5, 2018

Genetic link to IBS identified in women

Research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden links specific DNA variants to IBS in women, explaining its higher prevalence compared to men. The study found associations with constipation-predominant IBS and harder stools, reinforcing the role of sex-hormones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 5, 2018

Climate change is wreaking havoc on delicate relationship between orchids and bees

A study by the University of Sussex reveals that climate change is altering the timing of events in the interdependent relationship between a rare orchid species and the Buffish Mining-bee. The research shows that rising temperatures are causing an increase in years where the sequence of events needed for successful pollination does no...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 5, 2018

Better roads essential for safer cycling

A QUT-led study found that lane widths and speed limits significantly influence the distance drivers leave when passing, not cyclist characteristics. The study's key finding is that cycling would be safer with improved road infrastructure, such as more cycling lanes and stronger enforcement of the law.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 5, 2018

An index measures similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells

Researchers developed an index measuring similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells to predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and clinical outcome. The index may help identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer by pinpointing the point at which tumor cells acquire stem cell-like characteristics.

Study reveals large drop in infection-related deaths following kidney transplantation

A recent analysis found that the risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation has dropped significantly, with common bacterial infections remaining the most frequent cause. The study revealed a drop in infection-related mortality by half since the 1990s, indicating improved outcomes for transplant recipients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 5, 2018

More dairy associated with higher bone density and greater spine strength in men over 50

Research found that higher dairy consumption is associated with improved volumetric bone mineral density and vertebral strength in men aged 50 and above. The study also showed positive associations between cream intake and bone health in women, although results were less significant compared to men.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Eating less enables lemurs to live longer

A study on grey mouse lemurs found that chronic caloric restriction increased their median survival time to 9.6 years, compared to 6.4 years in control groups. Calorie restriction also delayed the onset of age-related pathologies and preserved motor capacities.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

It's all about the (stem cell) neighborhood

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche, including hormones R-spondins and Wnts. The team's study shows that subepithelial myofibroblasts are essential sources of these hormones, highlighting the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and their niche.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

What is the best way to treat infected hip replacements?

A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Bonobos share and share alike

Researchers observed bonobos sharing meat across community borders for the first time, demonstrating cooperative behavior and social structure dominance by females. The study provides insights into how our last common ancestor may have acted when dividing food with others, shedding light on human origins.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateApr 5, 2018

Web-based program may help address underage drinking

A new study found that a brief, web-based program is effective in delaying drinking initiation among female ninth-grade students. The program was more effective than traditional education when combined with personalized feedback.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Addictions & Offender Counseling·DateApr 5, 2018

Prehistoric reptile pregnant with octuplets

A 180 million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur has been discovered in Yorkshire, featuring six to eight tiny embryos. This find is significant as it is the first time a reptilian embryo has been found in Yorkshire and the youngest of British embryo-bearing specimens.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society·DateApr 5, 2018

When health care hurts: High-deductible plans raise financial risk

A new study by the University of Southern California finds that high-deductible health plans increase the risk of financial trouble and out-of-pocket spending for low-income and chronically ill consumers, who are more likely to face excessive financial burden or financial disaster. The study shows that enrollment in high-deductible pla...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 5, 2018

Patients with Medicaid have limited access to physical therapy in Massachusetts

A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 5, 2018

Presentations at #AGS18 address advance care planning, osteoporosis, hypertension and falls

Researchers investigated barriers to advance care planning in prisons, finding profound patient mistrust and obstructive institutional policies. The study also explored the link between hypertension treatment and an increased risk of falls, suggesting that de-intensified blood pressure control may reduce recurrent falls.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2018

Researchers identify the cells that trigger flowering

A new study identifies the cells responsible for producing the small protein Flowering Locus T (FT), which triggers the flowering process in plants. The research reveals an extensive intercellular signaling system that regulates FT production, shedding light on how plants control their flowering times.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

Dead star circled by light

Astronomers have discovered an isolated neutron star with low magnetic field located beyond our Milky Way galaxy using the MUSE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The neutron star is surrounded by a ring of gas that includes neon and oxygen.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 5, 2018

Hybrid swarm in global mega-pest

A new hybrid mega-pest has been confirmed in Brazil, combining the cotton bollworm and corn earworm to create a super-pest with unlimited geographical boundaries. The hybrid's emergence poses significant concerns for global food security due to its high resistance to pesticides and widespread damage to crops.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

Genetic variants linked to type 2 diabetes identified in Chinese populations

Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels in a large Chinese population study. The findings suggest that these variants can reduce gene activity, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Further analysis is needed to understand the role of these variants in human insulin secretion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 5, 2018

Pesticides give bees a hard time

A new pesticide, Sivanto, manufactured by Bayer AG, has been found to negatively impact honeybees' taste, learning, and memory capabilities. While proper use of the pesticide reduces negative effects, further research is needed to examine its influence on motor function, waggle dance, or orientation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report, March-April 2018

Experts argue that scientific progress can generate harm, while researchers propose a revised standard for disclosing incidental findings. Bioethicist Daniel Callahan also suggests delaying technological innovation to consider its consequences. Additionally, experts like Sean Philpott-Jones advocate for concrete policy measures on gun ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 5, 2018