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Science News for April 9, 2018


20-year-old mystery of malaria vaccine target solved

A team of researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute has discovered a human receptor protein on the surface of cells that malaria parasites interact with as they navigate through the body. This finding provides a key clue in understanding how to develop an effective malaria vaccine, potentially saving millions of lives.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

High efficiency solar power conversion allowed by a novel composite material

A composite thin film made of two different inorganic oxide materials significantly improves the performance of solar cells by optimizing its ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The material achieves a record power conversion efficiency of up to 4.2%, making it promising for future solar technologies.

Childhood obesity declines project identifies community-based obesity strategies that work

The Childhood Obesity Declines Project (COBD) has successfully implemented community-based strategies to combat childhood obesity, documenting their development and implementation. The project's findings provide valuable insights into effective programs and policies that can help address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity.

Study: Medicaid expansion has no negative effect on cardiovascular procedural outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 9, 2018

Gene editing regulations threaten sustainability of global food animal supply

New gene editing regulations could hinder the use of CRISPR technology in food animals, potentially limiting disease resistance and beneficial traits. The FDA's proposal would impose drug-like regulatory scrutiny, but experts suggest alternative routes to approval that could accelerate benefits from conventional breeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

ALS, rare dementia share genetic link

Researchers have identified genetic links between ALS and frontotemporal dementia, suggesting that treatments for one may also work for the other. The study found common genetic variations associated with both disorders, including those near the MAPT gene and BNIP1.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 9, 2018

Binge-eating mice reveal obesity clues

Mice fed on high-fat or chocolate-based diets exhibit abnormal feeding behaviors such as snacking and bingeing. The study reveals that extended access to hypercaloric diets impairs control of food seeking behavior, leading to negative effects on learning, motivation, and behavioral flexibility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalAddiction Biology·DateApr 9, 2018

Novel hormone replacement therapy trial demonstrates improved memory function in adrenal patients

A new study published in PNAS demonstrates that a novel hormone replacement therapy can improve cognitive function and working memory capacity in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The therapy involves replicating the natural secretion patterns of cortisol, resulting in better outcomes compared to traditional constant infusion methods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

An advance for precision medicine

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new method to quickly and efficiently recognize the subtypes of cells within the body. This technology, led by Andrew Adey, allows for profiling thousands of cells simultaneously, improving our understanding of disease at the molecular level.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 9, 2018

Prominent academics, including Salk's Thomas Albright, call for more science in forensic science

Six scientists who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science are advocating for increased research and financial support of forensic science, as well as empirical testing requirements. They aim to reduce reliance on historical precedent and ensure the validity of forensic evidence to deliver justice.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

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

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.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

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...

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Alzheimer Research·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAstrobiology·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCoastal Engineering Journal·DateApr 9, 2018

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

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.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateApr 9, 2018

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

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.

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...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2018

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateApr 9, 2018

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 ...

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 9, 2018

Scientists decry lack of science in 'forensic science'

Many forensic methods used in criminal cases lack scientific backing, and traditional pattern-matching methods continue to be used despite insufficient understanding of their accuracy and reliability. Experts hope that by drawing attention to the problem, they can inspire reforms, such as mandatory empirical testing of admissible methods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

Solo medical practices outperform groups in treatment of cardiac disease

A recent study by Donna Shelley et al found that small urban primary care practices consistently meet or exceed Million Hearts goals for cardiovascular disease care. However, these practices struggle to achieve clinical targets for patients with multiple risk factors, highlighting the need for support in managing complex cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateApr 9, 2018

Toxins produced by e-cigarettes vary by flavor

Researchers analyzed e-cigarette flavors and found that many chemicals used in flavoring increase the production of free radicals, while a few decrease it. The study identified six flavorants that significantly increased free radical production, including linalool, dipentene, and citral.

SourcePenn State·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateApr 9, 2018