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Science News for August 6, 2018


Mice individuality is influenced by their relations

Researchers study mice living in 'Souris City' device to identify distinct personalities based on behavior differences. The study reveals that dopamine-producing neurons play a key role in shaping individuality, with mice exhibiting radically different strategies for navigating the maze.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2018

Epigenetic markers of ovarian cancer

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Insilico Medicine discovered novel epigenetically silenced genes in ovarian cancer, including methylation of the GULP1 gene. GULP1 expression is associated with late-stage disease and poor overall survival, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalCancer Letters·DateAug 6, 2018

First North American co-occurrence of Hadrosaur and Therizinosaur tracks found in Alaska

A team of paleontologists discovered dozens of hadrosaur and therizinosaur tracks in Denali National Park's lower Cantwell Formation, providing evidence that Alaska served as a gateway for dinosaur migration between Asia and North America during the Late Cretaceous period. The co-occurrence of these dinosaurs in Alaska challenges previ...

SourcePerot Museum of Nature and Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2018

Concepts for new switchable plasmonic nanodevices: A magneto-plasmonic nanoscale router and a high-contrast magneto-plasmonic disk modulator controlled by external magnetic fields

Researchers developed new magneto-plasmonic nanoscale routers and modulators for various nanophotonic functionalities. The devices exploit the propagation of surface-plasmon-polaritons in magneto-plasmonic waveguides to achieve high-contrast switching.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2018

Advancing transplantation: Hepatitis C-infected organs safe for transplantation when followed by antiviral treatment

A clinical trial at Penn Medicine has successfully cured 20 patients of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) after receiving kidney transplants from infected donors who were treated with an antiviral therapy. The results show that the quality and function of the transplanted kidneys are similar to those from non-HCV infected donors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 6, 2018

Study: Prioritize cardiac monitoring for high-risk breast cancer patients

A recent study found that 8.3% of trastuzumab-treated patients developed heart failure, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring in high-risk breast cancer patients. The study also showed a consistent increase in heart failure risk with age, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing cardiac monitoring for younger patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 6, 2018

Mayo research team identifies genes that increase risk for triple-negative breast cancer

A Mayo Clinic research team has identified specific genes associated with an increased risk for developing triple-negative breast cancer. Alternations in BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and RAD51D genes were linked to a high risk for this subtype of breast cancer, while mutations in BRIP1 and RAD51C genes showed a moderate risk.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 6, 2018

Mapping the inner workings of a living cell

Researchers developed a new imaging tool to visualize metabolic activities in individual cells, tracking protein, lipid, and DNA production. The technique's potential applications include tumor removal, head injury detection, and developmental disorder diagnosis.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2018

The starch risk to teeth

A systematic review of 33 studies found that more processed starches increase the risk of cavities due to their breakdown into sugars in the mouth. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, may offer protection against gum disease and a lower risk of oral cancer.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 6, 2018

Neural signature of balance

A study published in eNeuro found a common neural signature of balance maintenance in the healthy brain, which could be used to assess balance in patients with movement disorders. The researchers used EEG and EMG to record electrical activity from the brain and muscles while participants walked or stood on a narrow beam.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 6, 2018

Wetter soil is leading to reduced methane gas absorption

Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center found that wetter soil decreases methane gas absorption by 53-89 percent, leading to a positive feedback loop between global warming and climate change. This study highlights the significant impact of reduced methane uptake on global warming and the need for further research.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018

Ricocheting radio waves monitor the tiniest movements in a room

A new motion-sensing technology uses radio waves to detect a person's presence and location anywhere inside a room, even beyond the sensor's line of sight. The system works by analyzing patterns created by radio waves bouncing around the room, allowing it to distinguish between different scenarios and locate objects or people in space.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2018

Rapid diagnostic coupled with local therapy developed for brain tumors

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a rapid molecular diagnostic that can determine if a tumor harbors an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation within 27 minutes. The test is coupled with a sustained release microparticle drug delivery system that provides localized treatment and prolonged survival in a mouse model.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018

The bark side of the force

Researchers from CNRS and Cirad have discovered that the bark of certain tree species generates forces that control tree growth and upright posture. This motor function was previously overlooked, but is now recognized as a crucial component of a tree's ability to grow vertically.

SourceCNRS·JournalNew Phytologist·DateAug 6, 2018

Venture capitalists' reputations take a hit when publicly listed companies they once endorsed fail

New research from Singapore Management University suggests that venture capitalists' reputations can be damaged when their endorsed companies fail to meet expectations. The study found that VCs create high expectations for their portfolio companies, which can have long-lasting consequences for their own reputations.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateAug 6, 2018

Male birds sing less to females on antidepressants

A new study by the University of York found that dilute concentrations of Prozac make female starlings less attractive to males during courtship. The researchers discovered increased male aggression towards females receiving the medication, leading to a higher risk of mate failure and population decline.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalChemosphere·DateAug 6, 2018

The value of pride

Research finds that pride serves an evolved function in human nature, helping individuals weigh self-interest against social approval. The study reveals a close link between pride and the values of those around us, suggesting it's a win-win rather than a sin.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018

Injectable trace minerals improve mineral status in beef heifers

Researchers found that injectable trace mineral Multimin90 improved conception rates in some herds, but not others. In one study, selenium and copper status improved compared to saline injections. The value of injectables lies in ensuring every animal receives the supplement at a chosen timing.

Enzyme helps build motor that drives neuron death

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a key enzyme that drives neuron death in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and ALS. The enzyme histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) modifies a molecular motor that triggers signaling agents to travel down the axon, killing the neuron.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 6, 2018

Small birds fly at high altitudes towards Africa

Researchers at Lund University tracked the flight height of two small bird species migrating from Scandinavia to Africa, finding they flew as high as 3,950m. The study used a data logger to measure acceleration, air pressure, and temperature during flight, revealing the birds' altitude adjustments in response to changing wind conditions.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateAug 6, 2018

Vaping draws strong support -- from bots

A study found that more than 70% of tweets about e-cigarettes were posted by robots, while human users showed strong support for vaping. The team analyzed nearly 194,000 geocoded tweets and identified adolescent Twitter users as particularly enthusiastic about e-cigarettes.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 6, 2018

People process bad news better under stress

A laboratory and natural experiment demonstrate how threat dissolves human optimism bias, allowing individuals to flexibly shift between optimistic and pessimistic patterns. The study suggests that stress can improve the processing of bad news, enabling people to adapt their optimistic outlook to changing environmental conditions.

Next-generation metabolomics may facilitate the discovery of new antidepressants

Next-generation metabolomics may facilitate the discovery of new antidepressants by providing broader coverage and higher resolution than traditional methods. The technique has demonstrated great potential in accelerating pharmaceutical R&D, particularly for natural products like albiflorin, a promising multi-target drug candidate.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateAug 6, 2018