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Science News for December 10, 2018


Going viral: New cells for norovirus production in the lab

A team from Osaka University has created a system to produce large numbers of human norovirus particles using intestinal epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of the virus and potential vaccine development without relying on human tissue or bile.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 10, 2018

Golf is most common among older male surgeons

The study found that at least 4% of doctors play golf, with male doctors and surgical specialists spending the most time on the course. Male doctors between 61-70 were most likely to play golf, while female doctors aged 31-35 were least likely.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 10, 2018

Genetic study of epilepsy points to potential new therapies

A large-scale genetic study has identified 11 new genes associated with epilepsy, which may inform the development of new treatments. The research, led by RCSI researchers, compared DNA samples from over 15,000 people with and without epilepsy, tripling the number of known genetic associations.

SourceRCSI·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2018

Two compounds in coffee may team up to fight Parkinson's

Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that a fatty acid derivative of serotonin in coffee beans' waxy coating, EHT, combined with caffeine can protect against brain degeneration. This combination boosts the activity of a catalyst that prevents protein accumulation associated with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

Using machine learning to design peptides

A new algorithm that combines experimental data with machine learning reduces the time needed to find optimal peptide sequences, allowing for faster discovery and synthesis. This method has the potential to revolutionize how peptides are designed and could lead to breakthroughs in materials science, chemistry, and medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2018

Humans may be reversing the climate clock, by 50 million years

A recent study suggests that humans are accelerating a long-term cooling trend, tracing back at least 50 million years, with projected warming expected by 2030 and potentially reaching Eocene-like conditions by 2150. The research implies that the planet's climate may resemble that of the mid-Pliocene epoch within two centuries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

Treatment of hypertension induced albuminuria

The study suggests using CCBs and RAAS blockades in combination to reduce albuminuria, while also advising low-salt intake and different antihypertensive drugs for resistant hypertension. Multifactorial and early treatment is recommended for patients with albuminuria values below the cut-off value.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateDec 10, 2018

Study: Early career choices appear to influence personality

A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that early career choices can influence personality development. Researchers found that 16-year-olds who pursued vocational training and employment reported increased conscientiousness and decreased interest in scientific activities compared to their peers in acad...

Predicting leaky heart valves with 3D printing

Researchers at Harvard University have developed an integrated 3D printing and valve sizing system to predict leaky heart valves during aortic valve replacement procedures. The system uses CT scan data to create physical models of individual patients' aortic valves, allowing cardiologists to determine the perfect replacement valve size.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography·DateDec 10, 2018

Proteins for making tough rubber

Researchers at Sichuan University developed a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber by attaching short protein chains to the polymer backbone. This results in a self-reinforcing effect under strain, making the material tougher and more recyclable. The new rubber's properties closely resemble those of vulcanized natural rubber.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 10, 2018

Geomagnetic record of South Atlantic Anomaly

Researchers report a high-resolution geomagnetic field record spanning 1,500 years from Brazilian caves, indicating recurrent periods of rapid directional change consistent with westward migration and expansion of reversed flux patches. The study provides insights into the core-mantle boundary dynamics and Earth's magnetic field evolut...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018

Frog sex in the city

Male tungara frogs in urban environments produce more complex and conspicuous calls to attract females, which are preferred over those of forest frogs. This adaptation suggests that urbanization drives changes in sexual signaling to improve mating success.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 10, 2018

Smelling the forest not the trees: Why animals are better at sniffing complex smells

A recent study by University of Sussex researchers found that animals are more adept at detecting complex mixed odorants than individual pure ingredients. This discovery has significant implications for the development of artificial systems that can mimic animal senses, such as detecting drugs and explosives or improving food safety th...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 10, 2018

How does cancer spread?

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre found a gene called EGFRvIII that changes the content of messages exchanged between cells, leading to aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma. This discovery holds promise for developing tests and tailored treatments for patients with glioblastoma.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateDec 10, 2018

Editing consciousness: How bereaved people control their thoughts without knowing it

A study by Columbia engineers and psychiatrists reveals that avoidant grievers unconsciously monitor and block their mental state to prevent painful thoughts. The researchers used neural decoding to track the interactions between mental processes, showing that this control occurs outside of conscious awareness.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateDec 10, 2018

Journalists can restore media trust

A first-of-its-kind study from LSU shows that journalists can increase media trust by defending their profession while also doing more fact checking. The combination of these two actions had positive effects on mainstream news use and confidence in facts in politics, but fact checking alone did not.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 10, 2018

Making cities smarter

The convergence of cyber and physical infrastructure enables better decision-making and efficient resource use in smart cities. Chengshan Xiao, Professor at Lehigh University, is exploring novel hybrid precoding designs to reduce cost, complexity, and power consumption in next-generation wireless networks.

How will the winds of climate change affect migratory birds?

A new study from Cornell University suggests that climate change could have both positive and negative impacts on migratory birds. The research estimates how wind assistance is expected to change during this century under global climate change, with stronger winds from the south expected in spring and fall migration periods.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 10, 2018

Small but versatile

New research reveals that marine ammonia oxidizing archaea can use cyanate and urea as alternative energy sources, enhancing their metabolic capabilities. This discovery sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of these microorganisms, which play a key role in the marine nitrogen cycle.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 10, 2018

Addressing sleep disorders after traumatic brain injury

Scientists review interplay between sleep and TBI to improve diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Early treatment is crucial for optimal cognitive recovery, and non-pharmacologic interventions like regular bedtime routines and sleep-conducive environments can help.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateDec 10, 2018

Regrowing damaged nerves hinges on shutting down key genes

Researchers identified a suite of genes that must be turned off for axons to regenerate in peripheral nerves after injury. To regrow, neurons must transition back to an immature state and re-engage developmental programs. The study provides evidence for the idea that cells must become less mature to regenerate.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018