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Science News for February 12, 2018


Some black and Latino Christians rely on religion for healing

A study by Rice University found that 80% of black and Latino Americans believe in the healing power of religious faith, while Korean-Americans see it as primarily supportive. The research aimed to understand the role of church in health promotion and explored how racial representation shapes distrust of medicine.

SourceRice University·JournalReview of Religious Research·DateFeb 12, 2018

Another blow to fungal infection

Scientists have isolated a natural resistance gene, Stb6, that confers protection against Septoria tritici blotch (STB), a major threat to wheat production. The discovery holds promise for deciphering other resistance genes and developing a natural barrier to infection.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 12, 2018

Which commonly prescribed drug is more effective for infants with epilepsy?

A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.

Bats as barometer of change

Researchers at Rothamsted Research used radar data to track the migratory patterns of a large bat colony in Texas, revealing changes in seasonal habits and winter residency. The findings suggest that bats are arriving earlier in the spring due to environmental shifts, with potential implications for pest management and agricultural pro...

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Researchers discover brain pathway that dissociates opioid addiction from analgesia

A newly identified protein, RGSz1, can be manipulated to make opioid painkillers effective at lower doses while reducing the risk of addiction. This discovery provides novel avenues for pharmacological interventions that can optimize the actions of opioid medications and lead to safer treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Neutron study of glaucoma drugs offers clues about enzyme targets for aggressive cancers

A recent neutron analysis of glaucoma drugs and their interaction with human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzyme revealed the impact of temperature, pH, and electrical charge on drug targeting. The study provides new information about hydrogen-bonding networks in hCA II, which may aid in designing more effective cancer treatments.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateFeb 12, 2018

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

Weeds out of control

A nationwide study found that black-grass populations in England have evolved resistance to herbicides, leading to increased costs and lower crop yields. The research team recommends adopting weed-management strategies that rely less on chemicals.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

Huntington's disease provides new cancer weapon

Scientists have discovered that the Huntington's gene is toxic to cancer cells due to its repetitive RNA sequences, which can be harnessed for a novel cancer treatment approach. Researchers hope to develop a short-term treatment to kill cancer cells without causing neurological issues associated with Huntington's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 12, 2018

Cold open water plunge provides instant pain relief

A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Sea level rise accelerating

A research team detected an acceleration in global sea level rise over the last 25 years, with a potential doubling of total sea level rise by 2100. The rate is increasing by about 0.08 mm/year every year, driven mainly by accelerated melting in Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Hip-hop music influencing more African-Americans to try 'Molly'

A study found that 82% of African American young adults who tried molly attributed its use to hip-hop music, particularly lyrics from artists like Kanye West and French Montana. Researchers suggest that hip-hop may be an effective source for prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction messages aimed at this demographic.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·DateFeb 12, 2018

No llamas required

Researchers have developed a new method using yeast to create camelid-free antibodies, allowing for faster and more efficient protein structure determination. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex proteins without the need for llama or alpaca facilities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Middle Earth preserved in giant bird dung

Researchers have reconstructed a pre-human New Zealand ecosystem using coprolites from extinct giant moa and kakapo parrot, revealing insights into the birds' diet, pathogens, and behavior. The study sheds light on the critical ecosystem function of giant birds in dispersing mushrooms and fungi, now lost due to their extinction.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Slow eating speed may be linked to weight loss

Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 12, 2018

Limited scope of corporate sustainability revealed

A recent study reveals that many companies claim to apply sustainable sourcing practices, but these efforts often have a narrow focus, covering only a small portion of their supply chain. Despite this, companies are more likely to adopt at least one practice when faced with consumer and civil society pressure.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Deep-sea fish use hydrothermal vents to incubate eggs

Researchers discovered that deep-sea skates are using hydrothermal vents to incubate their eggs, reducing the typical four-year-long incubation time. The unique behavior allows the fish to thrive in extreme conditions, providing new insights into conservation strategies for this poorly understood species.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Rubber blanket at an atomic level

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to measure internal stresses and strains in 2D materials, revealing the effects on electronic properties. This new technique allows for precise imaging of deformations, enabling targeted adjustment of material properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

No sex for all-female fish species

The Amazon molly fish species has defied extinction predictions by maintaining its all-female population through asexually reproduced offspring. Its unique genetic variability, particularly in immune system genes, contributes to its survival, allowing it to rapidly grow and adapt to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

New guide for finding genes linked with behavior

A new review article provides a novice-level introduction to applying molecular genomics techniques to study complex behavior. The guide recommends specific tools and collaborations for behavioral ecologists, aiming to bridge the gap between behaviorists and genome annotators.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

New method for waking up devices

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a wake-up receiver that uses ultrasonic signals to turn on devices, extending battery life. The technology has potential applications in designing the next generation of networked devices, including 'smart' devices that can communicate directly with each other without human intervention.

OHSU, CDC unravel mysterious eye infection

A 26-year-old Oregon woman became the first known human to be infected with Thelazia gulosa, a type of cattle eyeworm, after possibly being bitten by an infected fly while fishing in Alaska. She underwent treatment at OHSU and removed all 14 worms from her eye over the course of a month.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateFeb 12, 2018

Progress, but far from perfection, on avoiding risky sedatives in older adults

A new study reveals that efforts to discourage benzodiazepine use among older adults are showing progress, with prescription rates declining by seven percentage points since 2010. However, many prescriptions are still being written, highlighting the need for continued education and alternative treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 12, 2018

Twenty-five years of satellite data confirm rising sea levels

Researchers have detected a significant acceleration in sea level rise since 1993, with ocean waters moving up the shore by almost 1 millimeter per decade. This acceleration means that the next generation will experience a far different landscape due to rising sea levels, posing significant concerns for vulnerable areas like Tampa Bay.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Predictors for infidelity and divorce highlighted in new research

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who quickly disengage their attention from attractive partners are less likely to engage in infidelity. Conversely, those who take longer to look away from romantic alternatives have a higher risk of infidelity. Additionally, devaluing potentia...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2018

A new tool for improving uterine transplant surgery

A new tool using biomedical photonics is being explored to improve uterine transplant surgery by providing real-time data on tissue perfusion and viability. The study found that multispectral imaging proved effective in mapping oxygen saturation over the entire graft, demonstrating advantages over existing methods.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateFeb 12, 2018