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Science News for February 27, 2018


Unpacking asymmetric cell division

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School investigated the role of phosphatidylinositol lipids and proteins in asymmetric cell division, a process vital for producing mature brain cells. They discovered a new protein called Vibrator, which plays a key role in this complex process.

To build up mussels, you need to know your fish

A new study by Michigan State University reveals that conserving mussels is linked to protecting their host fish species. The research found that different mussel varieties are tied to specific fish hosts and prioritize conservation efforts must protect both. This understanding will inform the development of effective conservation stra...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHydrobiologia·DateFeb 27, 2018

Our reactions to odor reveal our political attitudes

Researchers found a strong connection between supporting a society led by an authoritarian leader and being sensitive to body odours. The study suggests that disgust plays a role in shaping ideological attitudes, with people who are more disgusted being more likely to vote for authoritarian candidates.

SourceStockholm University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 27, 2018

Levels of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in England estimated to be 20%

Research estimates that at least 20% of antibiotic prescriptions in English primary care are inappropriate, with higher proportions prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections. The study highlights the need for better diagnostic coding and prescribing guidelines to reduce antibiotic misuse and preserve their effectiveness.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateFeb 27, 2018

Running rings around cholera outbreaks

A study modeling cholera epidemics suggests that targeting vaccine and other interventions to areas around existing cholera cases is an effective way to control outbreaks. The results indicate that oral cholera vaccine is the most effective intervention, with a radius of 70-100 meters being optimal for administration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

New insight on the formation of East Asian flora

Researchers propose two distinct floras, Rhododendron Flora and Metasequoia Flora, to represent core regions of the Sino-Japanese and Sino-Himalayan flora. The study suggests East Asian flora is relatively young, with most clades originating since the Miocene, and may be a refugial area for ancient relict plants.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 27, 2018

Individual quantum dots imaged in 3-D for first time

A new imaging technique uses a super sharp needle to nudge individual nanoparticles into different orientations, capturing 2D images to reconstruct 3D pictures. This method allows for the observation of defects in nanostructures like semiconductors and proteins, which can lead to better characterization and control of their production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Simple urine test could measure how much our body has aged

Researchers found a substance indicating oxidative damage increases in urine as people get older, potentially providing a method to measure biological age. The study measured 8-oxoGsn levels in human urine samples from Chinese residents aged 2-90 years old, finding an age-dependent increase in urinary 8-oxoGsn.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 27, 2018

Obesity could be linked to early childhood behavior

A study by the University of Waterloo found that early childhood behaviors are strong predictors of adult obesity. The research team identified four clusters of risk: Inactive Screen-Users, Moderately Active Substance Users, and two groups with healthier behaviors. Public health efforts should focus on modifying these behaviors earlier...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2018

Receptors key to strong memories

Researchers at UC Davis identified SynDIG4 protein as a crucial regulator of synaptic plasticity, enabling the formation and consolidation of new memories. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying memory formation and could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cognitive disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 27, 2018

Genetics researchers close in on schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered 50 new gene regions increasing schizophrenia risk, including genes previously associated with intellectual disability and autism. These findings shed light on the disorder's complex genetics, suggesting subtle genetic variants can contribute to its development.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Jekyll and Hyde and seek

A signaling protein called Daple, normally a tumor suppressor, can be manipulated by growth factors to become a driver of malignant growth and metastasis in cancer cells. This discovery highlights the complexity of crosstalk between major signals that drive cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 27, 2018

Osher Collaborative for Integrative Medicine begins new JACM column partnership

The Osher Collaborative for Integrative Medicine has launched a new quarterly column in JACM, discussing strategies to advance health justice through integrative medicine principles. The inaugural column highlights the need to address bias and discrimination in intrapersonal attitudes and behaviors.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Teaching quantum physics to a computer

Researchers developed machine learning software that allows computers to learn the quantum state of complex systems based on experimental observations. This approach enables faster tomography for quantum states and has implications for testing quantum computers with many qubits.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 27, 2018

Saline use on the decline at Vanderbilt following landmark studies

Two landmark studies by Vanderbilt researchers show significant improvement in patient outcomes using balanced fluids instead of saline for intravenous therapy, leading to a decline in saline use at the hospital. The studies found a 1 percent lower incidence of serious kidney problems or death in patients receiving balanced fluids, res...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Why are some mushrooms 'magic?'

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that psychedelic mushrooms developed psilocybin to interfere with insect neurotransmitters, lowering the chances of being eaten. This evolutionary explanation could guide medical science in finding novel treatments for neurological disorders.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEvolution Letters·DateFeb 27, 2018

A protein that self-replicates

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that protein amyloids can self-replicate, challenging the long-held RNA hypothesis as the origin of life. The findings suggest that early life forms may have used amyloids as information carriers and catalytic units.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2018

New insights into treating a rare leukemia

A study published in Leukemia found that starting mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) treatment with a less-toxic regimen is linked to better remission rates and long-term survival. Patients treated initially with ALL therapy were three to five times more likely to achieve complete remission than those receiving AML therapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalLeukemia·DateFeb 27, 2018

Wind and solar power could meet four-fifths of US electricity demand, study finds

Scientists at UCI, Caltech, and Carnegie Institution for Science found that US can reliably meet 80% of electricity demand with solar and wind power generation. However, meeting 100% demand would require significant investment in energy storage and transmission capabilities to overcome seasonal and weather variabilities.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 27, 2018

International Spina Bifida experts shapes future research, shares insights for practical care

This special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine presents significant contributions from the Third World Congress on Spina Bifida Research and Care, covering topics such as regenerative medicine, genetics, trauma care, and self-management. The goal is to improve healthcare for individuals with spina bifida, includ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2018

Man-made earthquake risk reduced if fracking is 895m from faults

A new study found that the risk of man-made earthquakes due to fracking is greatly reduced if high-pressure fluid injection used to crack underground rocks is 895m away from faults in the Earth's crust. The ReFINE consortium recommends this distance to avoid reactivating geological faults and reducing the risk of induced earthquakes.

SourceDurham University·JournalGeomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources·DateFeb 27, 2018