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Science News for February 5, 2018


Mixed-use developments may actually reduce housing affordability, social diversity

A study by the University of Waterloo found that mixed-use developments in Toronto neighbourhoods led to increased costs and reduced social diversity, disproportionately affecting low-income groups. The study suggests that good policy, such as inclusionary zoning and affordable housing trusts, is needed to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

Novel genetic variants for ADHD linked to educational attainment

A study has identified five novel genetic variants associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that also influence educational attainment. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis between the two conditions, which may contribute to academic underachievement in children with ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2018

Controlling fire ants with natural compounds

Researchers identified natural compounds that repel fire ants by activating a type of ion channel highly expressed in the insect's antennae and legs. These compounds, including one found in cinnamon, were found to be less effective at activating the fire ant version of this channel compared to honey bees.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 5, 2018

Uncovering the hidden roles management partners play in ACOs

A recent study found that 37% of ACOs have a management partner, who provides essential services such as data analysis, administrative support, and care coordination. These partnerships enable smaller organizations to participate in ACOs and improve quality, with management partners also providing financing and acting as 'ACO-enablers'

Research presents new information about the Flint water crisis

A statistical analysis found that most Legionnaires' disease cases in Flint can be attributed to the city's switch to the Flint River water source. The study also identified a specific strain of Legionella isolated from Flint residences that is not easily detectable by common diagnostic tests.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

New ethics committee aims to help veterinarians navigate complex care situations

A new veterinary medical ethics committee has been developed at North Carolina State University to aid caregivers in navigating complex care situations. The committee, consisting of seven members, operates independently from the hospital's academic and business aspects to provide a fair and open discussion of ethical issues.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateFeb 5, 2018

Online tool speeds up evolution education

A study using Avida-ED curriculum found that students who used the digital evolution software improved their understanding of evolutionary principles, including variation, randomness, and natural selection. The tool also increased acceptance of evolution among students, suggesting it could be an effective educational tool.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateFeb 5, 2018

A new way of generating ultra-short bursts of light

The new design doubles the conversion efficiency of conventional systems, allowing for greater bandwidth and resolution in detecting pollutants and diseases. The technology also enables the miniaturization of such systems onto a chip, leading to new applications for molecular detection and remote sensing.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018

Dye kills malaria parasites at speed not seen before

Researchers have discovered a safe antimalarial dye that kills malaria parasites at an unprecedented rate, curing patients within two days. The addition of methylene blue to artemisinin-based combination therapies prevents the spread of malaria, with male parasites disappearing from the bloodstream more quickly than female parasites.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2018

Diabetes doubles chance of developing cataract

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population. The relative risk is highest among individuals aged between 45 and 54, who are up to 5.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cataract than their healthy counterparts.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEye·DateFeb 5, 2018

New evidence shows potential of two drugs to block malaria transmission

Researchers have identified two compounds that can safely block malaria transmission when added to existing treatment regimens, promising progress toward eliminating the disease. The study's findings suggest that these compounds can effectively prevent the spread of P. falciparum malaria, including its drug-resistant forms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2018

Researchers create fiber optic sensors that dissolve in the body

The new bioresorbable optical fiber Bragg gratings can be used to sense pressure at joints or act as tiny probes that can safely reach and assess the heart and other delicate organs. The sensors could also improve laser-based tumor removal techniques by delivering accurate real-time temperature sensing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018

How viruses disarm the immune system

Researchers at McGill University discovered a molecular mechanism that allows viruses to evade the immune system by modifying glycoproteins on CD8+ T cells. This pathway can be targeted to restore immune function and control chronic viral infections.

SourceMcGill University·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 5, 2018

Type 2 diabetes: The costs of treating complications

A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related complications in Germany result in high healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 people with type 2 diabetes and estimated the costs associated with each complication, including eye disease, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.

A clonal crayfish from nature as a model for tumors

The marbled crayfish, a single female ancestor of all Marmorkrebs specimens, exhibits epigenetic mechanisms that enable rapid adaptation to various environments without genetic variation. This clonal genome evolution shares similarities with tumor development, where environmental factors influence gene regulation and adaptation.

Conservation stories from the front lines

A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Texas A&M develops new type of powerful battery

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a new type of magnesium-oxide cathode material that promises higher energy density, improved safety, and reduced costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could enable more efficient and sustainable energy storage for renewable energy sources.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalChem·DateFeb 5, 2018

Columbia engineers win $4.7 million DARPA grant to revolutionize augmented reality glasses

A team of Columbia engineers, led by Michal Lipson, has developed a groundbreaking AR glass design that enables high-resolution projection and detection with no moving parts. The technology leverages recent work on engineered optical materials (EnMats) and silicon nitride integrated photonics to provide an ultrahigh-resolution see-thro...

Patients with kidney disease with heart defibrillators at greater risk of hospitalization

A study by Kaiser Permanente and University of Washington found that patients with chronic kidney disease who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators experience a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization. The use of ICDs was associated with a 49% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a 25% in...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Invasive species source pools

The study analyzed nearly 46,000 records of alien species from 1500-2005, finding that a substantial proportion of newly recorded species had not been previously reported elsewhere. This suggests that access to new potential alien species has increased over time, contributing to the global rise in emerging alien species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drinking hot tea associated with a 5-fold increased risk for esophageal cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming hot tea at high temperatures is associated with a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, which followed over 450,000 participants for nine years, suggests that abstaining from hot tea may be beneficial for individuals who drink al...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Trains, planes, automobiles and heart disease

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that environmental noise, including traffic noise, may contribute to the development of heart disease. The study proposes that noise induces a stress response, leading to vascular damage and increased risk of hypertension and diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Studies reveal looming shortage of rheumatologists

The US rheumatology workforce is projected to face a shortage due to an aging population, retiring baby boomer rheumatologists, and changing practice trends. By 2030, the supply of rheumatologists is expected to fall short of demand, with some regions facing a particularly severe maldistribution.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Assessment of Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint

A study examined the relationship between free chlorine concentrations and the 2014-2015 Legionnaires' disease (LD) outbreak in Flint, Michigan. The results indicate that decreasing concentrations of free chlorine in the water were associated with increased risk of developing LD, with a 80% increase per 1 mg/L decrease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Adding crizotinib to radiation therapy may help preserve hearing in patients with NF2

Researchers found that crizotinib enhances radiosensitivity of tumors and inhibits growth of cultured tumor cells from NF2 patients. A novel mouse model mimicking NF2-associated hearing loss was also created to study the molecular pathway contributing to tumor progression and radiation-induced hearing loss.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Dim light may make us dumber

Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHippocampus·DateFeb 5, 2018

BU: Police shootings reflect structural racism

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between structural racism and racial disparities in fatal police shootings at the state level. States with higher levels of residential segregation had higher rates of unarmed black victims killed by police, even controlling for arrest rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

A good life for all within the planet's means

A study by the University of Leeds found that no country satisfies basic human needs while using resources sustainably. The research analyzed 151 countries and their resource use and well-being achievements, revealing that only wealthy nations like the US and UK meet basic needs without exceeding global environmental limits.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 5, 2018

Reversing severe bone loss

A possible treatment for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome has been identified, which may also help with age-related osteoporosis. Researchers found that a medication called DAPT blocks osteoclast formation, reversing bone loss in mice with the disease.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2018

Toddler formulas and milks -- not recommended by health experts -- mislead with health claims

A new study by NYU College of Global Public Health researchers finds that misleading labeling on toddler drinks lacks oversight, leading to confusion among parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization do not recommend these products, but manufacturers make health claims that are not supported by evidence.

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drugs sold in India pose a global threat to antibiotic resistance control

A new study reveals that millions of unapproved antibiotics are sold in India each year, posing a significant threat to global antibiotic resistance control. Multinational pharmaceutical companies manufacture dozens of unapproved formulations, contributing to the country's high rates of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Classification of tropical forests

Researchers used phylogenetic analysis to classify tropical forests into two major regions: an American-African combined region and an Indo-Pacific region. The study also identified a dry region encompassing areas in America, Africa, India, and Madagascar, as well as a subtropical region with parts of America and Asia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

New alien species invasions still rising globally

A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Nearly one in three pugs has an abnormal gait

A Swedish study found that nearly one-third of pugs have abnormal gait, associated with breathing problems, incontinence, and neurological disorders. The prevalence of gait abnormalities was higher than previously thought, suggesting a more significant health issue.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateFeb 5, 2018

New technology for accelerated wound healing discovered

The technology involves delivering a human chemokine on site in wounds, increasing immune cell recruitment and specialization to accelerate healing. In preclinical studies, the treatment demonstrated potent effects on acceleration of wound healing in mice and models of diabetes and peripheral ischemia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Soil characteristics may be related to chronic wasting disease persistence, study finds

Researchers found that soils with more than 18% clay are associated with a steep drop in cases of chronic wasting disease. Additionally, soils with pH above 6.6 also show higher incidence rates of the disease. These findings could inform future management schemes to prevent disease transmission.

A majority of middle-aged people show a high level of mental well-being

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found a surprisingly high level of mental well-being among middle-aged individuals. The research examined multiple dimensions of mental well-being and identified four groups with varying levels of mental well-being. Individuals on the high-wellbeing trajectories had more satisfying relation...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateFeb 5, 2018