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Science News for January 24, 2018


Artificial sweetener could someday provide cancer treatments with fewer side effects

Researchers have discovered that acesulfame potassium, an artificial sweetener widely used in foods and drinks, could lead to the development of a more selective therapy for aggressive cancers. The compound is more selective towards carbonic anhydrase IX than previously studied saccharin, potentially offering fewer side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2018

Zebrafish study provides new insights into autism spectrum disorder research

Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that exposure to valproic acid, a migraine treatment, causes characteristics similar to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in zebrafish. The study validated zebrafish as a model for studying ASD and its causes, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional rodent models.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateJan 24, 2018

New research can put an end to allergic reactions

Researchers at Aarhus University have found a new mechanism by which an antibody can prevent allergic reactions, including those caused by birch pollen and insect venom. The antibody interferes with the binding of IgE molecules to immune cells, thereby eliminating allergic symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2018

A simple new approach to plastic solar cells

Researchers at Osaka University redesigned a polymer to improve its hole conductivity, enhancing solar power conversion performance. This design enables mass production through simple printing methods, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption of plastic solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 24, 2018

ACA's Medicaid expansion associated with greater likelihood of patients receiving optimal care for serious surgical conditions

The study found that ACA's Medicaid expansion led to significant increases in insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of patients receiving timely and optimal care for five common surgical conditions. This improvement was particularly notable for patients with serious surgical conditions such as appendicitis or aortic aneurysm.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 24, 2018

A new genome for regeneration research

The study provides a complete genome assembly of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea, revealing novel giant repeat elements, new genes, and the absence of certain essential genes. The discovery has potential implications for understanding regeneration research and stem cell biology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2018

Feelings determine from which side we embrace each other

Researchers studied over 2,500 hugs to understand how emotional context affects hug behavior. They found that emotional states influence the lateralization of hugs, with left-sided hugs more common in positive situations and right-sided hugs in negative contexts. Handedness and footedness also play a role in predicting hug direction.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Research·DateJan 24, 2018

Vitamin D supplements could ease painful IBS symptoms

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that vitamin D supplements could help alleviate painful IBS symptoms. The research found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in IBS patients, regardless of ethnicity, and showed that vitamin D supplements had the most benefit on quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2018

New sensor for measuring electric field strength

A new silicon-based sensor developed by TU Wien measures electric field strength without distortion, with potential applications in weather forecasting, industrial process control, and high-voltage power line safety. The sensor achieves impressive levels of precision, reliably measuring weak fields of less than 200 volts per meter.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 24, 2018

Cloud seeding for snow: Does it work? Scientists report first quantifiable observations

Researchers conducted a comprehensive study on cloud seeding, tracing the transition of ice crystals into snowflakes and observing the effects of silver iodide on cloud seeding. The study provides direct, quantifiable observations for the first time, shedding light on the effectiveness of cloud seeding in increasing winter snowfall.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2018

Brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can save more lives

A new study by the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for the Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE 3) trial demonstrated that brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can be effective up to 16 hours after symptom onset. The treatment led to improved outcomes, including increased functional independence and survival rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Ultralow power consumption for data recording

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new phase change material, Cr2Ge2Te6, that achieves a significant reduction in power consumption for data recording in phase change memory (PCRAM). The material exhibits an inverse resistance change and combines low operation energy, high data retention, and fast operation speed.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 24, 2018

Physicists have learned to change the wavelength of Tamm plasmons

Researchers from Siberian Federal University and L. V. Kirensky Institute of Physics predicted the structure to control Tamm plasmon wavelength using external fields or heating. They achieved a hybrid Tamm plasmon by incorporating a liquid crystal layer in a multilayer mirror, enabling color change through heating or electrification.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America B·DateJan 24, 2018

Coyotes and red foxes may coexist within urban landscapes

Researchers found that coyotes preferred natural areas with high proportions of open space, while red foxes selected moderately developed areas. This spatial partitioning may promote coexistence between the two species in urban landscapes. The study's findings have implications for wildlife management in human-dominated environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2018

Decoding the axolotl genome

Researchers have sequenced the axolotl genome, the largest genome ever to be decoded, to study molecular basis of regrowing limbs and other forms of regeneration. The analysis discovered several genes that are expressed in regenerating limb tissue and revealed key roles for PAX3 and PAX7 genes in muscle and neural development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2018

Discount distortions

A new study finds that the 340B Drug Pricing Program, aimed at boosting resources for hospitals treating low-income patients, has not delivered on its promise. Instead, participating hospitals have administered more lucrative drugs and treated more Medicare patients in certain specialties, but failed to invest profits in safety net cli...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Wisdom at the end of life

Researchers studied hospice patients' perceptions of wisdom, finding it to be a continuous recalibration between accepting illness and wanting to grow and change. Participants emphasized the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and positivity in their final days.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateJan 24, 2018

Changes to nursing home quality ratings system caused consumers to choose better providers

A study by University of Colorado researchers found that changes to the nursing home quality ratings system led consumers to choose better providers. The simplified five-star system used on Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to select higher-rated nursing homes, while low-rated facilities with limited options struggled.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateJan 24, 2018

Four in 10 cardiomyopathies -- a major cause of sudden death in young people -- are genetic

A European Society of Cardiology study found that four in ten cardiomyopathies in young people are genetic. Family screening is crucial to detect the disease in apparently healthy relatives and prevent early death. The study also highlights the need for earlier diagnosis and better diagnostic tests, including genetic testing.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 24, 2018

Unexpected helpers in wound healing

Peripheral nerve cells change their identity and distribute factors that support wound closure, reconstitution of the dermis, and chronic wound healing. Researchers found reprogrammed nerve cells in human skin wounds, which may lead to an effective treatment for chronic wounds.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2018

Predator control can have unintended consequences

Research found that dingo removal decreased abundance of small mammals, while fox removal increased ground-dwelling and arboreal mammal populations. The study also revealed interactions between predators and their effects on cat populations.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJan 24, 2018

How smelly is your rubbish?

Scientists at the University of Córdoba have devised a new system to analyse the smell generated during composting using NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics. The method provides a fast and economical means of evaluating odour emission rates, potentially mitigating the odorous impact of composting.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJan 24, 2018

Social media use linked to lack of sleep in students

A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that Canadian students aged 11-20 who used social media for at least one hour per day were more likely to get too little sleep. The study suggests that prolonged screen time on electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJan 24, 2018

Is your sandwich bad for the environment?

Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateJan 24, 2018

Viral gene therapy could improve results from breast reconstruction after cancer treatment

A new viral gene therapy delivers extra copies of the SOD2 and CTGF genes to protect healthy tissues from damage caused by radiotherapy. The treatment has shown promising results in preventing tissue damage and scarring in rats treated with radiotherapy, potentially improving breast reconstruction outcomes for women with breast cancer.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Can cruise vacations contribute to well-being?

A new study reveals that cruise vacations offer benefits beyond just fun, with emotional and relational experiences contributing to short-term happiness. Long-term happiness is linked to thinking experiences, including exploring new cultures, practicing introspection, and broadening horizons.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·DateJan 24, 2018

National Academies' Gulf Research Program awards $5.3 million to enhance environmental restoration outcomes

The National Academies' Gulf Research Program has awarded $5.3 million to seven new projects focused on enhancing environmental restoration outcomes. Five projects aim to develop or test new monitoring and evaluation methods, while two focus on improving decision-maker access to public health risk information resulting from oil spills.

A call for greater attention to older women's sexual health

The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article highlights issues in caring for older women's sexual health, including insufficient physician training. Physicians should regularly inquire about sexual activity and function, offering practical advice on common chronic medical conditions and vulvovaginal atrophy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 24, 2018

Star-gazing on the reef

Researchers have discovered that brittle stars use thousands of light-sensitive cells in their skin to navigate complex environments. The team found these photoreceptors on the entire body surface and embedded them in the skin, challenging a long-held lens-based hypothesis.

New meta-analysis: Recreational football is broad-spectrum medicine

A new meta-analysis finds that 3-6 months of football training twice a week improves cardiovascular fitness by 3.51 mL/min/kg, lowers fat mass and resting heart rate, and reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Football is considered broad-spectrum medicine for lifestyle disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018