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Science News for January 25, 2018


Understanding emotional responses to traumatic injury key to planning & treatment efforts

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that urban black men experience varying emotional responses to intentional and unintentional injuries, including heightened feelings of fear and distrust. These reactions can lead to social withdrawal and inadequate support, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed int...

The Lancet Public Health: Parental provision of alcohol to teenagers does not reduce risks, compared to no supply

A six-year study found no benefits or protective effects of giving teenagers alcohol when compared to those not given alcohol. Parental provision was associated with increased likelihood of accessing alcohol through other sources. The study advises against supplying alcohol to teenagers to reduce risk of alcohol-related harms.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJan 25, 2018

Microbes may help astronauts transform human waste into food

A Penn State research team has created a system that uses microbial reactors to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste, producing a nutritious food source for astronauts on deep-space missions. The system, which can minimize pathogen growth, uses anaerobic digestion to convert human waste into edible biomass.

SourcePenn State·JournalLife Sciences in Space Research·DateJan 25, 2018

Music really is a universal language

Vocal songs serving similar functions tend to sound similar worldwide, regardless of cultural background. Listeners from diverse countries accurately inferred song functions based on brief musical excerpts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2018

Progress toward an HIV cure in annual special issue of AIDS Research & Human Retroviruses

A recent study has confirmed that the spleen acts as an HIV sanctuary, hiding the virus from detection even when antiretroviral therapy is effective. Researchers also explore natural products with therapeutic compounds and gather insights on people living with HIV's perceptions of cure-related research.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateJan 25, 2018

Starving cancer cells of sugar -- does it work?

A new study reveals that starvation of sugar can trigger a unique signaling function in cancer cells, leading to cell death. By manipulating this property, researchers propose a potential combination therapy to target cancer metabolism and selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 25, 2018

Do our mitochondria run at 50 degrees C?

Researchers discovered that mitochondria operate at temperatures up to 50°C, contradicting the long-held assumption of 37.5°C. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of cellular processes and energy production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 25, 2018

Proteins' fluorescence a little less mysterious

Rice University researchers confirmed their theory on the mechanism behind a fluorescent biosensor that monitors neurons by sensing changes in voltage. They developed a method to test fluorescent biosensors using computer simulations, resolving a decade-long debate between scientists.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2018

The bacterial 'Game of Thrones'

A study by University of Oxford researchers reveals that bacteria approach conflict in a coordinated manner, responding to threats with collective retaliation. The research shows that different strains exhibit varying levels of aggression and can even detect incoming attacks to warn other cells, enabling sophisticated defense strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2018

Polio labs equipped to study rare tropical diseases

The Global Polio Laboratory Network has successfully tested for soil transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis in Ghana, identifying a prevalence of 22% for combined helminth infections. The study demonstrates the potential for adapting GPLN labs for monitoring and control of neglected tropical diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 25, 2018

Lack of essential and affordable medicines in India revealed

Researchers at Newcastle University found that only two out of six essential medicines were easily available in private pharmacies, with many more listed in Indian databases but unaffordable. The study calls for a review of available brands and the setting up of a centralized database to address inadequate access to essential medicines.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Global Health·DateJan 25, 2018

Letting silenced genes speak

Researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in lab-grown brain cells by targeting the ZNF274 protein, which silences many genes. The breakthrough provides clues for treating this genetic disorder and offers new hope for patients with life-threatening childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 25, 2018

Thin is in? Think again

US women's perceptions of the perfect female figure have evolved to a thin and toned ideal, according to a recent study led by Frances Bozsik. The research found that recent Miss USA winners are no longer only exemplifying extreme thinness, but also becoming increasingly muscular over the past 15 years.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 25, 2018

Heart cells sense stiffness by measuring contraction forces and resting tension simultaneously

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a new mechanism by which heart cells sense stiffness, involving both contraction forces and resting tension. The study found increased resting tension in heart cells after a heart attack or disease, leading to abnormal mechanosensing and signalling that contributes to heart fail...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 25, 2018

Humans limit animal movements

A global study using GPS data from over 800 animals found that terrestrial mammalian movements in areas with a high human footprint are significantly reduced. This fragmentation of habitats due to human infrastructure can have severe consequences for ecosystems, including changes in seed dispersal, food chains, and population sizes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2018

Energy supply channels

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have elucidated the mechanism of protein insertion into the mitochondrial outer membrane. The discovery sheds light on the formation and function of mitochondria, which play a crucial role in cellular energy production.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2018

The eye is not immune to immunity

A recent study published in Scientific Reports suggests that the eye is not as immune as previously thought, with some components being accessible to immune cells. This discovery has implications for wound healing and changes in vision such as cataracts, and may change the way we think about eye disorders.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2018