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Science News for July 16, 2018


Behavior-influencing policies are critical for mass market success of low carbon vehicles

A new study emphasizes the importance of behavioral policies in encouraging the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, citing consumer preferences and climate policies as key factors. The research suggests that a combination of policies can increase the market share of low-carbon vehicles to over 25% by 2050.

How many people die from tuberculosis every year?

A study by ISGlobal reveals significant discrepancies in global tuberculosis death estimates between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), primarily due to differences in methodology and data sources. The researchers identify a dozen countries with notable variations, emphasizin...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 16, 2018

Fetal gene therapy prevents fatal neurodegenerative disease

A new study published in Nature Medicine found that fetal gene therapy can prevent and cure neonatal lethal neurodegenerative diseases in humans in utero. The therapy was tested on mice with Gaucher disease and showed promising results, including improved brain degeneration and increased survival time. Researchers believe this approach...

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 16, 2018

Weight loss surgery may affect the risk of cancer

A national population-based cohort study found that weight loss surgery reduced the risk of hormone-related cancers (breast, endometrial, or prostate cancer) by 77%. However, gastric bypass was associated with a greater than twofold increased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateJul 16, 2018

The origins of pottery linked with intensified fishing in the post-glacial period

A three-year study by researchers at BioArCh, the University of York, suggests that ceramic vessels were used by early hunter-gatherer ancestors to store and process fish, with an association remaining stable even after climate warming. The study reveals new insights into prehistoric food processing habits during the post-glacial period.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

Pre-agricultural origins of bread in the Near East

Researchers found charred food fragments at a Natufian site in northeastern Jordan dating back to 14,600 years ago, exhibiting characteristics of bread-like products. The discovery suggests that bread was made 4,000 years before the emergence of agriculture, but noncereal foods remained a staple during the Natufian period.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

New platform discovered at City of Hope poised to be next generation of genetic medicines

A new gene-editing technology has been discovered by City of Hope scientist Saswati Chatterjee, which can efficiently correct genetic defects in human blood cells. The platform uses adeno-associated viruses to deliver corrective DNA sequences, offering a promising approach for treating diseases such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

In borophene, boundaries are no barrier

Researchers at Rice and Northwestern universities discovered how different lattice arrangements of borophene can combine into new crystal-like forms, exhibiting metallic properties and unique electronic structure. The findings suggest potential applications in flexible and transparent electronic interconnects, electrodes, and displays.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 16, 2018

Inhibiting bacterial virulence

Researchers identified M21 as a compound that inhibits virulence factors in S. aureus via ClpP inhibition, reducing bacteria and abscesses in infected mice with improved survival rates. The findings suggest a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating drug-resistant S. aureus infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2018

New ALS therapy in clinical trials

Researchers have developed a new ALS therapy that extends survival and reverses signs of neuromuscular damage in mice and rats with SOD1 mutations. The investigational drug, an antisense oligonucleotide, has shown impressive effects in preclinical trials.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 16, 2018

AASM publishes clinical practice guideline on use of actigraphy for sleep disorders

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of actigraphy in evaluating adult and pediatric patients with suspected sleep disorders. Actigraphy is recommended as a useful tool for gathering objective data on sleep habits, but not used as a substitute for polysomnography.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJul 16, 2018

A step closer to quantum computers: NUS researchers show how to directly observe quantum spin effects

Scientists at NUS have discovered a practical way to observe and examine the quantum effects of electrons in topological insulators and heavy metals. This breakthrough enables the development of advanced quantum computing components and devices, potentially answering some of the world's toughest questions in finance and physics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2018