Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 14, 2018


Non-coding DNA changes sex determination

Researchers have identified a critical non-coding DNA element regulating the Sox9 gene, crucial for male sex development. Deleting this enhancer results in sex reversal in mice, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and potentially improving diagnosis for patients with differences in sex development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

New position paper recommends treatment options for nightmare disorder in adults

A position paper from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends image rehearsal therapy as a useful treatment option for nightmare disorder and PTSD-associated nightmares. Cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and other interventions may also be effective, while clonazepam and venlafaxine are not recommended.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 2018

Sorting ghosts

Ghost Cytometry uses novel imaging technique and AI to identify and sort cells with unprecedented high-throughput speed. The system enables fast and accurate isolation and diagnosis of cancer cells, improving medical therapies.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Girls with high level of vitamin D have stronger muscles

A new study has found that girls with high vitamin D levels have stronger muscles than those with low levels. The association was not found in boys, and researchers are unsure why girls benefit more from vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important source of muscle strength, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 14, 2018

Network theory links behavioral information flow with contained epidemic outbreaks

Researchers employed a concrete interplay model in quenched multiplex networks to study the connection between adaptive human behavior and epidemic spread. The model accurately describes actual epidemic spread in complex networks while characterizing interactions between transmission and human behaviors.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateJun 14, 2018

This is what a stretchy circuit looks like

Scientists in China develop a hybrid conductive material that can be bent and stretched at will, making it suitable for wearable electronics and implantable devices. The material, called metal-polymer conductor, is non-toxic and has broad applications for diagnosing and treating diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Combining NSAIDs and TNFi may reduce radiographic progression in ankylosing spondylitis

A cohort study showed that adding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors can slow radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Celecoxib, a specific NSAID, was associated with the greatest reduction in radiographic progression.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 14, 2018

Modern alchemists are making chemistry greener

Researchers at Princeton University have found a revolutionary approach using cobalt and methanol to produce an epilepsy drug, replacing toxic rhodium and dichloromethane. The new reaction is faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly, offering distinct advantages over traditional methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Novel in vitro approaches for toxicity testing of inhaled substances

Researchers have made significant progress in developing computational models, human tissue-based assays, and other advanced systems to assess the toxicity of inhaled materials without using animals. These novel approaches aim to improve safety and regulatory compliance in industries such as pharmaceuticals and personal care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·DateJun 14, 2018

New simulation tool predicts how well HIV-prophylaxis will work

A new mathematical framework predicts the efficacy of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, helping streamline the development of new treatments. The framework integrates molecular factors that affect drug efficacy, allowing researchers to evaluate clinical efficacy prior to clinical trials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 14, 2018

When emotional memories intrude, focusing on context could help, study finds

A study by psychologists at the University of Illinois found that focusing on contextual details of emotional memories can improve cognitive performance and reduce negative effects. By shifting focus away from emotion and toward context, individuals can redirect brain resources to tasks and process memories more deeply.

Researchers can count on improved proteomics method

Researchers at Princeton University have improved a proteomics method to accurately count proteins in cells under different circumstances. The new approach, TMTc+, uses a combination of cell sample preparation and computer algorithm changes to provide superior measurement accuracy and precision compared to existing methods.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2018

Who is to blame for marine litter?

A Europe-wide study found that over 95% of people reported seeing litter when visiting the coast, leading to higher concern and willingness to change behavior. The primary causes of marine litter were attributed to plastic use, human behavior, and single-use plastics.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJun 14, 2018

Proteins as a 'shuttle service' for targeted administration of medication

Researchers at FAU have successfully developed proteins that function like a shuttle to release medication directly in the body where it's needed. This breakthrough could enable targeted and tissue-specific administration of medication in future, potentially lowering doses and reducing side effects.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2018

Black + white = Not white

A new study by University of Utah professor Jacqueline M. Chen found that observers categorize black-white multiracial individuals as non-white, influenced by a powerful minority bias. This phenomenon has significant implications for multiracial individuals' social experiences and race relations in the US.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJun 14, 2018

There's Waldo!

Neuroscientists from Caltech have discovered neurons in the human brain that respond when targets are spotted, revealing insights into how we perform visual searches. The study found two distinct populations of neurons in the medial temporal lobe, one recognizing objects based on appearance and another focusing on goal-directed relevance.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 14, 2018

Pharmacists intervention improves management of diseases among Syrian refugees in Jordan

A new study published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy demonstrates that pharmacist-delivered home medication management review services effectively resolve treatment-related problems for patients with chronic health conditions. The intervention service resulted in a significant reduction of treatment-related problems,...

SourceElsevier·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateJun 14, 2018

Plants open their pores and scientists strike gold

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University have identified gold nanoparticles in two plant species, B. nivea and E. Canadensis, collected from their natural environments. The particles were found to be similar in characteristics to artificial ones, suggesting they may have been absorbed through plant pores directly.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateJun 14, 2018

Significant increase in self-harm attempts following ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis

A population study shows that individuals with AS are almost twice as likely to self-harm compared to their comparators. The most frequent method of self-harm is poisoning or self-mutilation. This study highlights the need for routine evaluation of self-harm behavior in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 14, 2018

Youth-R-Coach: A peer-to-peer program for young people suffering with chronic disease

The Youth-R-Coach program, presented at EULAR 2018, enables young people with rheumatic or musculoskeletal diseases to become 'experts-by-experience' and provide insights into living with chronic illness. Participants develop self-written books based on their personal experiences to act as a source of support for peers.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 14, 2018

A sprinkle of platinum nanoparticles onto graphene makes brain probes more sensitive

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a technique to engineer graphene electrodes with low impedance and transparency. This allows for simultaneous recording of neuronal activity and high-quality imaging of brain cell activity in transgenic mice. The technology brings graphene electrodes closer to being adapted into next-generation bra...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 14, 2018

Water fluoridation confirmed to prevent dental decay in US children and adolescents

A recent study confirms the effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing dental caries among US children and adolescents. The analysis found that counties with over 75% access to fluoridated drinking water experienced a 30-40% reduction in dental caries, particularly in primary teeth.

When the river runs high

A massive world-wide study of dry riverbeds has found they're contributing more carbon emissions than previously thought. The contribution of intermittent rivers and streams to the process of carbon cycling is largely ignored, but new data suggests this may be higher than initially estimated.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 14, 2018

Quantum transfer at the push of a button

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to transmit quantum states deterministically over short distances, paving the way for more efficient and secure quantum computing and cryptography. The transmission rate reaches 80% fidelity, enabling entanglement creation between qubits up to 50,000 times per second.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2018

Yellow fever: A new method for testing vaccine safety

Scientists from Institut Pasteur and partners have developed a cellular test to verify the safety of live vaccines like yellow fever vaccine. The 3D culture model, BBB-Minibrain, detects rare mutant particles with neuroinvasive properties, paving the way for reduced animal testing in quality control.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalBiologicals·DateJun 14, 2018

Sculpting with graphene foam

Researchers create 3D laser-induced graphene (LIG) foam with excellent performance in lithium-ion capacitors, exceeding graphite's theoretical limit. The process is easily scaled and scalable to complex shapes using a custom-built fiber lasing system.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 14, 2018

New discovery about the brain's water system may prove beneficial in stroke

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism for transporting water to the brain, challenging the long-held belief that osmosis is responsible. The co-transporter process could potentially be targeted with medicine to treat conditions like brain haemorrhage and hydrocephalus.

Researchers develop molecular assembly method for cancer therapy and diagnostics

A team of researchers has developed a method to modify the surface of micro- and nanoparticles with biological molecules, enabling them to serve as both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The particles can deliver drugs to cancer cells while providing diagnostic information, opening up new possibilities for targeted therapy.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2018