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Science News for June 20, 2018


The role of vitamin D in a healthy pregnancy

A new review suggests that vitamin D may play an integral part in the induction and regulation of critical immune tolerance in early pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·DateJun 20, 2018

Guidelines address self-management of hospitalized diabetes patients

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of involving patients with diabetes in their care plans and provide guidance on how to implement effective self-management strategies. By empowering patients to take an active role in their treatment, these guidelines aim to improve safety and outcomes for hospitalized diabetes patients.

SourceWiley·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

Cooler computing through statistical physics?

A team of researchers from the Santa Fe Institute has published a paper on the thermodynamics of computation, which involves elements of statistical physics, computer science, cellular biology, and neurobiology. The study aims to understand how computers process information and reduce energy waste by optimizing computational processes.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalACM SIGACT News·DateJun 20, 2018

Tumor suppressor protein plays key role in suppressing infections

A tumor suppressor protein called Arl11 has been found to play a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system, particularly in detecting and destroying pathogens. By initiating a signaling cascade, Arl11 helps macrophages to engulf bacteria and release signaling molecules that activate other immune cells.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 20, 2018

Reading risk behavior in the brain

Researchers have successfully measured participants' risk behavior while observing their brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG), revealing a key link between anxiety and decision-making. High anxious participants chose the low-risk option more often, and specific brain activity was associated with heightened cognitive control.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJun 20, 2018

Substance in hair may be a marker for alcohol consumption

A new study found that measuring ethyl sulphate in hair can assess alcohol consumption and detect a wider time frame of drinking behavior. Researchers successfully applied this method to patients with alcohol use disorders, highlighting the potential of hair as a non-invasive testing matrix.

SourceWiley·JournalDrug Testing and Analysis·DateJun 20, 2018

A case of 'kiss and tell': Chromosomal kissing gets less elusive

A study by Philipp Maass and Anja Weise found that chromosomes 12 and 17 frequently interact with each other across different individuals, resulting in recurrent patterns. This interaction is linked to a human genetic condition, brachydactyly, where the deletion of a specific gene alters chromosomal arrangements and disturbs interactions.

Whether wheat weathers heat waves

Researchers created computer models to understand how wheat responds to heat stress, including timing, intensity, and duration. The models predict the impact of heat waves on wheat yields and grain size, providing valuable insights for farmers to mitigate losses.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 20, 2018

Asylum seekers are not a 'burden' for European economies

Economists estimate that asylum seekers have a positive impact on the economy of host countries after becoming permanent residents. The study analyzed 30 years of data from 15 Western European countries and found that an increase in migration flows produces positive effects on GDP per capita, unemployment rate, and public finances.

SourceCNRS·DateJun 20, 2018

Encrypted messages in biological processes

A study by a Danish-German research team reveals that modified RNA bases play a crucial role in controlling gene expression from DNA to functional RNA. The researchers used a newly developed technique to label newly made RNA with the m6A modification, demonstrating its impact on RNA maturation and splicing efficiency.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 20, 2018

The sounds of climate change

Scientists use AI-powered tool to track songbirds' arrival patterns in Alaska's North Slope, providing insights into their adaptation to hotter temperatures and more erratic weather. The study's findings suggest that birds may time their migrations to local conditions, including day length, rather than just temperature.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 20, 2018

Scientists find evidence of 27 new viruses in bees

A team of researchers has identified 27 new viruses in bees from around the world, shedding light on the impact of viral pathogens on bee health and agriculture. The discovery was made using a novel high-throughput sequencing technique that efficiently detected both known and unknown viruses.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 20, 2018

Annual southeast Asia haze linked to increased respiratory problems

A new study in Respirology reveals that Southeast Asia's annual haze is associated with increased hospital admissions for respiratory problems. Respiratory admissions at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre were significantly higher during haze periods, with 27.6 cases per week versus 15.7 cases per week.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 20, 2018

Focusing on next 10 years could lead to better use of recommendations for cancer screening

A recent study found that asking individuals to set up a long-term screening schedule can increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. In the study, 62.6% of participants made decisions reflecting USPSTF's recommendations when asked to choose a screening schedule for the next 10 years.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 20, 2018

People who feel threatened by vegetarianism more likely to care less about animals

A study found that individuals who perceive vegetarianism as a threat to their way of life tend to exclude certain animal categories from their moral circle. Human supremacy beliefs and perceived vegetarianism threat both predicted the exclusion of fewer animals, with stronger human supremacy beliefs leading to broader exclusions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 20, 2018

Surgery in space

Current understanding of human physiology and surgery in space is crucial for future astronauts. The review highlights novel pathologies that could arise from prolonged weightlessness and exposure to cosmic radiation, emphasizing the need for specialized training and medical preparedness.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateJun 20, 2018

Collaboration yields discovery of 12-sided silica cages

A team of researchers at Cornell University has discovered 10-nanometer, individual, self-assembled dodecahedral structures that could have significant applications in mesoscale material assembly and medical diagnostics. The discovery was made using a combination of machine learning algorithms and cryogenic electron microscopy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Non-dairy drinks can be dangerous for infants

A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that non-dairy drinks can lead to malnutrition, height and weight impairment, anaemia, and other health problems in infants. The alternative beverages, commonly based on almonds, chestnuts, rice, and soya, were consumed by 34 children who suffered medical complications between 2005 and 2015.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJun 20, 2018

How physics explains the evolution of social organization

A scientist at Duke University outlines how the constructal law of evolution in nature predicts the natural evolution of social organizations into larger and more complex communities. By applying this principle, Bejan shows why humans naturally organize themselves into societies with hierarchical systems to access finite resources.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateJun 20, 2018

Birds have time-honored traditions, too

A new study finds that swamp sparrows create time-honored song traditions by faithfully copying the most popular songs, with some lasting hundreds of years. The birds' cultural conformity generates extremely stable traditions in their bird song, rivaling those of humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Heated dilemmas

A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 20, 2018

Do bats adapt to gates at abandoned mines?

A new study found that most gates installed at abandoned mine entrances do not impede bat usage, with species adapting over time. Factors like elevation, portal area, and bat agility influenced bat behavior around gates.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJun 20, 2018

Can older adults safely donate kidneys?

A recent study published in Clinical Transplantation found that carefully-selected older adults over 60 years old pose minimal risks for living kidney donation. The research suggests that accepting more older donors can expand the donor pool, making a previously perceived high-risk group accessible.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Transplantation·DateJun 20, 2018

Workplace health clinics can lower health care spending

A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

Quantum step forward in protecting communications from hackers

Researchers at the University of York have developed a quantum-based method to distribute secure information along communication lines, potentially preventing serious security breaches. By using a detector-independent design, they reduced vulnerabilities in current systems and enabled secure information exchange across the internet.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2018

Rethinking recycling

Scientists are developing new recycling technologies to break down plastics into reusable materials. Current methods use mechanical processes that partially degrade polymers, reducing product quality. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including chemical reactions and biological enzymes to speed up the process.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 20, 2018

In mice, stem cells seem to work in fighting obesity! What about stem cells in humans?

A systematic review of animal studies found that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have a positive effect on obesity treatment in terms of body weight and related comorbidities. However, the authors caution that further well-designed human studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanism of action.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Stem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJun 20, 2018

Electron sandwich doubles thermoelectric performance

A new study published in Nature Communications has more than doubled the ability of a material to convert heat into electricity, a significant step towards reducing wasted fossil fuel. By significantly narrowing the space through which spread electrons move, researchers improved thermoelectric energy conversion rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

IASLC issues statement paper on liquid biopsy for lung cancer

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has issued a statement paper on liquid biopsy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, recommending its use for molecular analysis in guiding clinical management. The paper aims to provide general oncologists and clinicians with access to the latest information on liqui...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 20, 2018

Established medications combat lung cancer tumor growth

Researchers discovered that FDA-approved kinase inhibitors can curb lung tumor growth in mouse models, offering new therapeutic avenues for a hard-to-treat form of lung cancer. The findings highlight the potential of targeting ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases and EGFR signaling pathways to develop alternative treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

Atomic-scale ping-pong

Scientists have observed anomalously high gas flow rates through angstrom-scale slit-like channels, defying classical Newtonian theory and highlighting quantum effects. The findings, published in Nature, suggest that surface scattering can significantly impact gas permeation rates.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Parent-child therapy helps young children with depression

A new study from WashU Medicine demonstrates that an interactive Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) can reduce depression rates and lower symptom severity in children as young as 3. The therapy program focuses on enhancing emotional development and also improves parent mental health.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 20, 2018

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas have only a quarter of the fish and are less likely to have top predators. Marine reserves with medium to high human pressure can still have five times more fish than openly fished reefs, offering a conservation benefit.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2018

Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts may impact people's coverage

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that Medicaid work requirements and health savings accounts can lead to confusing beneficiaries, dissuade some from enrolling, and create cost-related barriers to care. The study also revealed significant differences in health insurance coverage rates between states with ...

Should pharmacists be allowed to write prescriptions?

Allowing pharmacists to write prescriptions is associated with increased access to healthcare services, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced utilisation of their skills. Pharmacists' diagnosis skills were a primary concern among organisational issues.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJun 20, 2018

A lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector

Researchers have developed a lightweight carbon nanofiber-based collector that can restrain dendrite growth and achieve uniform lithium deposition. The collector, made with high nitrogen-doping levels, improves energy density by up to 2489.7 mAh/g, enabling the practical use of lithium metal anodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateJun 20, 2018