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Science News for March 15, 2018


The view from inside supersonic combustion

Researchers used numerical modeling to study the dynamics of supersonic flow, revealing two induced combustion modes and a local quasi detonation mode due to incident shock waves. The simulations provide valuable insights for scramjet engine design, enabling the optimization of mixing and combustion processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 15, 2018

A small protein with many applications

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a llama-antibody, or nanobody, that can prevent the cleavage of the C3 protein, which plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases and conditions where the immune system is overactive.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 15, 2018

Faulty cellular membrane 'mix' linked to Parkinson's disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered a link between a genetic mutation in the GBA1 gene and the formation of fatty plaques in the brain that contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that changes in the mixture of fatty molecules cause protein pieces to stick together, forming 'dead zones' in the brain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2018

Scientists map the portal to the cell's nucleus

Researchers at Rockefeller University have mapped the architecture of the nuclear pore complex in yeast cells, revealing a massive cylindrical configuration with flexible components. The study provides insights into cell transport and may aid efforts to understand and treat diseases linked to defects in the pore complex.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2018

Democratizing single-cell analysis

Scientists at Allen Institute and University of Washington developed scalable SPLiT-seq method to characterize RNA in individual cells, enabling identification of various cell types in the brain. The technique significantly lowers the cost barrier for labs that want to perform single-cell profiling.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2018

The complex journey of red bloods cells through microvascular networks

A team of researchers used a state-of-the-art simulation code to study the behavior of red blood cells flowing through physiologically realistic microvascular networks. They observed that red blood cells frequently jam for brief periods before proceeding downstream, causing temporary increases in vascular resistance. The findings have ...

Ludwig study extends potential for personalized immunotherapy to large variety of cancers

Researchers developed a new method to identify highly reactive killer T cells in ovarian tumors, showing they can be selectively grown for personalized cell-based immunotherapies. The approach overcomes limitations of existing methods, enabling the use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for treating low-mutational load tumors.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2018

Startup promises minimally invasive heart repair

A newly launched startup has acquired exclusive rights to develop a minimally invasive surgical device that can repair holes in the heart without complications. The technology uses deployable soft structures and offers a non-invasive approach to tissue repair, facilitating clinicians' access to difficult-to-reach organs.

False beliefs about MMR vaccine found to influence acceptance of Zika vaccine

A new study found that people's misconceptions about the association between the MMR vaccine and autism significantly influence their willingness to receive a Zika vaccine. The study also revealed that individuals who believe in science's power to solve problems are more likely to intend to use a Zika vaccine.

Joint supplement speeds melanoma cell growth

A dietary supplement commonly used to strengthen joints can also speed the growth of a type of melanoma, according to preclinical research. Chondroitin sulfate boosts growth in melanoma cells carrying the V600E mutation, but not other types, and may pose risks for people with elevated melanoma risk.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 15, 2018

Women choose more effective contraception when cost not an issue

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that women are choosing more effective, long-term methods of contraception when cost is not an issue. Since the Affordable Care Act mandate required private health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing, privately insured women have been using ...

The Protein Society's Best Paper Award

The Protein Society has awarded Minfei Su and Chang-Ting Lin the 'Best Paper' award for their research on autophagy, a critical process in eukaryotic cells. The winners' work investigates the structural and thermodynamic details of protein interactions, shedding light on cellular homeostasis and evolution.

The coffee cannabis connection

A Northwestern University study found that coffee consumption decreased endocannabinoid system metabolites, which regulate stress response, cognition, and appetite. The study also suggests coffee may facilitate the excretion of steroids, potentially affecting diseases such as cancers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2018

Little creek, big impact

A study found that restoring Putah Creek in California increased the bird population by twice as much, with more common riparian birds visiting in increasing numbers. The restoration also improved the ecosystem's function and had benefits beyond the water's edge.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcological Restoration·DateMar 15, 2018

Core elements identified for successful transitions in care for older adults with dementia

Researchers identified five essential themes for consistent and supported care transitions, including preparing individuals with dementia and their caregivers, evaluating preferences and goals, and creating inter-professional collaborative team environments. The findings suggest that person-centered care is crucial for achieving outcom...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMar 15, 2018

Viral hideout

The study found that the CTCF protein helps herpes simplex virus regulate its own sleep-wake cycle, enabling it to establish latent infections in sensory neurons. By preventing CTCF from binding to viral DNA, the virus's ability to reactivated was weakened.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalmBio·DateMar 15, 2018

Modern humans interbred with Denisovans twice in history

Researchers discovered two distinct episodes of Denisovan genetic intermixing between modern humans and Denisovans. The genomes of modern Papuan individuals contain approximately 5% Denisovan ancestry, while East Asians have a second set of Denisovan ancestry not found in South Asians and Papuans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 15, 2018

Ultrashort laser pulses make greenhouse gas reactive

Researchers at the University of Bonn used ultrashort laser pulses to create a highly reactive variant of carbon dioxide, which can form new bonds with other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to change ideas about extracting and using greenhouse gases for chemical industry.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2018

Medicinal cannabis is safe and effective -- it's time to reboot research

A new special issue of the European Journal of Internal Medicine presents a comprehensive overview of current evidence for medical cannabis and derived products. The studies highlight its effectiveness in pain relief and potential benefits for elderly patients, calling for further research to improve the evidence base.

SourceElsevier·JournalEuropean Journal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2018

Study addresses barriers to kidney disease screening among black Americans

A study of Black Americans found that participant factors such as knowledge of kidney disease and spiritual/religious beliefs, as well as logistical factors like convenience and awareness of scheduling, were identified as barriers to screening. The research aims to guide efforts to address important kidney-related disparities in the US.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 15, 2018

Potential RNA Markers of abnormal heart rhythms identified in circulating blood

A study published in Circulation Journal identified four microRNA molecules in the bloodstream that could predict the onset of atrial fibrillation. The researchers found that these microRNAs were significantly upregulated in the serum of patients with AF and diseased mice, suggesting their potential use as biomarkers for disease.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCirculation Journal·DateMar 15, 2018

Reducing collateral damage

A new UC Santa Barbara-led study found that ending overfishing can promote population recoveries for many endangered species caught incidentally as bycatch. In about half the cases, overexploiting these mammals, turtles and birds occurs because we're also overexploiting the target species.

New model links yellow fever in Africa to climate, environment

Researchers developed a new model that quantifies yellow fever dynamics across Africa using seasonal climatic measures, confirming the risk varies throughout the year. The model accurately captured geographic and temporal heterogeneities in transmission and offers insights for early interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 15, 2018

Childhood aggression linked to deficits in executive function

Primary school children with lower executive function skills are more likely to show increased aggression in middle childhood, including physical and relational types. The study suggests that improving executive function could reduce aggression, and training programs may be effective in achieving this.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 15, 2018