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Science News for May 29, 2018


Novel RNA-modifying tool corrects genetic diseases

Researchers have developed a novel RNA-modifying tool called RIBOTAC, which uses a small-molecule-based approach to selectively delete toxic gene products and control the body's defense mechanisms. This technology has potential applications for treating genetic diseases such as cancer and incurable human genetic disorders.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 29, 2018

Water is not the same as water

Scientists have successfully separated two forms of water, ortho- and para-water, which exhibit different chemical reactivities due to their nuclear spin orientations. These findings were reported in Nature Communications and confirmed by computer simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2018

Wayne State College of Nursing receives $2.6 million HRSA grant to expand BSN training in Detroit

The Wayne State University College of Nursing is expanding its BSN training program with a $2.6 million HRSA grant to address the growing need for nurses working on community-based primary care and public health teams. Students will participate in immersive clinical experiences alongside RNs in Detroit's community settings.

Sex hormone levels alter heart disease risk in older women

A study of over 2,800 postmenopausal women found that a higher proportion of male to female sex hormones was associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that having a more male-like hormone profile may affect heart disease risk independent of other risk factors.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 29, 2018

What caused the gender pay gap in medicine?

A new study aims to identify the causes of the gender pay gap in medicine through dataset interrogation and qualitative evidence, with the goal of offering actionable recommendations. The project, led by Professor Carol Woodhams, will inform future decision-making for the Doctors' Pay Review Body.

High-risk, undertreated mystery heart attacks occurring more commonly in women

A University of Alberta study found that nearly six per cent of patients have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries, with five per cent experiencing another heart attack or death within one year. Patients with MINOCA are twice as likely to be female and require more aggressive preventive treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 29, 2018

Ovarian cancer statistics, 2018

The American Cancer Society report highlights a decline in ovarian cancer incidence and mortality rates in the US, with significant reductions seen among white populations. The strongest risk factor for ovarian cancer is a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations accounting for nearly 40% of cases.

Flow in the asthenosphere drags tectonic plates along

New research by Rice University geophysicists reveals that the asthenosphere's convective cycling and pressure-driven flow can move faster than the tectonic plates on top of it. This challenges a long-held theory that the lithosphere moves independently of the asthenosphere.

SourceRice University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateMay 29, 2018

It takes a village

Researchers at Monash University have developed a hand-made super-microscope capable of seeing the building blocks of bacterial cell walls. This discovery has shed light on how bacteria evade the immune system, providing key knowledge to disarm superbug resistance.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 29, 2018

Combination pack battles cancer

Scientists have developed a new approach to cancer therapy by combining two synergistic drug components into a dimer, which can be loaded into polymeric nanotransporters at exceptionally high concentration. This method reduces side effects and improves transport and accumulation of drugs in tumors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 29, 2018

VTCRI scientists identify novel cellular mechanism that can lead to cancer metastasis

Scientists at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute have identified a novel cellular mechanism that can lead to cancer metastasis. The researchers found that the formation of gap junction structures allowing cells to communicate was disrupted during epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), despite an abundance of connexin 43 proteins.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateMay 29, 2018

How to code a functional molecular machine?

A team of researchers has developed a model that simulates protein evolution, revealing how evolving protein components can give rise to dynamic and efficient molecular machines. The model shows that flexibility allows proteins to bind effectively to other molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2018

Numbers about inequality don't speak for themselves

Researchers propose strategies to discuss racial disparities, including providing context and emphasizing policies in shaping inequalities. Studies show that simply presenting numbers can cause people to support punitive policies, while offering context and information on history and policy change can reduce disparities.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMay 29, 2018

Chemical compound produces beneficial inflammation, remyelination that could help treat MS

A chemical compound called indazole chloride has been shown to produce beneficial inflammation and remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients. This process can help repair damaged axons and restore myelin, potentially reducing disability burden. The findings provide a promising new treatment avenue for the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2018

'Second brain' neurons keep colon moving

A study published in JNeurosci reveals a new pattern of neuronal activity in the gastrointestinal tract that generates rhythmic electrical activity in smooth muscle. This finding identifies a previously unknown mechanism for colon movement, suggesting an early feature preserved through nervous system evolution.

E. coli infection induces delirium in aging rats

Research reveals that E. coli infection can induce delirium in aging rats by reducing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for long-term memory formation. The study suggests that immune system activation, such as after surgery or infection, may contribute to cognitive decline in the elderly.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 29, 2018

Self-tuning brain implant could help treat patients with Parkinson's disease

A new, fully implanted deep brain stimulation device uses real-time brain signals to fine-tune its signaling, reducing side effects and improving symptom control in Parkinson's patients. The adaptive system was shown to be equally effective as traditional stimulation methods in initial short-term studies.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 29, 2018

WIC participation better among vulnerable, US citizen children whose mothers are eligible for DACA

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that US citizen children whose mothers are eligible for DACA are more likely to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The study analyzed data from nearly 2,000 children and their mothers, revealing a significant increase in WIC ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 29, 2018

Recreational football an absolute winner for 55- to 70-year-olds with prediabetes

A 16-week study found that combining recreational football training with dietary guidance significantly improves physical fitness, reduces blood pressure, and promotes healthier weight loss. This innovative intervention demonstrates the potential for exercise and diet to prevent type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateMay 29, 2018

Prediction method for epileptic seizures developed

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a generalized method to predict epileptic seizures using data from non-surgical devices powered by AI and machine learning. The system can alert epilepsy sufferers within 30 minutes of the likelihood of a seizure, with an accuracy rate of up to 81.4%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNeural Networks·DateMay 29, 2018

First 3D-printed human corneas

Scientists at Newcastle University successfully printed the first human corneas using a unique gel-like substance and 3D printing technology. The breakthrough could provide an unlimited supply of corneas for transplantation, addressing a significant shortage that affects millions worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalExperimental Eye Research·DateMay 29, 2018

Key molecule for flu infection identified

A research team at Hokkaido University has discovered the key receptor molecule that enhances the infection of the influenza A virus. The Ca2+ channel is the critical component, and blocking it with calcium channel blockers can significantly suppress IAV infections.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 29, 2018

Climate change forced zombie ant fungi to adapt

Researchers found that climate change led to a shift in the host choice of zombie ant fungi, from leaves to twigs and bark, as tropical forests transitioned to temperate areas. The study, published in Evolution, reveals that this adaptation occurred independently in different locations around the world.

SourcePenn State·JournalEvolution·DateMay 29, 2018