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Science News for November 20, 2018


Fish genes hold key to repairing damaged hearts

Researchers have identified a gene called lrrc10 that may hold the key to repairing damaged hearts in fish. The study found that this gene is already linked to a heart condition in people and could potentially be used to develop new treatments for heart failure, which affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 20, 2018

Cutting the legs off cancer

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that blocking a specific molecule can prevent cancer cells from spreading. The study found that inhibiting tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) blocked melanoma growth and metastasis in mice. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for cancer therapy, potentially improving ou...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 20, 2018

MRI scans shows promise in predicting dementia

Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter health and found that individuals who went on to experience cognitive decline had significantly more signs of damage. The study predicted cognitive decline with 89% accuracy, rising to 95% when focusing on specific brain areas.

Reducing the impact forces of water entry

Researchers at Utah State University have found that creating cavities in the water's surface can significantly reduce the initial impact force of objects entering a body of water. This phenomenon, known as 'free surface preparation,' has been tested with spheres and resulted in a 40-60% reduction in impact force. The study has potenti...

Exoplanet stepping stones

Scientists at the W.M. Keck Observatory have made robust data on a young giant gas planet, confirming its water composition and lack of methane. The team is perfecting their technique using advanced instrumentation to study giant planets and prepare for future searches for life on Earth-like exoplanets.

The eyes have it

High levels of prions were found throughout the eyes of deceased sCJD patients, suggesting the eye as a potential source for early detection and prevention of disease transmission. Researchers also discovered that prion seeds accumulate in the retina, with implications for diagnostic tests before symptoms become apparent.

A Mexican cavefish with a scarred heart

Scientists have discovered that a Mexican cavefish can regenerate its heart tissue, unlike its blind and translucent cousin. Researchers found three DNA segments responsible for the ability to regenerate heart tissue, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms behind this process.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 20, 2018

Scientists unveil completely human platform for testing age-specific vaccine responses

Scientists developed a human tissue culture construct to test immune responses to vaccines, enabling rapid assessment of candidates and accelerating the development process. The platform replicates immune responses in different populations and age groups, allowing researchers to select human vaccine candidates before human trials.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 20, 2018

Does Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' influence teen suicide? Survey asks at-risk youths

A Michigan Medicine study finds that nearly half of suicidal adolescents who watched Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' reported an increased suicide risk, highlighting the need for parental vigilance and tailored prevention programming. The majority of teens who discussed their reactions with peers did so without a parent's involvement.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 20, 2018

A smartphone and new software could help save infants born preterm

A new machine learning algorithm combined with a handheld smartphone device can accurately estimate the gestational age of premature newborns. The technology has the potential to aid healthcare workers in remote and low-income countries, where preterm births are a leading cause of child mortality.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 20, 2018

Many patients diagnosed with adenomas may not receive colonoscopies in recommended time frame

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that many patients diagnosed with adenomas often do not receive subsequent colonoscopies within the recommended time frame. The study analyzed patterns and factors associated with the receipt of colonoscopy within approximately three years of a diagnosis of ...

Babies born with broken hearts

Fetal single ventricle defects can be identified with echocardiograms, but irregular filling mechanics may contribute to defects in developing fetal hearts. Researchers are exploring how flow patterns affect outcome and could use fluid dynamics to advance the mechanistic understanding of heart failure in children.

Being fair: The benefits of early child education

A new study published in Nature Communications found that children from low-income families who received early intensive education tend to exhibit high levels of fairness in their decision-making processes decades later. They are more sensitive to inequality and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains, suggesting a lasting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018

Why macrophages rest in healthy tissue

Researchers have discovered that macrophage activity is lowered when they sit in tissue between cells, even with pro-inflammatory stimuli present. This mechanism helps prevent unnecessary inflammatory responses in healthy tissues.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 20, 2018

Neuroimaging study reveals 'hot spot' for cue-reactivity in substance-dependent population

A neuroimaging study reveals that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) shows increased activity when patients are shown drug cues, indicating a potential target for addiction treatment. The study aims to develop a novel non-invasive therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to modulate neural networks.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 20, 2018

Parental 'feeding styles' reflect children's genes

Research from King's College London and UCL found that parents' feeding practices are shaped by their child's natural body weight, which is influenced by genes. Parents of children with a higher genetic predisposition to weight tend to be more restrictive, while those of children with a lower predisposition are more pressuring.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 20, 2018

How a crystal is solvated in water

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used microscopic methods to observe the solvation process of a crystal in water. The team imaged individual molecules at extremely low temperatures, revealing the attachment of solvent molecules and the loss of molecular order.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 20, 2018

The final stage before a big bang?

A team of vulcanologists from ETH Zurich has found evidence suggesting the Phlegraean Fields are in the early stage of a new caldera cycle, which could lead to another massive eruption. The researchers used rock samples from previous eruptions to reconstruct the conditions in the crust and create a model of the cycle.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2018

The taming of the dog, cow, horse, pig and rabbit

A recent study by Earlham Institute sheds light on the genetic orchestra conductors behind domestication of dogs, cows, horses, pigs, and rabbits. By analyzing microRNAs in their brains, testicles, hearts, and kidneys, researchers discovered that some miRNAs have evolved more recently, playing a crucial role in emerging novel traits.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 20, 2018

Scientists identify new genetic causes linked to abnormal pregnancies and miscarriages

A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre identified three genes responsible for recurrent molar pregnancies, a rare complication that occurs when a non-viable pregnancy with no embryo implants in the uterus. They discovered MEI1, TOP6BL/C11orf80, and REC114 mutations linked to genetic causes of fetal loss and miscarriages.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 20, 2018

A study suggests that epigenetic treatments could trigger the development of aggressive tumours

A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology suggests that epigenetic treatments can alter the accumulation of mutations in tumors, potentially leading to more aggressive tumor growth. The researchers warn that these treatments should be used with caution and further studied before being used in clinical practice.

Get dressed!

Researchers develop novel method to realistically simulate dressing tasks using machine learning techniques, incorporating sense of touch to overcome challenges in cloth simulation. The approach enables single dressing sequences and a character controller that can successfully dress under various conditions.

Project receives additional $13 million to accelerate progress to redesign photosynthesis

The Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project has received an additional $13 million to accelerate its progress in redesigning photosynthesis. The funding will be used to test model predictions in key crops and translate yield-boosting technologies more quickly, aiming to achieve a 50 percent yield increase.

Plant root hairs form outward due to shank hardening

Plant root hairs grow long by suppressing lateral cell expansion due to PI(3,5)P2 regulation. This allows for increased surface area absorption of water and nutrients from the soil. The discovery sheds light on plant cell morphogenesis and could lead to the development of more efficient nutrient-absorbing plants.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 20, 2018