Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 28, 2018


Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees

A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateNov 28, 2018

The virus detectives

Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.

Global food systems are failing humanity and speeding up climate change

A new report from 130 national academies warns of a catastrophic failure of global food systems, which contribute up to 25% to greenhouse gas emissions. The report calls for climate-smart agriculture, incentives for consumers to change their diets, and innovative foods to address the root causes of the failing system.

Despite common obesity gene variants obese children lose weight after lifestyle changes

A new study published in Obesity found that children and adolescents with common obesity gene variants can still lose weight through lifestyle interventions. The researchers examined 754 participants, aged 11.6 years, who underwent a series of behavioral lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, physical activity, and sleep habits....

The protein with the starting gun

Researchers have identified a crucial protein, FtsZ, that triggers bacterial cell division when its concentration reaches a threshold. By studying the gut bacterium E. coli, scientists developed a mathematical model predicting when cell division will commence, providing new insights into this fundamental biological process.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 28, 2018

The secret to better berries? Wild bees

A study led by University of Vermont scientists reveals that wild bees are essential for larger and better blueberry yields, providing major benefits including greater berry size, quantity and earlier harvests. Maintaining natural bee habitat and reducing pesticide use can help protect wild bees.

New study explores ecosystem stability

A new study examined ancient ecosystems to understand what drives stability, finding that functional groupings are more important than the sheer number of species present. The team also found that ancient ecosystems were more stable than simulated systems, suggesting a strong imprint on history of how ecosystems are built over time.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateNov 28, 2018

Easy to use 3D bioprinting technique creates lifelike tissues from natural materials

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a simple 3D bioprinting technique using natural materials to create lifelike organ tissue models. The method allows for the creation of vascularized human gut and blood vessel networks capable of keeping cancer tumor tissues alive outside the body.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateNov 28, 2018

Sharing benefits of digitized DNA

A proposed change to the Nagoya Protocol could require users of genetic data to pay fees to donor countries, potentially hindering innovation and public health. Proponents argue it will conserve biodiversity, while opponents claim it discourages research and development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 28, 2018

Defective protein factories in disease

Research unravels mechanism of defective ribosomes causing cellular damage, including DNA mutations and increased cancer protein levels. The discovery provides a solution to Dameshek's Riddle and turns ribosome defects into an attractive target in the fight against cancer.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 28, 2018

Resilience may be neurobiological

A Northwestern University study found that youth living in high-crime neighborhoods experience worse cardiometabolic health due to neighborhood violence. However, those with higher brain connectivity in the frontoparietal central executive network display better resilience.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2018

Resource-based communities: Not just all work and no play

Researchers found that traditional leisure options are well-regarded by residents, but additional investment in tertiary recreation is beneficial for greater municipal investment. Fort McMurray's response to community facilities suggests a need for adaptable approaches to providing recreation and leisure.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Geographies / Géographies canadiennes·DateNov 28, 2018

Researchers have found the first risk genes for ADHD

A major international collaboration has identified genetic variants that increase the risk of ADHD, providing new insights into the biology behind the disorder. The study found twelve locations in the genome where people with a particular genetic variant have an increased risk of ADHD compared to those who do not.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 28, 2018

Children who start school a year early more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, study shows

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that children born in August are 30% more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis compared to their slightly older peers. The study suggests that the earlier school enrollment may lead to improper diagnosis due to normal behavior being perceived as abnormal relative to older classmates.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2018

Great apes and ravens plan without thinking

Researchers have found that great apes and ravens develop planning capacities through associative learning, rather than human-like mental simulations. The new model shows how animals can learn to make decisions that lack immediate benefits but lead to meaningful outcomes in the future.

SourceStockholm University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 28, 2018

91 percent response rate for venetoclax against newly diagnosed AML in older adults

A new combination treatment of venetoclax and azacitidine has shown a 91 percent response rate in older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment has been associated with no more side effects than the use of azacitidine alone, and patients with IDH mutations have experienced long-lasting responses.

Transfusions with older blood linked to adverse events, death, new study finds

A new study found that transfusions of packed red blood cells stored for 22 days or more are associated with a 5% increase in mortality risk in trauma patients. The study suggests that patients who require massive transfusions may benefit from receiving fresh stored packed red blood cells, or those stored for 14 days or less.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 28, 2018

The 'Chinese Pyramids' and the pole star

Researchers discover Chinese pyramids exhibit surprising orientation patterns, defying expectations of traditional funerary practices. The study suggests that ancient Chinese emperors intentionally aligned their pyramids to the star Polaris, reflecting a deeper understanding of celestial movements and astronomy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalArchaeological Research in Asia·DateNov 28, 2018

Increasing staffing levels could reduce cesarean delivery use

A study of 102,236 deliveries in France found that higher staffing levels for obstetricians and midwives were associated with lower cesarean delivery rates. A 10% increase in staff levels was linked to a 2.5% decrease in intrapartum cesarean deliveries and a 3.4% decrease in elective cesarean deliveries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 28, 2018

Baby up at night? Inactivity may be a culprit

Babies who are less active tend to get less sleep overall, according to new Michigan State University research. Infants who slept more at night had better weight-for-length scores and were less active during the day. Parents can promote tummy time and physical activity to help their baby get more sleep.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateNov 28, 2018

'Stash your trash,' say rat researchers

Researchers found that areas with higher rat complaints had increased trap rates and more garbage, suggesting a correlation between waste and rodent abundance. The study also revealed neighborhoods with high rental units tended to have more rats, possibly due to increased trash and access points.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 28, 2018

Fires fueled spread of grasslands on ancient Earth

A new study links frequent, seasonal fires to the formation and expansion of ancient grasslands. The researchers used a novel approach to analyze plant biomarkers in fossil soils, revealing that fire played a crucial role in shaping the landscape.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2018

When a city feels good, people take more risks

Researchers found that unexpected positive outcomes in cities, such as sports wins or sunny days, are correlated with a change in city mood and an increase in citizens taking risks like gambling. This effect is subtle but significant, with a predicted 2.5% increase in spending on gambling in reactive neighborhoods.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 28, 2018