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Science News for October 18, 2018


Better electrical cables can save energy

Scientists at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute are working on a £20,000 Royal Society Research Grant to create ultra-conductive wires that can transport electricity with improved energy efficiency. By mixing copper with carbon nanotubes, they aim to reduce the 10% of electricity lost in the grid.

Scientists grow functioning human neural networks in 3D from stem cells

Researchers at Tufts University have developed 3D human tissue culture models for the central nervous system that mimic brain structure and function. The models allow for the exploration of cell interactions, disease progression, and response to treatment, enabling the study of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateOct 18, 2018

Social media for medical journals operates in 'wild west,' needs more support to succeed

A new study found that medical journals need more support and resources to successfully promote research on social media. The study's authors urge medical journals to define clear roles and responsibilities for social media editors and provide more resources to help them effectively disseminate information to the public. Social media h...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateOct 18, 2018

Family Medicine and Community Health Journal volume 6, issue number three publishes

This September 2018 issue addresses various topics in family medicine, including the development of a new scale to diagnose postpartum depression among mothers of preterm babies. Additionally, it discusses educational practices for teaching medical students about family medicine-relevant clinical skills and knowledge.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateOct 18, 2018

Bioceramics power the mantis shrimp's famous punch

Researchers discovered a unique bioceramic saddle structure in the mantis shrimp's limbs that stores elastic energy without breaking. The structure consists of two layers with different materials, allowing it to withstand large forces and enable rapid raptorial strikes.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateOct 18, 2018

Sculpting bacteria into extreme shapes reveals the rugged nature of cell division

Researchers at OIST modified bacterial cells to form elaborate shapes, including stars, triangles, and pentagons, demonstrating the adaptability of bacterial cell division machinery. These findings suggest that geometry is not an obstacle to ring formation and have implications for developing new antibiotics.

Scientists develop DNA molecule that may one day be used as 'vaccine' for prostate cancer

Researchers at City of Hope have developed a synthetic DNA molecule that disables tumor defense systems while inducing immune responses, eliminating difficult-to-treat prostate cancer in experimental models. The novel two-step strategy relies on two opposite actions of the same 'hot and cold' molecule to remove obstacles to treating me...

SourceCity of Hope·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 18, 2018

Predictability limit for tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific

Researchers used NLLE approach to estimate predictability limit of TCs over WNP basin, finding a baseline uncertainty of 102 hours comparable to TC intensity. The spatial distribution characteristics reveal varying predictability limits across regions, with highest in eastern WNP and lowest in South China Sea.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 18, 2018

Cytokine mediates obesity-related factors linked to colorectal cancer

A new study reveals the mechanistic relationship between cytokine IL-1ß, obesity, and colorectal cancer. Increased IL-1ß levels in obese mice activate multiple pathways leading to colon cancer. The study highlights the close linkage of obesity and inflammatory response, reflecting IL-1ß's broad actions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 18, 2018

A new mechanism in the control of inflammation

Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have discovered a new mechanism that controls tissue infiltration by neutrophils, which are tasked with eliminating the source of infection or inflammation. This regulation prevents excessive tissue injury and is essential to understanding immune system balance.

Bug guts shed light on Central America Chagas disease

Researchers analyzed DNA from kissing bugs to understand the complex interactions between humans, parasites, and microbes involved in Chagas disease. The study found two strains of Trypanosome cruzi and a higher bacterial species richness in infected insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 18, 2018

ANU researchers find new disease

Researchers at ANU have discovered a new syndrome with an immune deficiency and inflammatory diseases of the skin, lymph nodes, and spleen. The study provides a powerful method for resolving potentially important genetic variants using whole genome sequencing and gene editing.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 18, 2018

Elucidating cuttlefish camouflage

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Brain Research and Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies developed techniques to reveal the cuttlefish brain's control network. By analyzing skin pattern dynamics, they inferred motor neuron activity and predicted higher-level control structures, providing insights into biological camouflage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2018

Aerobic exercise has antidepressant treatment effects

Supervised aerobic exercise demonstrated large antidepressant effects in patients with major depression, significantly better than medication and/or psychological therapies. It showed comparable effects across various settings and delivery formats, including outpatient and inpatient care.

SourceWiley·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateOct 18, 2018

One in six premenopausal early breast cancer patients do not adhere to hormonal therapy

A French prospective study found that nearly one in six premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer do not adequately adhere to tamoxifen therapy after one year, potentially leading to increased risk of recurrence. The study aimed to identify clinical and social characteristics associated with poor adherence to endocrine therapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateOct 18, 2018

Yale-led team finds missing-in-action MS genes

A Yale-led team has identified four new genetic variants that directly damage gene sequences, accounting for an additional 5% of MS disease risk. The findings contradict previous theories on the role of common genetic variants in MS, providing promising new avenues for research and study.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateOct 18, 2018

Not all prion strains interfere with each other

New research reveals that not all prion strain combinations result in interference, suggesting greater strain diversity than previously thought. The study found that co-infecting strains amplify independently, changing the paradigm of prion strain interactions and implications for interspecies transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 18, 2018

Eating leafy greens could help prevent macular degeneration

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that consuming vegetable nitrates, primarily from green leafy vegetables and beetroot, can reduce the risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration by 35%. Eating 100-142mg of vegetable nitrates daily was associated with this reduced risk.

SourceWestmead Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 18, 2018

For preterm infants, skin-to-skin contact affects hormone levels -- and may promote parental engagement

Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateOct 18, 2018

Mice need a clutch to smell

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered that shootin 1b is essential for neuron migration to the olfactory bulb, which affects brain development and adaptation. The study reveals how shootin 1b mediates a mechanical clutch to generate force for neuronal movement.

E-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing: Study

A recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that e-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing, causing damage comparable to traditional cigarette smoking. The researchers discovered increased tissue death and delayed wound healing in experimental models exposed to both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateOct 18, 2018

Why does diabetes cause heart failure?

A Loyola University Chicago study reveals that diabetes causes heart failure through the accumulation of methylglyoxal, which weakens heart muscle cells. The findings suggest new drug treatments to counter the effects of methylglyoxal and prevent heart failure in diabetics.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 18, 2018

Tough laws prevent gun deaths

A global report confirms that tough gun laws in Australia and other countries have led to a significant decrease in firearm deaths, particularly suicides. The study found that the Australian National Firearms Agreement has been closely linked to this decline, with other countries showing similar results.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 18, 2018

Wheel running measures mouse distress better

A new study published in PLOS Biology introduces a tool to assess mouse distress through voluntary wheel running, showing strong correlation with experimental colitis severity. The findings may simplify statistical analysis in future trials and provide a better way to implement the 3R principles into biomedical research.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 18, 2018

Experiences with doctors and hospitalization risk in hispanic kidney disease patients

A recent study found that Hispanic kidney disease patients with poor primary care experiences have a higher risk of hospitalization. The study analyzed data from 252 patients and found associations between low communication quality, health promotion, interpersonal treatment, and trust with increased hospitalization risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 18, 2018

Children with autism, developmental delays nearly 50 percent more likely to be overweight, obese

A new study reveals that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delays are up to 50% more likely to be overweight or obese compared to the general population. Children with severe ASD symptoms are at an even higher risk, being 1.7 times more likely to be classified as overweight or obese.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 18, 2018