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Science News for October 30, 2018


Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 30, 2018

Russian scientists obtain new results in the study of inorganic pigments with apatite structure

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have synthesized a high-purity sample of barium hypomanganate chloride and characterized its crystal structure and chemical environment. The study has stabilized the degree of manganese oxidation and measured its isobaric heat capacity, revealing anomalous behavior below 15K.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateOct 30, 2018

Tiny light detectors work like gecko ears

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that uses tiny detectors to map the angle of incoming light waves, inspired by the unique structure of geckos' ears. This technology could support advances in lens-less cameras, augmented reality, and robotic vision.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2018

Flood of genome data hinders efforts to ID bacteria

A recent study published in Genome Biology found that the rapid growth of genomic databases is affecting the accuracy of bacterial species identification. The research, led by Rice University scientist Todd Treangen, reveals that the imbalance in database coverage hinders the ability to quickly identify pathogens.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 30, 2018

When silence acts as a mirror

A study by the Society for Consumer Psychology reveals that people generally assume silent group members share their own opinions, even when outnumbered. This 'mirror effect' could lead leaders to misinterpret group consensus and quiet individuals to inaccurately agree with dominant views.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 30, 2018

NSF awards two grants for polymer research

Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to create new ways to use renewably sourced plant and wood polymers to tackle long-standing challenges in medical drug solubility. The project focuses on designing biodegradable polymers that can help orally administered drugs reach the bloodstream effectively.

An end to arachnophobia 'just a heartbeat away'

A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 30, 2018

Giant killers

A long-term study found that frequent disturbances outweigh severe ones in structuring kelp forest biodiversity. Annual disruptions led to a doubling of smaller plants and 30-61% fewer fish and shellfish, highlighting the importance of resilience over severity.

A new environment for repairing eyes

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new environment for repairing eyes using hyaluronic acid. By creating an ideal substrate layer with high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, they aim to improve the treatment of patients with limbal stem cell deficiency, which can lead to opaque corneas.

One month of abstinence from cannabis improves memory in adolescents, young adults

A study found that one month of abstinence from cannabis improved memory functions among adolescents and young adults, including the ability to learn and recall new information. Cognitive improvement occurred largely during the first week of abstinence, suggesting that abstaining from cannabis helps young people learn efficiently.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 30, 2018

Droplet Digital PCR enables precise detection and quantification of a promoter mutation prevalent in many cancer types

A recent study published online demonstrated that Droplet Digital PCR technology can detect and quantify rare mutations in the TERT promoter region with high sensitivity. The assays detected the mutation in 78% of samples and yielded no false positives, showing its potential as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring patients.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 30, 2018

Advertising in mobile apps for young children -- Study raises concerns about frequency and content

A study found that nearly all smartphone and tablet apps targeted at toddlers and preschoolers have commercial content, using distracting features and potentially manipulative approaches. The research suggests that designers and app stores could take steps to develop higher-quality apps for children.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 30, 2018

Dopamine drives early addiction to heroin

Scientists have made a major advance in understanding how heroin addiction develops by studying the brain circuits that lead to its powerful addictive effects. The discovery of dopamine neurons' role in reinforcing heroin's effects could help refine addiction treatment and develop less addictive painkillers.

SourceeLife·DateOct 30, 2018

Tiny beetle trapped in amber might show how landmasses shifted

A new species of insect, Propiestus archaicus, found in Burmese amber is a relative of modern flat rove beetles that lived under tree bark. The beetle's flattened body and short legs suggest it was adapted to life in the Late Cretaceous era, helping scientists understand how continents shifted millions of years ago.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateOct 30, 2018

Preventing sudden cardiac death with genome editing

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully used genome editing to correct a genetic mutation causing a rare and deadly heart condition. The study uses CRISPR/Cas9 technology to selectively disrupt the disease-causing gene, reducing arrhythmia symptoms in mice. This breakthrough could lead to a permanent treatment for p...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation Research·DateOct 30, 2018

Balloon measurements reveal dust particle properties in free troposphere over desert

The study used balloon-borne measurements to investigate dust particles in the free troposphere over a Chinese desert region. The findings suggest that mineral particles from desert areas have a local influence and are transported long distances, with coarse-mode particles dominating the size distribution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 30, 2018

How plants cope with stress

Researchers found that a specific mark on RNA molecules protects them from degradation under stressful conditions, enabling plants to more effectively respond to drought and salt stress. This mechanism could be manipulated to develop more resilient crop varieties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 30, 2018

Facial Asymmetry Increases with Age

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that facial asymmetry increases steadily with aging, especially in the lower two-thirds of the face. Researchers used 3D photogrammetry to measure facial symmetry in 191 volunteers, ranging from four months to 88 years old.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 30, 2018

High stability of the hepatitis B virus

The hepatitis B virus is highly stable at room temperature and can withstand temperatures of four degrees centigrade for nine months. Disinfectants are effective against the virus when applied undiluted, but their effectiveness decreases with dilution.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 30, 2018

University of Miami Miller School of Medicine -- managing common ankle fractures

The article discusses the challenges in managing common ankle fractures, particularly those above and below the level of the syndesmosis. Researchers recommend assessing medial clear space on radiographs and patient pain ratings to guide management. They also emphasize the importance of dynamic imaging with stress radiographs to detect...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateOct 30, 2018

Distilling a solution for fracking wastewater

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a new method to treat hydrofracturing wastewater by leveraging waste heat from drilling sites. The membrane distillation technology reduces the need for fresh water and produces high-quality water suitable for agriculture, industry, and other uses.

The science of studying the effects of extraordinary beliefs on consumer behavior

The study explores the implications of applying utilitarian, deontological, and virtue ethical standards to superstition in the marketplace. It highlights the need for researchers to clearly state the rationality of consumers' behaviors and assess their irrationality to promote consumer well-being.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 30, 2018