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Science News for September 13, 2018


Dietary fiber reduces brain inflammation during aging

A new study from the University of Illinois found that dietary fiber can reduce brain inflammation in old mice, leading to improved memory and reduced cognitive decline. The researchers discovered that high-fiber diets elevated butyrate levels in the blood, which had anti-inflammatory properties on microglia.

Testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD

Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that testosterone replacement therapy reduces respiratory hospitalizations in middle-aged and older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD in these individuals.

SourceSAGE·JournalChronic Respiratory Disease·DateSep 13, 2018

Malicious brain cell identified

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a previously unknown astrocyte subpopulation that plays a key role in driving brain inflammation. The newly discovered 'ieAstrocytes' are activated early in neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 13, 2018

Study sheds light on why the US and China don't see eye-to-eye on e-commerce

A new study by Singapore Management University finds that the US and China have distinct stances on e-commerce regulation, with the US prioritizing digital barriers and China focusing on traditional trade barriers. The study suggests that policy makers should look for areas of common interest to bring down trade barriers.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of International Economic Law·DateSep 13, 2018

New knowledge on the condition of cull sows prior to transportation to the abattoir

Researchers from Aarhus University conducted a study on the clinical condition of cull sows prior to transportation to slaughter. The results show that a significant portion of sows had various injuries and disabilities, including wounds, superficial skin lesions, and udder lesions, highlighting the need for improved animal welfare in ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalTranslational Animal Science·DateSep 13, 2018

Computer avatars play a part in dementia detection

A new system using computer avatars detects dementia with high accuracy by analyzing speech and language patterns of elderly individuals. The technology has the potential to encourage early diagnosis through daily conversations with avatars.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateSep 13, 2018

One foot in the grave for pheasants that favor a side

A new study found that young pheasants who strongly favored using their left or right leg to step over a barrier died at a significantly lower rate than those with weaker preferences. The research suggests that favouring one side of the body may bring advantages, but also explains why low levels of 'footedness' exist among pheasants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2018

High-resolution genomic map gives scientists unprecedented view of brain development

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a massive database of gene activity in individual cells during embryonic development and after birth, enabling scientists to trace specific developmental trajectories in the cerebellum. The analysis will aid understanding of brain development and provide a foundation for unde...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2018

A very special protein synthesis machinery

A team of scientists has discovered the atomic-resolution structure of a specialized ribosome in Trypanosomes, a parasitic disease-causing organism. The study reveals that these ribosomes are composed primarily of proteins, unlike other ribosomes which are dominated by RNA.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 13, 2018

Open insulin, 'DIY bio' and the future of pharma

The DIY bio movement is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry with open-source protocols for manufacturing off-patent insulin, increasing competition and potentially making life-saving medicine more affordable. The Open Insulin Project, a case study, aims to develop and release an open-source protocol for manufacturing insulin.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateSep 13, 2018

Junior investigators successfully compete for extra NIH grants

A study published in PLOS ONE found that early-career scientists who received first-time NIH grants are successful in obtaining subsequent funding. These researchers consistently submitted more applications per year, renewal applications, and to multiple NIH Institutes. They also demonstrated better grant writing skills and project scope.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2018

Leptospirosis strains identified in Uruguay cattle

Researchers identified 40 different Leptospira strains in Uruguay cattle, including rare isolates and serotypes matching those found in human leptospirosis patients. The discovery highlights the need for improved diagnostic tools and vaccination strategies to mitigate the risk of human infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 13, 2018

The irresistible CCL17

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found that CCL17 influences signal transmission in the brain and may be linked to autism. The chemokine is mainly produced by neurons in the hippocampus, a structure involved in tasks such as orientation and memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlia·DateSep 13, 2018

Out of control means off the menu

A recent study reveals that global shark catches have more than doubled since 1960, threatening almost 60% of shark species. The Hong Kong-based research highlights the need for consumers to reject shark fin products, which are often sourced from unsustainable and illegal fisheries.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMarine Policy·DateSep 13, 2018

New map of daily light integrals generated from updated data

A new map of daily light integrals has been created by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, providing guidance for greenhouse managers on local light regimes and supplemental lighting requirements. The updated maps use recent solar radiation data from 1998 to 2012, offering higher resolution and more precise data.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateSep 13, 2018

FSU researchers: Most fire in Florida goes undetected

A new study from FSU researchers indicates that common satellite imaging technologies have underestimated the number of fires in Florida. Strategically prescribed burns are proving effective against wildfires, while fire experts' reliance on faulty data may be flawed. The study found that only 25% of burned area is detected by satellites.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 13, 2018

Newspaper reporting of NHS Cancer Drugs Fund misleading

An analysis of UK newspaper reporting on the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund found mostly positive but uncritical stories, potentially misleading the public about the fund's benefits. The study suggests that media coverage contributed to a strong perception that expensive new medicines are the best way to help cancer patients.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateSep 13, 2018

Building a safer heart pump

Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.

New study finds HIV outbreak in Indiana could have been prevented

A new study by Yale University suggests that the HIV outbreak in Scott County, Indiana, could have been drastically reduced if state officials had acted sooner on warnings. The study provides quantitative evidence that the number of undiagnosed HIV infections had already fallen substantially before a public health emergency was declared.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateSep 13, 2018

Anti-inflammatory diet linked to reduced risk of early death

A recent study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with lower risks of dying from any cause, cardiovascular causes, and cancer. Participants who closely followed the diet had an 18% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who followed it to a lesser degree.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateSep 13, 2018

The Lancet Psychiatry: ADHD medication use is increasing but some patients in some countries are still not receiving the treatment they need

The study found that prescription rates for ADHD medications are still lower than diagnosis rates worldwide, highlighting disparities in clinical approaches to treating the condition. In contrast, regions like North America have higher medication use rates, but also face concerns of overdiagnosis and overmedication.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateSep 13, 2018

How a virus destabilizes the genome

A new study reveals how KSHV protein LANA drives chromosomal instability, promoting cell proliferation and aneuploidy. The findings identify NNLS as a promising target for antiviral therapies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 13, 2018