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Science News Archive April 2019


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A promising new treatment for infants with Noonan syndrome

Researchers at Université de Montréal found that MEK inhibitor trametinib can reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and valvular obstruction in patients with RIT1-associated NS. Dramatic improvement was seen in two infants treated with the drug, suggesting a new treatment option for life-threatening heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 30, 2019

Keto diet has potential in military, researchers say

A new study published in Military Medicine found that a ketogenic diet can lead to significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity among military personnel. Participants on the keto diet lost an average of 17 pounds and reduced their body fat by 5%, while those on a normal diet experienced no such changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMilitary Medicine·DateApr 30, 2019

Researchers identify causes and mechanisms of polycystic ovary syndrome using family-based genetic analysis

A study using family-based genetic analysis has identified the DENND1A gene as playing a major role in PCOS, enabling personalized medicine approaches and better disease prediction. The findings suggest that rare genetic variants in this gene contribute to the disorder's distinctive hormonal profile.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2019

Tracking small things in cells

Researchers created SCOTfluors, a class of small fluorophores that can be attached to common metabolites and emit light in the visible to near-infrared range. This allows for the observation of metabolite trafficking in living cells without destroying them.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2019

Study shows high phenolic acid intake -- associated with a healthy diet -- is associated with reduced breast cancer risk

A high intake of phenolic acids associated with a healthy diet is linked to a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The study found that women who consumed the most hydroxycinnamic acids, particularly chlorogenic acids found in coffee and fruits, had a 62% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with low intake.

Responding to extremist attacks: For Muslim leaders, 'It's damned if you do, damned if you don't'

A University of Michigan study found that expressing empathy for victims after an extremist attack can alleviate negative responses from non-Muslims. However, accepting group responsibility can cultivate perceptions of collective guilt and backfire, increasing the perception that Muslim Americans are to blame for terrorist acts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMedia Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Crisis and suicide prevention services struggle with demand after celebrity suicides

The NIH study found that a sudden increase in demand for suicide prevention services occurs after celebrity suicides, with a significant spike in calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The researchers emphasize the need for increased funding and efficient allocation of existing resources to ensure surge capacity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateApr 30, 2019

Anti-stress brain chemical is related to PTSD resilience after trauma

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has discovered a relationship between the anti-stress brain chemical nociceptin and PTSD symptom severity. Women with less severe PTSD symptoms had fewer receptors for the chemical in regions of the brain involved in the threat alarm system, suggesting a potential marker for resilience.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 30, 2019

Middle Pleistocene human skull reveals variation and continuity in early Asian humans

A Middle Pleistocene human skull found in southeastern China exhibits morphological similarities to other East Asian archaic human remains but also foreshadows later modern human forms. The discovery provides evidence for regional continuity in human evolution during the region's Pleistocene era.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2019

Study shows that controlling or 'wiping out' obesity and excess weight could avoid substantial numbers of premature deaths

A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity highlights the significant impact of obesity and excess weight on premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. According to the research, controlling or 'wiping out' obesity and overweight could reduce premature deaths by up to 31% in some countries.

Innovative treatment restores sight in patient

Researchers have developed an innovative treatment using long-acting steroid implants to improve vision and reduce symptoms in patients with melanoma-associated retinopathy. After three years of monitoring, the patient's visual acuity remained stable at 20/20, marking a significant breakthrough in treating this debilitating ailment.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 30, 2019

Keeping fit is more than physical: It's a state of mind

A new study in Heliyon reveals that individuals who engage in solo or group exercise activities are more motivated by social connectedness than those exercising alone. Exercise motivation, self-control styles, and personality traits also predict participation frequency, with CrossFit participants ranking highest in intrinsic motivation.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateApr 30, 2019

Do you smell what I smell?

A recent study from the Monell Center sheds light on individual differences in odor perception, finding that small changes in olfactory receptor genes can significantly impact how strong and pleasant an odor is. The research used high-throughput sequencing technology to identify genetic variations affecting odor perception.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2019

When a 'she' becomes an 'it'

A study published in Scientific Reports found that the human brain perceives women less humanity and more like an object when they are dressed in a swimsuit or underwear. This perception might trigger treatments typically observed in interactions with objects, leading to gender violence.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 30, 2019

EGLN inhibitor protects normal tissue and enables RT in mouse model of pancreatic cancer

In a mouse model of unresectable pancreatic cancer, administration of the EGLN inhibitor FG-4592 prior to ablative radiotherapy provided protection against fatal gastrointestinal bleeding and improved survival. The study found that FG-4592 effectively mimicked hypoxia in normal tissues, protecting them from radiation damage.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 30, 2019

What can be done to prevent another CRISPR crisis?

A new article recommends explicit management of conflict of interests, banning exclusive rights to research results, and enhanced informed consent to guide germline gene editing. The author argues that regulation and penalties are necessary to ensure public trust in science.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2019