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Science News for April 10, 2019


New electron microscopy technique limits membrane destruction

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new electron microscopy technique called cryoAPEX that accurately tracks membrane proteins in well-preserved cells. This breakthrough method combines the benefits of high-pressure freezing and chemical fixation techniques to produce high-quality images of protein structures.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateApr 10, 2019

Identification of lymph node cells that may play important roles in immune tolerance

Researchers at Kanazawa University identified a new type of cell in lymph nodes that may play a crucial role in maintaining immune tolerance. These Aire ILC3-like cells are similar to innate lymphoid cells found in the gut and have been shown to eliminate auto-reactive T cells, suggesting they may help prevent autoimmune diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

Cancer: Central role of cell 'skeleton' discovered

Research shows that branched actin transmits information to cells about their environment and regulates growth, a mechanism that can be targeted to fight certain types of cancer. Inhibiting branched actin formation prevents the growth of melanoma cells, offering new therapeutic options.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Research·DateApr 10, 2019

New quantum material could warn of neurological disease

Researchers have developed a new quantum material that can automatically detect hydrogen levels in the brain, offering potential early detection of neurological diseases like Parkinson's. The material uses ionic currents to identify molecules, such as glucose and dopamine, which serve as indicators of brain health.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2019

Releasing an immune system brake could help patients with rare but fatal brain infection

A small-scale NIH-led clinical study found that pembrolizumab can slow or stop the progression of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal brain infection caused by the JC virus. The treatment resulted in improved symptoms and reduced viral levels in five patients with PML.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

International astronomers reveal first image of event horizon of super-massive black hole

A team of international astronomers, including those from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, have successfully captured the first direct image of a supermassive black hole's event horizon. The image reveals the black hole at the center of Messier 87, a massive galaxy 55 million light-years from Earth.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 10, 2019

Scientists identify a key gene in the transmission of deadly African sleeping sickness

Researchers have identified phosphodiesterase-B1 as a critical gene for the transmission of African sleeping sickness, a disease transmitted by tsetse flies. The study reveals that the parasite's movement from the fly's midgut to the salivary gland is controlled by this gene, providing new insights into the disease-causing mechanism.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2019

Evolution from water to land led to better parenting

A study of over 1000 frog and toad species found that those living on land invested more time and effort in parental care, leading to increased survival rates and colonization of terrestrial habitats. The research also discovered diverse parenting behaviors, including male involvement in egg protection and female nourishment.

New study finds higher C-section infection risk for mothers on Medicaid

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that mothers delivering via cesarean section covered by Medicaid had a 1.4 fold increase in surgical site infection compared to those covered by private insurance. The risk of infection may be linked to factors such as patient health literacy, provider variability...

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 10, 2019

Adenosine kinase deficiency makes liver more susceptible to carcinogen

Researchers discovered that reduced adenosine kinase expression in the liver makes it more susceptible to carcinogenic damage and liver cancer. In a study published in Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research, scientists found that 64% of patients with liver cancer had lower adenosine kinase expression levels.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research·DateApr 10, 2019

Birds' surprising sound source

Researchers found that the syrinx's position at the end of the airway enhances vocal efficiency, allowing birds to communicate more effectively. This unique feature enables birds to amplify their sounds using their long necks as resonators, giving them an advantage in attracting mates and warning off predators.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 10, 2019

Dartmouth researchers offer new insights into how maternal immunity impacts neonatal HSV

Researchers found that vaccinated mothers can protect their newborns from neonatal herpes, a disease that can cause brain damage and death. The study also identified two scenarios that are particularly dangerous for newborns: acquiring genital herpes late in pregnancy or exposure to the virus through non-protected contact.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 10, 2019

CSI meets conservation

Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...

SourceStanford University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 10, 2019

Human iPSC-derived MSCs from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation signature

Researchers have discovered that human iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation-associated 50-gene signature, which is also expressed in pluripotent stem cells. This finding highlights the potential of iMSCs to act via paracrine signalling and circumvent drawbacks associated with adult MSCs.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 10, 2019

Water that never freezes

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a novel way to prevent water from forming ice crystals by creating a new class of lipids that form a 'soft' biological matter. This material confines water in narrow channels, preventing it from freezing even at extreme sub-zero temperatures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 10, 2019

More than a strip of paint needed to keep cyclists safe

A study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that marked on-road bicycle lanes and parked cars do not provide enough space for safe passing. The research, which analyzed over 18,000 vehicle passing events, suggests that a single stripe of paint is insufficient to protect cyclists.

SourceMonash University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 10, 2019

The protein p38gamma identified as a new therapeutic target in liver cancer

Researchers at CNIC have discovered that the protein p38gamma plays an essential role in initiating cell division in liver cells, making it a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer. The study found that inhibiting p38gamma slows down the development of liver cancer in mice, suggesting potential treatment options.

How severe drought influences ozone pollution

Researchers analyzed data from Fresno and Bakersfield before, during, and after the California drought to understand its impact on ozone air quality. They found that severe drought conditions led to a 20% decrease in ozone production due to reduced isoprene concentrations and altered VOCs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 10, 2019

Scientists find self-healing catalyst for potential large-scale use in hydrogen production

Researchers have developed a self-healing catalyst, SION-X, that can efficiently release hydrogen from ammonia borane, a promising energy carrier. The catalyst is based on abundant mineral Jacquesdietrichite and can be easily regenerated, stored, and handled, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 10, 2019

Nurses use FDNY geospatial mapping of opioid overdoses to inform clinical practice in real time

Researchers from NYU Meyers College of Nursing used FDNY GIS maps to develop an educational program for nurse practitioners, which improved their care and interventions on the opioid crisis. The study found that local, real-time maps informed clinical practice and increased screenings for risk-taking behaviors in adolescent populations.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateApr 10, 2019

Astronomers capture first image of a black hole

Scientists have captured the first-ever image of a black hole, which reveals the massive black hole at the center of the galaxy Messier 87. The image was achieved using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), an unprecedented Earth-sized virtual telescope linking telescopes around the globe.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 10, 2019

Simultaneous heatwaves caused by anthropogenic climate change

A recent study by ETH researchers suggests that anthropogenic climate change is causing simultaneous heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere, affecting key agricultural regions and densely populated areas. The study found that such large-scale heatwaves first appeared in 2010 and have since become more frequent and widespread.