Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 25, 2019


New in the Hastings Center Report: Federal right-to-try, the gamification of science, & more

The federal right-to-try law has been criticized for undermining the FDA's role in monitoring drug safety and efficacy, potentially creating a loophole for pharmaceutical companies to sell unapproved drugs. In contrast, citizen science and gamification are changing the way research is conducted, with nonprofessional volunteers contribu...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 25, 2019

Alcohol relapse rate among liver transplant recipients identical regardless of sobriety period

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Developing a model critical in creating better devices

A new computational model developed by Preeya Achari predicts the behavior of water on the surface of hexagonal boron nitride, a compound used in cosmetic products. The model provides more control over devices made with this material and water, leading to improved performance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateApr 25, 2019

Exercise activates memory neural networks in older adults

A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateApr 25, 2019

Bacteria uses viral weapon against other bacteria

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria use viruses to identify and kill rival bacteria for resources. The discovery has implications for synthetic biology and medicine, where understanding bacterial competition could lead to breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 25, 2019

Early, hormone-driven breast cancer is less likely to recur if treated with radiotherapy

Women with early, low-risk hormone-driven breast cancer who receive radiotherapy after surgery have a significantly lower risk of recurrence and improved disease-free survival compared to those without radiotherapy. The study found that whole breast irradiation is effective in reducing in-breast recurrences and improving overall survival.

Caffeine gives solar cells an energy boost

Scientists have discovered that caffeine can improve the performance and thermal stability of perovskite solar cells, increasing their efficiency from 17% to over 20%. The unique molecular structure of caffeine allows it to interact with perovskite precursors, giving this technology an edge on the market.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateApr 25, 2019

Using DNA templates to harness the sun's energy

A team of researchers at Arizona State University has made significant progress in optimizing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic the first stage of photosynthesis. They have developed a way to use DNA to self-assemble structures that capture and transfer energy over long distances with high efficiency.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 25, 2019

Healthy aging entails reorganization of function in prefrontal brain areas

Researchers analyzed 82 studies on working memory mechanisms in adults of different age groups. Meta-analyses showed that brain function decreases agreement with aging, suggesting functional reorganization in the prefrontal cortex. This changes may be a sign of compensatory function or increased variability in older adults.

Bringing information into the cell

Researchers at PSI have produced the most detailed image to date of a type of membrane protein involved in signal transmission. They discovered that this protein inhibits itself, preventing overproduction of cAMP, an important secondary messenger in cell signaling.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2019

Injections, exercise promote muscle regrowth after atrophy in mice, study finds

Researchers have discovered that injecting cells called pericytes into muscles depleted by inactivity can help restore lost muscle mass. The treatment showed significant improvement in muscle recovery compared to those who regained mobility without injections, particularly in older adults and disabled individuals.

Biomimicry of basic instinct

Chemical engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that mimics feeding, fighting, and fleeing responses in microbial particles. The system uses catalyst-coated sheets to create chemical gradients, allowing particles to respond to their environment and interact with each other.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2019

WINTHER trial results

The WINTHER trial successfully matched personalized therapy to 35% of patients with advanced cancer, showing improved overall survival for those with a high degree of matching. The trial's strategy employed RNA expression testing to tailor treatment based on gene expression differences between tumors and normal tissues.

SourceWIN Consortium·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Dengue research in the Philippines evolving over time

Researchers reviewed 60 years of dengue literature to identify trends and knowledge gaps in the Philippines. The study found that the number of dengue publications increased, but there are still gaps in basic laboratory research and newer intervention measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 25, 2019

Dermcidin may play role in the pathogenesis of skin disease hidradenitis suppurativa

Researchers at the George Washington University found dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide, is downregulated in hidradenitis suppurativa skin, suggesting its role in disease pathogenesis. The study suggests multiple biological pathways are disrupted in HS, warranting further investigation into new therapeutic options.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology·DateApr 25, 2019

'13 Reasons Why' and young adults' risk of suicide

Researchers found that viewers who watched the entire second season of '13 Reasons Why' were less likely to report recent self-harm and thoughts of ending their lives compared to those who didn't watch at all. Young adults, particularly students, showed increased risk for future suicide when watching only part of the series.

How to combine 'leg day' with running

James Cook University scientists found that ignoring recovery between endurance and resistance training can impair endurance development. The team suggests prioritizing recovery periods and adjusting training variables such as intensity and volume to minimize fatigue between modes of training.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSports Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Accounting for ice-earth feedbacks at finer scale suggests slower glacier retreat

Researchers found that accounting for the grounding line's interaction with the solid earth reveals a delayed ice sheet collapse, slowing glacier retreat at major ice structures like Thwaites Glacier. This reduces sea level rise projections by over 25%. Fine-scale feedbacks improve predictions and guide future research.

New tech will detect infant breathing problems

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University are developing a wearable sensor to monitor respiratory rate in new-born babies, especially in poor areas where access to healthcare is limited. The innovative technology aims to provide faster and more accurate identification of health conditions in new-borns, potentially saving lives.