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Science News for April 29, 2019


Darwin can help your doctor

A team of scientists, led by microbiologist Marjon de Vos, conducted a review to explore the application of evolutionary theory in clinical microbiology. By analyzing microbial communities and genetic data, they identified potential solutions for treating cystic fibrosis patients and limiting the spread of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 2019

Study suggests no direct link between drinking sugar sweetened drinks and higher energy consumption or BMI in children

A nationally representative survey of UK children aged 4-10 years found no strong correlation between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and higher energy consumption or BMI. The study suggests that relying on a single-nutrient approach, such as a 'sugar tax', may not be effective in tackling childhood obesity.

Alcohol ads in sport fuel drinking culture

A new international study by Monash University and Parisien Laboratory of Social Psychology found a positive link between alcohol sponsorship and attitudes, as well as exposure to specific brands. The research suggests that incidental exposure to alcohol marketing messages influences participants' drinking attitudes.

SourceMonash University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateApr 29, 2019

Brain area tied to emotions is larger in vets, service members with mild TBI and PTSD

A new study found that veterans and active-duty service members with combat-related PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury had larger amygdalas, a key region in processing emotions, compared to those with only brain injuries. The findings suggest a potential link between amygdala size and the development of PTSD symptoms.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 29, 2019

Wax helps plants to survive in the desert

Researchers have discovered that desert plants like the colocynth use a special wax to prevent their leaves from drying out in extreme heat. This wax reduces water permeability, enabling plants to conserve water and survive. In contrast, date palms have a different type of wax that helps them thrive in hot conditions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateApr 29, 2019

Tumor-selective angiotensin blockers may improve response to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that combining tumor-selective angiotensin blockers with immune checkpoint blockers significantly improves breast cancer treatment in mouse models. The combination treatment normalizes the tumor microenvironment, inducing changes in gene expression and activating immunosupportive pathways.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Federal research significant in environmental rule-making

Stakeholders rely on federal government-sponsored research to form opinions on hydraulic fracturing, viewing it as more neutral and credible. The study highlights the importance of federal research in reducing polarization and shaping the regulatory landscape.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateApr 29, 2019

WHO study confirms breastfeeding protects against child obesity, however levels of breastfeeding across Europe are well off-target

Research from WHO Europe found that babies who were never or only partially breastfed have a higher risk of becoming obese as children compared to exclusively breastfed babies. The study suggests that promoting breastfeeding practices can help prevent childhood obesity in Europe, but adoption rates are still below global recommendations.

New WHO research reveals wide gradient of severe child obesity across Europe, with southern Europe having the highest levels

The study found a significant variation in the prevalence of severe child obesity across European countries, with Southern Europe showing the highest rates. Severe obesity is associated with worse health outcomes and limited treatment options, highlighting the need for effective policy measures to prevent obesity.

The search for nothing at all

A team at Colorado State University has developed a new technique called barium tagging, which could help scientists pinpoint single-atom byproducts of double-beta decay. This breakthrough aims to solve longstanding mysteries about neutrinos and their properties.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2019

How the bumble bee got its stripes

Researchers have identified a key gene driving color differences in bumble bee species, revealing the genetic basis of mimicry and evolutionary adaptations. The study found that a specific regulatory region influences Abdominal-B gene expression, resulting in unique color patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

Urine test could prevent cervical cancer

Researchers at University of Manchester found urine testing to be just as effective as the cervical smear in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The study suggests a urine test could increase participation rates for cervical cancer screening among younger women.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 29, 2019

Oral cancer detection by dentists is significantly on the rise

A significant rise in oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesion detection by dentists in Ontario is reported, with a nearly doubling of cancers detected between 2005 and 2015. The study suggests that comprehensive training and continuing education programs for oral health professionals may be behind the dramatic increase in detection rates.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateApr 29, 2019

A simple solution to a complex problem

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has discovered a transport protein in mycobacteria responsible for absorbing L-arabinofuranose, a crucial nutrient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Demand growing for CV specialists trained to treat heart disease in cancer patients

The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 29, 2019

Suicide rates spike nationally among youth after '13 Reasons Why' release

A recent study found a significant increase in youth suicide deaths following the release of '13 Reasons Why,' highlighting the need for responsible reporting on suicide. The series' portrayal of suicidal behavior has been criticized for potentially promoting simplistic explanations and glorifying the decedent.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2019

Release of '13 Reasons Why' associated with increase in youth suicide rates

A NIH-supported study found that the release of "13 Reasons Why" was associated with a significant increase in US youth suicide rates, particularly among young males. The show's portrayal of suicide was linked to an estimated 195 additional suicide deaths between April and December 2017.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2019

Are coffee farms for the birds? Yes and no

Research reveals coffee plantations host nearly as many bird species as forests, with shaded areas providing double the number of forest specialist birds. However, overall bird populations decline, highlighting the need for large primary forest reserves for conservation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

The last chance for Madagascar's biodiversity

A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 29, 2019

Surgery shown to improve walking for children with cerebral palsy

A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve movement and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. The selective dorsal rhizotomy procedure involves cutting sensory nerves to relieve stiffness and pain. The study provided convincing evidence that the procedure helps children, with no significant health risks identified.

Food packaging claims mislead consumers with ideas of health

Research reveals that front-of-pack food claims on breakfast cereals can be uncorrelated with actual nutritional quality, yet still influence consumers' perceptions of taste, healthiness, and fattening consequences. The study identifies four distinct types of claims and their effects on consumer choices.

SourceINSEAD·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateApr 29, 2019

Systematic review shows risk of a child developing overweight or obesity is more than trebled by maternal obesity prior to pregnancy

A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.

Fleming's method in miniature

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Attitudes toward physician-assisted death among adults with elevated level of biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease

Cognitively normal adults with elevated levels of amyloid-β exhibited mixed attitudes toward physician-assisted death, reflecting complex emotions and values surrounding end-of-life care. The study highlights the need for nuanced discussions about dying wishes and advance care planning in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 29, 2019

House hunting is a struggle for mixed-race families

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that mixed-race couples with children are more likely to move to racially diverse neighborhoods, but often settle for less affluent areas. These couples face challenges in finding neighborhoods that balance affordability with diversity and access to quality education.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDemography·DateApr 29, 2019

Magma is the key to the moon's makeup

Researchers at Yale University and Japan offer an explanation for the moon's composition, suggesting that magma played a key role in its formation. The new model suggests that 80% of the moon is made up of proto-Earth materials, contradicting previous theories that suggested the impactor was responsible.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 29, 2019

Partitioning of porous materials

Scientists have developed a fast and versatile two-in-one synthetic strategy to partition pores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), resulting in highly efficient adsorbents. The new pore-space-partitioned MOF shows better gas uptakes than unpartitioned materials, particularly for ammonia uptake with high packing density.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 29, 2019

What makes memories stronger?

Studies in rats reveal that highly demanding and rewarding experiences result in stronger memories due to replay processes in the hippocampus. This finding provides new insights into memory consolidation, which could lead to treatments that strengthen memories and better understand memory decline in diseases like dementia.

How the olfactory brain affects memory

Researchers found that piriform cortex stimulation triggers synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to enhanced memory formation. The study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the special role of olfaction in memory formation and retrieval.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 29, 2019

Continuous chemotherapy improves outcomes and quality of life in advanced breast cancer

Patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer treated with continuous chemotherapy showed improved survival rates and maintained quality of life compared to intermittent scheduling. The study also found that treatment holidays had a negative impact on physical quality of life scores, with a clinically meaningful decline at 24 months.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 29, 2019

Study links exam stress with junk food cravings, snacking, and eating less fruit and veg

A study found that university students who experience high levels of exam stress are more likely to crave junk food, snack frequently, and consume fewer fruits and vegetables. The study suggests that prevention strategies should integrate psychological and lifestyle aspects to combat stress-induced eating.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateApr 29, 2019

Deep learning takes Saturn by storm

Researchers from UCL and University of Arizona developed a 'deep learning' approach called PlanetNet to detect storms on Saturn. The algorithm accurately maps the components and features in turbulent regions, revealing previously undetected atmospheric features such as ammonia ice clouds.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 2019

Major findings help understand bacteria's 'superglue'

Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Queensland discovered how UpaB protein in bacteria sticks to human body parts, enabling new anti-microbial development opportunities. The study provides fundamental science that could inform future solutions to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2019