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Science News for April 30, 2019


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

Reef engineers

Marine scientists investigate the relationship between bumphead parrotfish and their coral reef habitat using molecular analysis, finding that coral rock contains more calories than live coral. The study sheds light on the complex dynamics of coral reef ecology and the role of bumphead parrotfish in shaping their environment.

Designer drugs to inhibit hepatitis A virus

Researchers have identified a promising compound, golvatinib, that inhibits hepatitis A virus infection. The discovery was made possible by combining high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy and molecular modeling to understand the structural basis of neutralization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 30, 2019

Children with high BMI who don't become obese adults do not appear to be at increased risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests that children with high BMI in childhood are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but this risk disappears if they don't become obese adults. A meta-analysis of over 25,000 children found associations between BMI and type 2 diabetes were not influenced by educational or lifestyle factors.

Nanomaterials mimicking natural enzymes with superior catalytic activity and selectivity

A KAIST research team synthesized a peroxidase-mimicking nanozyme with superior catalytic activity and selectivity, overcoming the limitations of natural enzymes. The nanozymes can accurately detect target materials like hydrogen peroxide and acetylcholine, paving the way for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Low income is a risk factor for 'catastrophic' amputation after knee joint replacement

A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that low-income patients are at higher risk of above-knee amputation after periprosthetic joint infection. The researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative hospital database and found that patients living in areas with lower incomes were 58% more likely...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateApr 30, 2019

Regenstrief, IU Health study helps chaplains provide proactive care to families in crises

A new model developed by the Regenstrief Institute provides chaplains with a framework to deliver better care to families of patients in intensive care settings. The Spiritual Care Assessment and Intervention (SCAI) framework helps chaplains provide proactive, semi-structured spiritual care to meet family members' needs.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Health Care Chaplaincy·DateApr 30, 2019

Making glass more clear

Researchers have developed an energy renormalization algorithm to predict glass' mechanical behavior at varying temperatures. This approach enables the design of dynamic materials with optimal properties, scaling molecular simulations up by roughly a thousand times.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 30, 2019

Sleep and exercise affect new moms differently than new dads

A study found that new mothers who slept more had greater well-being, while fathers who slept more reported lower overall well-being. The researchers also discovered that on days when fathers exercised more, there was a lower likelihood of arguments with their partners.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateApr 30, 2019

Antibiotics may treat endometriosis

Researchers discover that metronidazole reduces lesions caused by endometriosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for the painful condition. The study also reveals that gut microbiota may play a role in driving or preventing endometriosis progression.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateApr 30, 2019

Chatterbox parents may boost tots' intelligence

A new study by the University of York found that young children who hear a large amount of adult speech tend to have better cognitive skills. The researchers also discovered that high-quality adult speech can benefit children's linguistic development and positive parenting styles can reduce restless behavior.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Study: Health care providers split on who should prescribe HIV prevention drug

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that health care providers are divided on who should prescribe PrEP, with some arguing primary care physicians should take the lead. Meanwhile, pharmacy students showed a positive attitude towards PrEP, with 89% agreeing it can be a cost-effective tool to prevent HIV infection.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateApr 30, 2019