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Science News for December 13, 2019


Salmon lose diversity in managed rivers, reducing resilience to environmental change

A recent study found that managed rivers in California are compromising the diversity of native Chinook salmon, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes. The researchers suggest that restoring natural flows and habitats could improve their survival rates, while also preserving a 'portfolio effect' that allows for adaptabili...

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 13, 2019

Paving the way to healing complex trauma

A major study has identified seven key themes to inform strategies for supporting Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents in the first years of their children's lives. The research aims to break the cycle of intergenerational and complex trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 13, 2019

High-tech method for uniquely targeted gene therapy developed

Neuroscientists at Lund University have developed a new technology to deliver gene therapy to specific cell types, accelerating evolution from millions of years to weeks. The method combines computer simulations and modeling with gene technology and sequencing to tailor virus shells for precise targeting.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2019

Researchers create synthetic nanopores made from DNA

Scientists successfully created a large synthetic nanopore made from DNA with a functional gating system for sensing and bio-sensing applications. The pore can translocate large protein-sized macromolecules between compartments separated by a lipid bilayer, enabling label-free real-time biosensing of trigger molecules.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2019

Colliding molecules and antiparticles

Researchers Marcos Barp and Felipe Arretche developed a model predicting rotational energy loss when positrons collide with molecules like CF4 and methane. The model agreed well with experimental results and could improve PET scanning techniques, providing new insights into matter-antimatter interactions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 13, 2019

Knowledge-sharing: a how-to guide

The study identified two fundamental patterns of knowledge exchange: theory-method and technical interdisciplinary collaborations. The researchers developed recommendations for effective working in interdisciplinary teams, including agreeing on goals, communication rules, and research tools, to save time and money.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2019

Tracking titin in real time

MDC researchers used new imaging techniques to track titin's entire lifecycle, revealing its dynamic nature and unexpected pool of soluble titin outside the sarcomere. This breakthrough provides novel insight into muscle tissue formation and could lead to understanding of human diseases associated with mutated sarcomeric proteins.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2019

Following the lizard lung labyrinth

Researchers discovered that Savannah monitor lizards have lung structures with a complex airflow pattern that is part bird and part mammal. The unique system distributes air into tiny chambers and exhibits unidirectional airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.

Entrectinib effective, well-tolerated against ROS1 and NTRK lung cancers, especially with brain metastases

The pooled analysis of three clinical trials shows entrectinib is effective in 77% of patients with ROS1+ NSCLC and 57% of patients with NTRK+ NSCLC, with significant response rates and progression-free survival times. Entrectinib's ability to penetrate brain metastases makes it a promising treatment for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 13, 2019

Patient-reported outcomes predict aromatase inhibitor adherence

Researchers found that women with poorer quality of life, higher pain and endocrine symptoms, and negative beliefs about medication effectiveness are more likely to stop taking aromatase inhibitors. Patient-reported outcomes can act as biomarkers, predicting non-adherence and informing personalized treatment strategies.

SourceSWOG·DateDec 13, 2019

Better studying superconductivity in single-layer graphene

Physicists have discovered that an existing technique is more accurate in explaining the 'critical temperature' of superconductivity in pure, single-layer graphene. This finding has significant implications for understanding graphene's diverse structural properties and potentially aiding the development of new technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 13, 2019

Historical look at US army suicides

This observational study examines US Army suicides from 1819 to 2017, revealing a significant increase in rates over time. The peak suicide rates occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, with a total of 4,000 deaths recorded during this period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 13, 2019

Problem drinkers have higher 'benzo' use, UCSF-Kaiser Permanente study shows

Researchers at UCSF-Kaiser Permanente found that primary care patients with 'unhealthy alcohol use' were 15% more likely to take benzodiazepines than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers. This increased risk was associated with a higher likelihood of overdose, accidents, falls, and exacerbation of psychiatric conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateDec 13, 2019

City College leads new photonics breakthrough

A new approach to trapping light in artificial photonic materials could revolutionize data transfer speeds online. Researchers at City College of New York led by Alexander B. Khanikaev have made a significant breakthrough, enabling the design of new optical resonators that may impact devices used daily.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 13, 2019

Multi-omics approach offers new insights into peanut allergy severity

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology identified over 300 genes and 200 CpG sites associated with reaction severity. The research suggests that neutrophil-mediated immunity plays a prominent role in peanut allergy reactions, offering potential new targets for treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 13, 2019

Why are giant pandas born so tiny?

A Duke University study finds that baby pandas' bones mature at the same rate as other mammals, but are developed at an accelerated pace. The researchers used micro-CT scans to create 3D digital models of each baby's bony interior and discovered that giant panda skeletons are just like those of closely related animals, but smaller.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateDec 13, 2019