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Science News for December 2, 2019


Protein defect leaves sperm chasing their tails

A team of researchers from Osaka University identified a key protein required for electrical signal sensing in sperm, which is defective in individuals experiencing reduced fertility. The study's findings suggest that the protein regulates ion channel activity, affecting sperm motility and potentially leading to new fertility treatments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

Citizen scientists deserve more credit, researchers argue

Researchers argue that academic journal rules are undervaluing the contributions of citizen scientists and indigenous knowledge. To address this issue, they suggest crediting non-professionals as group co-authors for their work on projects like online species identification apps. This approach aims to recognize their valuable contribut...

SourceMacquarie University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 2, 2019

Smarter strategies

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed integrated pest management strategies to combat aquatic invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels, in California's waterways. The studies focus on using biological control methods, like sunfish, to target early life stages of these pests, reducing harm to people and the environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·DateDec 2, 2019

Svalbard reindeer populations rebounding from centuries of hunting

Researchers have found that Svalbard reindeer populations have recovered enough to recolonize virtually all non-glaciated areas in the archipelago. The population now numbers around 22,000, a significant increase from pre-hunting levels. Protection implemented in the 1920s has enabled the animals to thrive and expand their habitats.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateDec 2, 2019

Study examines the effects of weight loss surgery between pregnancies

A study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who underwent weight loss surgery between pregnancies had lower risks of hypertension and preterm birth in their second pregnancy. The likelihood of adverse outcomes did not decrease to the level observed in the general population.

SourceWiley·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateDec 2, 2019

Pharmacy service will save NHS £651 million

A pharmacy service has been shown to reduce NHS costs by £651 million while improving patient outcomes through enhanced medication adherence. The New Medicine Service, delivered by pharmacists since 2011, supports patients taking new medicines and helps them adhere to their treatment regimens.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateDec 2, 2019

Daylight damage-saving time

A research team at Kanazawa University investigated the molecular mechanisms behind organic solar cell damage from sunlight. They found that UV light causes fragile molecules to degrade, leading to reduced efficiency. This study may lead to the development of more robust and efficient solar cells.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalOrganic Electronics·DateDec 2, 2019

Developing a new AI breast cancer diagnostic tool

Researchers at Lancaster University have developed a new AI diagnostic tool for breast cancer using Raman spectroscopy to identify unique chemical fingerprints of different types of breast cancers. The algorithm successfully predicted diagnostic patterns for four subtypes with high accuracy, ranging between 70% and 100%.

SourceLancaster University·JournalExpert Review of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 2, 2019

When space travel is a blur

Researchers at Université de Montrêl are working on a new way to measure the mechanics of the human eye to protect astronauts from adverse impacts of space travel on their vision. The team has developed a non-invasive technology that can identify astronauts at risk of developing ocular damage before they go into space.

A CERN for climate change

A new modelling strategy is required to address challenges in understanding global warming, with a focus on reducing biases through physically based models. International initiatives are needed to co-develop modelling systems that exploit emerging technologies and exascale computing.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

Making higher-energy light to fight cancer

Scientists at University of California, Riverside and The University of Texas at Austin demonstrate photon up-conversion using silicon nanocrystals and organic molecules. This breakthrough brings them closer to developing photodynamic treatments for cancer and advancing new technologies for solar-energy conversion and quantum information.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2019

NIH study reports more than half of US office-based physicians recommend CHA

A new study published in JACM found that more than half (53.1%) of US office-based physicians recommended at least one CHA to their patients, with female physicians more likely to do so. Massage therapy was the most commonly recommended CHA, followed by chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation and herbs/nonvitamin supplements.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateDec 2, 2019

Machine learning that works like a dream

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba created an AI program called MC-SleepNet to automatically classify mouse sleep stages, achieving 96.6% accuracy and high robustness against noise in biological signals. This system can significantly assist researchers by automating data annotation, accelerating research on sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

New clues about the origins of familial forms of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers made progress in understanding protein conformation and accumulation in familial ALS, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1-3 individuals per 100,000. The study sheds light on the interaction between normal and mutant Sod1 proteins, revealing misfolding as a central problem in ALS.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

In hunted rainforests, termites lose their dominance

A study by Rice ecologists found that termites lose their dominance in hunted areas of an African forest, with a 170-fold decrease in abundance. Termites play crucial roles as ecosystem engineers and food sources for other organisms, highlighting the cascading impacts of megafauna loss.

SourceRice University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 2, 2019

A new offensive against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using advanced MRI technology to study the connection between small vessel disease and Alzheimer's disease, aiming to identify new prevention and treatment targets. The team will visualize cerebrospinal fluid flow in real-time, shedding light on pathways linking SVD and CSF clearance.

Brush your teeth to protect the heart

A nationwide cohort study in Korea found that frequent tooth brushing reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure by 10% and 12%, respectively. The study suggests a potential mechanism: reducing bacteria in the subgingival biofilm, which can prevent translocation to the bloodstream.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 2, 2019

Study shows importance of Quality of Life scores as prognostic factors in cancer patients

A meta-analysis of 44 clinical trials found that patient-reported outcomes are significantly associated with overall survival, confirming their importance as prognostic factors. This study aims to improve patient care by providing clinicians with valuable insights into cancer patients' needs and concerns.

A close look at a sticky situation

New research published in PNAS finds the missing link between soft surface adhesion and the roughness of the hard surface it touches. The study reveals that small-scale roughness can create more surface area for soft materials to grip, explaining predicted adhesion behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

Bushmeat may breed deadly bacteria

Researchers analyzed bushmeat samples from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and found 27 different groups of bacteria, including those causing anthrax, brucellosis, and Q fever. The team identified a high prevalence of Clostridial species, which cause diseases like botulism and tetanus.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

Mechanism that triggers the inflammatory process by Mayaro virus is discovered

A Brazilian team at FAPESP-supported Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases identified the strategy used by immune cells to combat the pathogen Mayaro virus. The study provides a basis for the development of drugs against this disease, targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and its role in producing proinflammatory molecules.

A trick for taming terahertz transmissions

Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel receiver that overcomes obstacles in terahertz radiation, enabling record-breaking transmission speeds of 30 gigabits per second. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize next-generation 6G cellular network technology and various other applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

A question of pressure

Researchers at PTB have implemented a novel pressure measurement method based on electrical measurements of helium gas, offering unique possibilities to investigate helium as an important model system for physics fundamentals. This new method has been compared with conventional mechanical and electrical pressure measurements, providing...

Mental health information in rural areas is best delivered face-to-face, study shows

A new study found that farmers prefer receiving mental health information from licensed medical providers, spouses, and friends. Face-to-face communication, such as newspapers and magazines, is also preferred over online methods like social media and the internet.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 2, 2019

Cell-free synthetic biology comes of age

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in cell-free gene expression, enabling high-yielding protein synthesis and expanding genetically encoded chemistry. This has opened doors to create new types of enzymes, materials, and therapeutics. Northwestern University's Center for Synthetic Biology is at the forefront of this field.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·DateDec 2, 2019

2D materials boost carrier multiplication

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science discovered a carrier multiplication process in 2D semiconductors that could improve the efficiency of solar cells. The phenomenon is more efficient in 2D materials than in bulk semiconductors and has the potential to increase the maximum power conversion efficiency up to 46%

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2019

Colorado study suggests new strategies against bone metastases from prostate cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study suggests two new approaches to treating bone metastases from prostate cancer: targeting different signaling pathways for lytic and blastic lesions. Both types of bone metastases show promise with anti-cancer immunotherapy, particularly those with high PD-L1 levels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 2, 2019

Breathing? Thank volcanoes, tectonics and bacteria

A new study suggests that volcanic eruptions triggered by tectonics led to the Great Oxidation Event, a significant increase in oxygen in Earth's atmosphere about 2.5 billion years ago. The research proposes that this event was also linked to a change in the composition of carbon isotopes in carbonate rock record.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 2, 2019