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Science News for December 24, 2019


First sighting of Larsonella pumilus fish in Japan

Researchers have discovered a new species of goby, Larsonella pumilus, off the coast of Okinawa, revealing insights into its habitat and relationships with other deep-sea fish. The discovery was made at a depth of 214 meters, making it the deepest recorded finding of the species.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalZootaxa·DateDec 24, 2019

Bacteria can 'outsmart' programmed cell death

Certain bacteria, such as Shigella, use lipopolysaccharides to block caspases and prevent apoptosis, allowing them to multiply intracellularly. This strategy is essential for their survival and spread within the human body.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 24, 2019

Why isn't there a vaccine for staph?

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that T cells play a critical role in protecting against staph infections. The study suggests activating untapped immune cells and immunizing infants before birth to block toxin effects. This new approach shows promise for developing an effective staph vaccine.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 24, 2019
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Preoperative levels of heart proteins may help predict death or cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

A cohort study found that preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations were independently associated with vascular death or myocardial injury at 30 days after surgery. Preoperative NT-proBNP thresholds improved discrimination and risk stratification for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2019

New technology allows control of gene therapy doses

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a molecular switch that enables precise control of gene therapy doses. The technique involves embedding an RNA molecule called a hammerhead ribozyme into the genes used in gene therapies, allowing doctors to regulate the dosing level.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 24, 2019
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Full noncontact laser ultrasound: First human data

Researchers have developed a noncontact laser ultrasound technique that generates and detects sound waves on the skin surface using eye- and skin-safe lasers. This method produces images with centimeter depths, comparable to clinical ultrasound, and shows sensitivity to tissue features currently detected by conventional ultrasound.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 24, 2019

A molecular map of the brain's decision-making area

Researchers created a molecular 3D-map of nerve cells targeted by opioids in striatum, dividing it into subregions with spatiomolecular code. This knowledge may contribute to an increased understanding of normal reward processes and the effects of addictive substances on decision-making.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 24, 2019

Lasers learn to accurately spot space junk

Researchers developed a system to accurately detect space debris in Earth's orbit using laser ranging telescopes and neural networks. The new algorithm significantly improves the success rate of space debris detection, allowing for safer spacecraft maneuvers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Laser Applications·DateDec 24, 2019

NASA sees Typhoon Phanfone landfall in the Philippines

Typhoon Phanfone made landfall in central Philippines with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite, revealing an intermittent eye feature. The storm has intensified to 65 knots and is forecast to strengthen further over the Sulu Sea and South China Sea.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 24, 2019
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