Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 5, 2019


New instrument extends LIGO's reach

The new instrument has helped scientists pick out dozens of gravitational wave signals, including one from a binary neutron star merger. This extended range has enabled LIGO to detect gravitational waves on an almost weekly basis, with the detectors now reaching distances of over 400 million light years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

How much will we eat in the future?

Researchers at Göttingen University predict a significant increase in global calorie requirements by 2100, driven by rising Body Mass Index (BMI) and body height. This could lead to food shortages and exacerbate malnutrition among the poor if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2019

Young people with IBD five times more likely to develop serious infections

A new study published in the UEG Journal found that young patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing severe viral infections. Clinically active IBD and immunomodulators used to treat the condition are identified as main drivers of infection, with thiopurines increasing the risk by six times.

SourceSAGE·JournalUnited European Gastroenterology Journal·DateDec 5, 2019

A momentous view on the birth of photoelectrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a breakthrough in understanding the interaction between light and matter, revealing how linear momentum is transferred to electrons during ionisation. The study found that the timing of electron 'birth' affects momentum transfer, with additional delays induced by interactions with residual ions.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Ecology: Wildfire may benefit forest bats

A study in Scientific Reports found that wildfire severity can increase bat diversity and richness, while pyrodiversity enhances occupancy rates for certain species. The authors suggest that bats may be resilient to increasing wildfires, which could impact conservation strategies.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2019

Wind and water

Research finds that torrential rains are more severe after a hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm. This counterintuitive finding highlights the importance of considering weakening storms in disaster preparedness plans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

Three types of cells help the brain tell day from night

Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2019

Chronic disease prevention could ease opioid crisis

A study from the University of Georgia found that over 90% of opioid-related hospitalizations are among patients with two or more chronic diseases, highlighting the association between chronic disease and opioid misuse. Researchers argue that prioritizing chronic disease prevention could alleviate the opioid epidemic.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 5, 2019

More than a watchdog

New research shows that nerve cells in the gut regulate gut immunity, maintain homeostasis, and provide active protection against infection. Gut neurons activate pain-sensing neurons to release neurochemicals slowing M cell differentiation and boosting SFB microbes, which guard against Salmonella invasion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2019

Next generation of CAR-T cells possible

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new approach to programming CAR-T cells that can prolong their activity and increase their effectiveness against human cancer cells. The technique uses ATAC-Seq to understand what happens when T cells become exhausted, and modifying CAR-T cells to restore balance in...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2019

Anti-hepatitis medicine surprises

A new study found that an existing antiviral treatment is effective against both the hepatitis C virus and potentially fatal complications such as reduced liver functioning and cirrhosis. The treatment also improves cognitive function, with patients experiencing improved reaction times.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·DateDec 5, 2019

Preterm birth linked to increased rates of diabetes in children and young adults, with certain effects stronger in females

New research reveals a significant association between preterm birth and an increased risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and young adults. Women born preterm are particularly at higher risk, with a 30% increase in type 2 diabetes risk and a 60% increase in type 1 diabetes risk compared to their male counterparts.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateDec 5, 2019

Rats exchange information about danger in a reciprocal fashion

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that rats can transfer information about danger to each other in both directions, influencing their responses to threats. The study suggests that this reciprocal exchange of information could enhance the detection of danger within groups, similar to cross-species eavesdropping.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

Obesity surgery improves the heart

A study presented at EuroEcho 2019 found that bariatric surgery significantly improved subclinical heart function, reversing abnormal heart structure and function in obese individuals. The surgery also led to improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, resulting in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Gulf Coast corals face catastrophe

A new study by Rice University researchers warns that coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico are on the brink of collapse due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. The study found that even reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's targets may not be enough to preserve the reefs.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 5, 2019

Cancer treatment for patients with HIV

A study found that cancer treatments in HIV patients were linked to decreased immune system health (lower CD4 counts) and higher mortality rates. Nearly 200 patients with both conditions were analyzed, providing valuable insights into the effects of cancer treatment on individuals with HIV.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 5, 2019

Between arousal and inhibition

Scientists have found that granule cells and interneurons in the brain process incoming signals differently due to their distinct structures and functional characteristics. This discovery sheds light on how malfunctions can arise in information processing, leading to memory impairments and neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019

Bats may benefit from wildfire

A study found that bats in the Sierra Nevada appear to be well-adapted to wildfire, with overall species richness increasing in burned forests. This suggests that prescribed burns and managed wildfire may benefit these species by creating diverse habitat conditions, including openings for roosting and insect-foraging.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2019

'Junk DNA' affects inherited cancer risk

A new study found that genetic variations in non-coding regions of DNA can drive cancer development. Researchers analyzed over 6 million genetic variants and discovered correlations between specific SNPs and the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateDec 5, 2019

Siberian blue lakes and their inhabitants

The study of two Siberian blue lakes reveals a similarity in zooplankton species composition to other Western Siberian lakes, with species such as cladocerans and copepods dominating. The concentration of heavy metals exceeds sanitary standards, but is characteristic of the region's aquatic ecosystems.

Lights on fishing nets save turtles and dolphins

A new study found that LED lights along the top of floating gillnets in Peruvian waters can cut accidental bycatch of sea turtles by more than 70%, and small cetaceans (including dolphins) by over 66%. The research suggests that this simple, low-cost technique could help save wildlife while allowing fishers to fish more sustainably.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 5, 2019

Can a single-celled organism 'change its mind'? New study says yes

Researchers confirm what Herbert Spencer Jennings described over 100 years ago: single-celled organisms like S. roeseli can make decisions that allow them to 'change their mind.' The findings suggest a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors determined by previous experience, with protists exhibiting complex problem-solving behaviors in respo...

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

The Lancet Public Health: One in two people who are homeless may have experienced a traumatic brain injury in their lifetime

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that one in two homeless people have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime, with almost one in four experiencing moderate or severe TBI. The findings highlight the need for healthcare workers to be aware of the burden of TBI in this population.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateDec 5, 2019

Detailed insight into stressed cells

Researchers at Goethe University develop a new method to measure acute cellular stress responses, enabling precise time-resolved measurements of thousands of proteins. This breakthrough opens the door for new therapeutic strategies in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 5, 2019

Older adults who 'train' for a major operation spend less time in the hospital

A new study found that older adults who participate in preoperative rehabilitation programs have shorter hospital stays and lower total insurance payments. The program, which includes physical exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques, was associated with improved outcomes for patients, providers, and payers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 5, 2019

Fusion by strong lasers

Researchers investigate possibility of facilitating controlled fusion reactions with assisted tunneling processes using X-ray free electron lasers. Theoretical results show promise for increasing tunneling rate, paving way for successful controlled fusion reaction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review C·DateDec 5, 2019