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Science News for February 14, 2019


Immunological scarring from coeliac disease

A new study suggests that coeliac disease permanently replaces 'tissue-healing' T cells with 'pro-inflammatory' T cells in the bowel, causing chronic inflammation and potentially contributing to other intestinal disorders. The research has implications for gut health in affected patients.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCell·DateFeb 14, 2019

New research center at TU Graz

The COMET Project aims to create a low-carbon special powertrain research center at TU Graz, focusing on CO2-neutral fuels, hybrid drive technology, and electric powertrain components. The four-year project is funded by six million euros and strengthens Austria's research and production location.

Social threat learning influences our decisions

Researchers found that social threat learning, such as watching a video or receiving oral instructions, can influence decision-making just as strongly as first-hand experience. Participants who learned a certain image was dangerous continued to avoid it, even when it led to more shocks, indicating irrational behavior.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2019

Cracking colibactin's code

Researchers studied how colibactin damages DNA and created a novel technique to identify DNA adducts. They isolated and characterized the products of the reaction with DNA, revealing a cyclopropane ring structure that forms the colibactin warhead.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateFeb 14, 2019

Shaping light lets 2D microscopes capture 4D data

Rice University researchers have developed a method to capture 4D data using 2D microscopes, enabling scientists to visualize molecules' locations and movements in living cells. The technique uses custom phase masks to manipulate light and separate spatial and temporal information.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateFeb 14, 2019

Blindfolded training could help doctors save young lives

A simulation training study found that blindfolding pediatric team leaders improved their leadership skills ratings by 11% compared to non-blindfolded leaders. The technique may help save lives by enhancing communication and reducing distractions during resuscitation scenarios.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateFeb 14, 2019

What's age got to do with it?

New research from the European Society of Cardiology shows that physiological health, as measured by exercise stress testing performance, is a better predictor of survival than chronological age. This finding suggests that individuals who are physically fit may live longer than those who are not.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateFeb 14, 2019

How proteins become embedded in a cell membrane

A team of ETH Zurich researchers used single-molecule force spectroscopy to investigate how membrane proteins become embedded in cell membranes. They discovered the role of two helper proteins, insertase and translocase, which enable membrane proteins to embed themselves in the membrane. The study sheds light on the folding pathways of...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2019

Gravitational waves will settle cosmic conundrum

Measurements of gravitational waves from binary neutron stars will definitively resolve the debate on the universe's expansion rate. By observing 50 binary neutron stars over the next decade, scientists can calculate the Hubble constant accurately, resolving the conflict between conflicting measurements.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Merging neutron stars

Research groups calculate the signature of a phase transition in gravitational waves emitted by merging neutron stars, which could reveal the presence of quark matter. A phase transition may occur when densities exceed atomic nuclei and temperatures reach 10,000 times those in the Sun's core.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 14, 2019

Companies with more financial analysts produce more and better-quality patents

Researchers from UC3M and UAB found that companies with more financial analysts are more likely to acquire innovative companies, make corporate venture capital investments, and reduce internal R&D expenses. This leads to a better allocation of R&D resources, an increase in the number of patents, and improvement in their quality.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateFeb 14, 2019

To tool or not to tool?

Researchers studied tool-related decision-making in orangutans and found they carefully considered factors like tool functionality and food quality. The apes chose the tool when it worked with the apparatus, but prioritized immediate food rewards if the tool was non-functional.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2019

Study affirms self-reported sleep duration as a useful health measure in children

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that self-reported sleep parameters reported by children and their parents are relatively accurate compared to objective measures. Children overestimated their sleep duration by a median of 32 minutes, while parents overestimated it by 36 minutes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay

Researchers developed a near-weightless material with exceptional structural stability and superinsulation, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The unique ceramic aerogel features unusual double-negative-index properties, demonstrating robustness against high-temperature exposure and rapid temperature swings.

US older women three times as likely to be treated for osteoporosis as men

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that US older women are three times more likely to receive treatment for osteoporosis than men of similar age. Men aged 80+ were particularly under-screened and undertreated, with only 10-13% having a bone density scan and fewer than 1 in 10 treated with bisphosphonates.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2019

The ways of wisdom in schizophrenia

Researchers found that nearly one-third of persons with schizophrenia had 'normal' wisdom scores, which correlated with fewer psychotic symptoms, improved cognitive performance, and enhanced everyday functioning. Assessing and enhancing wisdom may help improve the quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateFeb 14, 2019

Molecular Lego blocks

A team of researchers from TUM used computational screening and data mining to analyze 64,000 organic compounds, identifying key structural frameworks and functional groups that facilitate favorable charge transport. The study reveals the importance of molecular design in creating efficient electronic components.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Study on measles transmission in China have implications for controlling the epidemic worldwide

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School used a new model-inference system to estimate population susceptibility and demographical characteristics in three key locations in China. The study found that catch-up vaccination targeting migrant populations may be an efficient means of controlling current epidemics in big cities, wh...

Teens living in US states allowing medical marijuana smoke less cannabis

A large-scale study of American high school students found that legalizing medicinal marijuana has led to a drop in cannabis use among teenagers. The study, which used data from over 800,000 students across 45 states, found a 1.1% reduction in teen cannabis smokers in states with medical marijuana laws compared to those without.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateFeb 14, 2019

Diet could help runners beat stomach issues

A new study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that a low FODMAP diet reduces exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms and improves perceived ability to exercise. The research involved a group of healthy recreational exercisers who followed two eating plans with varying FODMAP content.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateFeb 14, 2019

Brain pathways of aversion identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped brain networks that control the habenula, a structure linked to feelings of discomfort and aversion. The study suggests a specific pathway that can be modulated using optogenetics, offering hope for developing new treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 14, 2019

What happens to magnetic nanoparticles once in cells?

Magnetic nanoparticles break down within stem cells, releasing iron that's stored in non-magnetic form or used to create new magnetic particles. This phenomenon may help explain the presence of natural magnetism in human cells.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2019

Get fit for a fit gut

Research suggests that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with greater gut microbiota diversity, independent of body fat percentage. The study found that exercise at a high intensity improved gut microbiota diversity in cancer survivors.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateFeb 14, 2019