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Science News for January 10, 2019


Mobile, instant diagnosis of viruses

A new high-throughput sequencing technique enables quick diagnosis of viruses like Ebola and Zika in the field, avoiding sample transfer. The technology has been validated in plant virology, paving the way for real-time detection of chronic or emerging plant viruses.

SourceCirad·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2019

Chemical synthesis of nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Tokyo successfully synthesized a phenine nanotube with intentional periodic defects, which imbue it with semiconductor characters. The discovery uses a novel process starting with benzene and platinum atoms to create a controlled defect structure.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJan 10, 2019

Turbocharger for the cell machinery

Scientists at the University of Bern have identified a unique mechanism in trypanosomes where non-coding RNA molecules stimulate ribosome activity, accelerating protein production during stress. This 'kick start' helps the cell recover quickly from nutrient scarcity or environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2019

The pressure's off

Scientists have successfully mapped the active-state structure of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a critical drug target for regulating blood pressure and kidney function. The study provides insights into how this receptor activates and offers clues for developing new medications that activate rather than block the receptor.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJan 10, 2019

Neuroimaging shows social exclusion spurs extremism in those vulnerable to radicalization

A study using neuroimaging found that social exclusion strengthens willingness to defend non-sacred values, making them more radicalized. The neural activity associated with sacred values was also increased, suggesting a process of sacralization. These findings have implications for understanding and addressing extremism.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 10, 2019

Solving the ancient mysteries of Easter Island

Researchers used quantitative spatial modeling to explore the relationship between ahu construction locations and subsistence resources on Rapa Nui. The study found that ahu locations are consistently linked to proximity to freshwater sources, suggesting a critical role for water availability in ancient island society.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 10, 2019

Uncovering more options in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at Emory University have developed a high-throughput screening platform to identify small molecules that can enhance the ability of human immune cells to kill cancer cells. The platform, called HTiP, has identified compounds such as birinapant, which has shown strong evidence for its relevance as an immune enhancer.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

Researchers map previously unknown disease in children

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown disease that causes children to suffer from epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine, and reduced intelligence. The disease is linked to a mutation in the sodium-potassium pump's Alpha-1 form, affecting both kidneys and the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2019

Phat on potential, lipidomics is gaining weight

A new generation of chemists and biochemists is advancing lipid research with the help of a newly established database. The LIPID MAPS database, developed by UC San Diego researchers, provides a gold standard classification system for lipids, enabling better study and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 10, 2019

Pharmacists could dramatically reduce ER visits

A study found that nearly one-third of non-urgent ED visits in Ontario can be managed by pharmacists with an expanded scope of practice, reducing crowdedness and free up resources for more acute cases. The most frequent ED cases that could be managed include skin-related concerns and other minor conditions.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateJan 10, 2019

Men and women remember pain differently

Research confirms men and women remember pain differently, with men recalling earlier painful experiences and being stressed by later pain. Blocking memories of previous pain alleviates the stress response, suggesting a potential treatment approach for chronic pain sufferers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

African-Americans may live longer after liver transplant if their donors are the same race

Researchers analyzed national data and found that African-American transplant recipients lived 4.75 years longer on average if their livers were donated by someone of the same race. The study suggests a possible way to improve survival rates for this patient population, which typically faces poorer outcomes with liver cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 10, 2019

Madariaga virus spreads to Haiti

The Madariaga virus has been identified in eight children in Haiti, with symptoms resembling dengue fever infection. Researchers suggest the virus was introduced to Haiti from Panama between 2012 and 2015, raising concerns about its potential spread to other Caribbean or North American regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 10, 2019

Fish farmers of the Caribbean

UC Santa Barbara researchers estimate the Caribbean can produce over 34 million metric tons of seafood annually, exceeding current production by two orders of magnitude. The region's vast ocean space makes it an attractive location for offshore mariculture, with some areas showing promise for commercial farming.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 10, 2019

New guideline recommendations for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis

The American Gastroenterological Association publishes a new clinical guideline for managing patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. The guidelines recommend the use of oral and topical 5-aminosalicylates, rectal corticosteroids, and oral budesonide to promote high-quality care. However, the use of biologic therapies and imm...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 10, 2019

2D materials may enable electric vehicles to get 500 miles on a single charge

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed 15 new types of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides that can act as catalysts in lithium-air batteries. These materials enable batteries to store up to 10 times more energy and charge faster, potentially increasing electric vehicle range to 400-500 miles on a single charge.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2019

How drugs can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy

A team of researchers at the University of Zurich has determined the three-dimensional structure of the receptor that causes nausea and vomiting as a result of cancer chemotherapy. They found that effective drugs like EmendTM and AkynzeoTM alter the receptor's structure, allowing for long-lasting attachment and effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2019

Climate change intensifies war of the birds

Researchers found that climate change leads to increased aggression between great tits and pied flycatchers, resulting in higher mortality rates for flycatchers. Great tits' earlier arrival due to warmer temperatures gives them an advantage over flycatchers, leading to more conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 10, 2019

The Lancet: High intake of dietary fiber and whole grains associated with reduced risk of non-communicable diseases

A study published in The Lancet reveals that consuming at least 25g to 29g of dietary fibre per day can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer by 16-24%. Whole grains also show promise in reducing mortality rates and incidence of these diseases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2019

New research reveals the enduring benefits of hiring a star

A new study by INSEAD researchers found that collaborating with a creative 'star' increases the chances of becoming a star and boosts innovators' creativity. Working alongside a star designer significantly enhances the ability to create breakthrough innovations through skills such as creative synthesis.

SourceINSEAD·JournalOrganization Science·DateJan 10, 2019

Mothers use sex pheromones to veil eggs, preventing cannibalism

Researchers found that fruit fly mothers incorporate sex pheromones into the eggshell's wax layer to mask its identity from larvae, preventing cannibalism. This nontoxic chemical deception strategy has implications for our understanding of animal behavior and defense mechanisms in diverse species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 10, 2019