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Science News for January 14, 2019


Gut microbes from healthy infants block milk allergy development in mice

A new study suggests that gut microbes from healthy human infant donors can protect against the development of cow's milk allergy in mice. The research found that transplanting these microbes into mice exposed to milk prevented allergic reactions, while those with microbes from infants allergic to milk did not experience protection.

New research from Barnard president Sian Beilock helps students excel on science exams

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brief pre-exam de-stressing strategies can reduce performance gaps between lower-income and higher-income students. The interventions, which included expressive writing and reappraisal, improved exam scores and course-passing rates for lower-incom...

SourceBarnard College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Wild insects 'get old' before they die

Researchers studied wild crickets for ten years and found that those who invested more in reproduction showed signs of aging, including reduced chirping and increased fighting losses. The study suggests that aging may be driven by energy allocation towards reproduction rather than decline, challenging the idea that aging is inevitable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolution·DateJan 14, 2019

Step forward in understanding human feet

A study by the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland reveals that plantar intrinsic muscles have a minimal impact on supporting the arch of the human foot during walking and running. However, these muscles are crucial for propelling forward motion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

ZIP code or genetic code?

Researchers used a massive insurance database to analyze the effects of genes and environment in 560 common conditions among over 56,000 twin pairs. The study found that nearly 40% of diseases had a genetic component, while 25% were driven by environmental factors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 14, 2019

In breast-cancer prevention, race matters

A new study found that African-American women are less likely than white women to pursue potentially life-saving preventive care due to racial disparities in healthcare. High-risk black women were also less aware of their options and at a disadvantage when it came to getting access to information about prevention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEthnicity and Health·DateJan 14, 2019

Fort McMurray homes have normal levels of indoor toxins, U of T Engineering study reveals

A University of Toronto Engineering study found that dust in Fort McMurray homes contained normal levels of contaminants comparable to Canadian homes. The team collected dust from over 60 homes and reported lower levels of toxic substances than health guidelines, with some chemicals even higher in Toronto homes.

Pain and substance abuse interact in a vicious cycle

Research finds that experiencing pain can motivate individuals to use substances and make it harder to quit, resulting in a positive feedback loop that maintains both conditions. Clinicians should assess patients for chronic pain and address it during treatment to help them manage withdrawal and develop healthier coping strategies.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology·DateJan 14, 2019

TGF-beta pathway protects against uterine cancer

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that the TGF-beta signaling pathway acts as a tumor-suppressor mechanism in the uterus, preventing endometrial overgrowth and transformation into cancer cells. This finding suggests potential new treatments for uterine cancer patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Demi Lovato's overdose causes surge in media, but few mentions of lifesaving hotline

A new study found that despite high engagement with media coverage of Demi Lovato's overdose, few Americans mentioned the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline. The study analyzed news reports, tweets, and searches following Lovato's hospitalization in 2018 and Anthony Bourdain's suicide i...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2019

UCI/JPL study: Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago

A UCI/JPL study found Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago, resulting in a half-inch rise in global sea levels. The accelerated melting is attributed to climate change and warm ocean water, with East Antarctica contributing significantly to the total ice mass loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Genetic risk for atypical heart attack in women identified

A new study has found a genetic factor on chromosome 6 that increases the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and atypical form of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The genetic variant, known as rs9349379, is also associated with a small protective effect from classic heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

The duration and quality of sleep is of vital importance in cardiovascular health

The study found that participants who slept less than six hours were 27% more likely to have atherosclerosis compared to those who slept seven to eight hours. Poor quality sleep also increased the risk of atherosclerosis, with participants waking during the night or experiencing frequent movements during sleep being at higher risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

Anticancer drug candidate inhibits lethal aggregation of mutant tumor suppressor protein

Researchers discovered that PRIMA-1 reverses mutant p53 aggregate accumulation, leading to the restoration of native protein function. The compound's potential as an anticancer drug is highlighted by its phase II clinical trials and positive results in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines.

Political ideology and minority accomplishments

Researchers found that liberals are more likely to publicize the achievements of minorities, including women and black individuals. The study suggests a link between political ideology and the amplification of minority accomplishments, highlighting differences in liberal and conservative Twitter posts and panel preferences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

What happens when bombs explode?

Engineers at the University of Sheffield are developing more effective bomb protection systems by studying explosions in detail. The project aims to provide a better understanding of blast loading and its effects on structures, enabling the design of safer buildings and materials.

The orderly chaos of black holes

Researchers discovered that photons emitted during black hole creation appear to be disordered, yet highly ordered within short time slices. This contradicts theories of either complete polarization or randomness, presenting new challenges for understanding the birth environment of black holes.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 14, 2019

Long-acting contraceptive designed to be self-administered via microneedle patch

A new long-acting contraceptive designed for self-administration via microneedle patch technology has shown promise in animal testing, providing a therapeutic level of contraception for over a month with a single application. The experimental patch uses biodegradable polymers to slowly release the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 14, 2019

Complication rates and costs of invasive lung cancer diagnostic tests may be higher than anticipated

A new study found that complication rates following invasive lung cancer diagnostic tests are twice as high in the community setting compared to clinical trials, with associated downstream costs of $6,320 to $56,845 on average. The researchers emphasize the need for sharing risks with patients considering lung cancer screening.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2019

Understanding physics could lead to big gains in shale oil recovery

Oil companies can tap into vast sums of recoverable oil in unconventional reservoirs by adopting new methods that account for the unique physics found at these formations. By focusing on diffusion rather than pressure differences, researchers estimate that recoveries can be increased by two to three times.

SourcePenn State·JournalSociety of Petroleum Engineers Journal·DateJan 14, 2019

Study examines the course of back pain over time

A Canadian population study tracked back pain patterns over 16 years, identifying four trajectories: persistent, developing, recovery, and occasional. The persistent and developing groups had more pain and disability, while the recovery group increased opioid use.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 14, 2019

A microbial hot spring in your basement

A nationwide study found microbes in about half of homes, with a single species dominating all positive samples. Despite their presence, the microbes pose no health concerns and remain safe to drink. The discovery highlights the widespread colonization of water heaters by extremophiles in domestic environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalExtremophiles·DateJan 14, 2019

5,000 times faster than a computer

Scientists have created a new way to generate electricity using light, which operates at speeds 5,000 times faster than current computers. The 'interatomic light rectifier' uses the interaction between atoms to produce directed electric currents.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 14, 2019

Early child deprivation and neglect impair memory and executive functioning at age 16

A long-term study of institutionalized children in Romanian found that those who experienced early deprivation and neglect had impaired memory and executive functioning by age 16. However, when placed early in quality foster homes, these difficulties diminished, suggesting a critical role of caregiving environments in child development.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Doing more with less

Researchers at University of Freiburg discover that reducing cell number in MSC clusters activates intrinsic differentiation program, prompting cartilage cell formation. Cell membrane proteins Caveolin-1 and N-Cadherin play key role in chondrogenic differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJan 14, 2019

Diving deeper into developmental dyslexia

New research reveals structural changes in lower and higher brain structures in individuals with dyslexia, including reduced connectivity between the thalamus and auditory cortex. This study broadens our understanding of dyslexia, a common learning disability, to include alterations in brain structure.