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Science News for January 16, 2019


Sea slug study illuminates how mitochondria move

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how neurons manage mitochondrial transport, a process crucial for nerve cell function and energy production. The study found that cAMP signaling enhances mitochondrial transport after synapse formation, requiring significant energy to maintain communication between cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 16, 2019

Higher risk of fracture in type 1 diabetes may be linked to poor blood sugar control

Patients with type 1 diabetes and poor blood sugar control face a higher risk of fragility fracture compared to those with good glycemic control. Good blood sugar control is an important goal for patients with diabetes, and research shows that it may help reduce the risk of fractures in type 1 diabetes patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2019

Cellular protein a target for Zika control

A cellular protein called Hsp70 plays a critical role in Zika virus infection, facilitating attachment to cells, replication inside cells, and release of mature virus particles. This discovery validates Hsp70 as a potential target for developing new therapies to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateJan 16, 2019

Waiting for the complete rupture

Researchers from ETH Zurich developed a new model that simulates earthquake cycles in the Himalayas, predicting powerful earthquakes with a periodicity of 400 to 600 years. The model shows that medium-sized earthquakes can create conditions for even larger ones, leading to complete stress release in the rupture zone.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

Gastric bypass surgery may benefit muscle strength more than previously thought

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that gastric bypass surgery improves relative muscle strength and physical performance in people with obesity. Despite dramatic weight loss causing a decline in absolute strength, patients experience meaningful improvements in walking speed and other measures of physical function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2019

Less than half of US youth discuss sensitive topics with their doctors

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that fewer than half of young people in the US discuss sensitive topics with their regular healthcare providers. The researchers suggest modifying healthcare delivery practices could improve these discussions, promoting better health outcomes for young people.

First international consensus on fibromuscular dysplasia

The first international consensus on fibromuscular dysplasia provides a unified approach to diagnosis, management, and treatment of this vascular disease. Key recommendations include imaging protocols, antiplatelet therapy, and standardized angioplasty procedures.

SourceSAGE·JournalVascular Medicine·DateJan 16, 2019

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a new ultra-precise ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, capable of detecting vibrations in living cells. This breakthrough technology may transform applications in medical devices, biomedical imaging, and spatial sensing for unmanned vehicles.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

NIH researchers rescue photoreceptors, prevent blindness in animal models of AMD

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have developed a patient-specific stem cell-based therapy that prevents blindness in animal models of geographic atrophy, a leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. The therapy successfully integrates transplanted cells into the retina and restores photoreceptor health.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 16, 2019

New study shows smoking accelerates aging

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that smokers demonstrate a higher aging ratio and are predicted to be twice as old as their chronological age compared to nonsmokers. The study used blood biochemistry and artificial intelligence to analyze the impact of smoking on biological age.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2019

Unintended side effects: antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome dysregulates skeletal health

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that antibiotic disruption of the gut microbiome leads to increased osteoclast activity, dysregulating post-pubertal skeletal development. The study also revealed changes in immune cell populations, including an increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 16, 2019

Identifying 'friends' in an objective manner

Researchers developed a new method to identify significant ties in social networks, controlling for individual activity levels. This approach accurately mimics real-life school class clusters and has applications in various complex networks, including interbank markets and face-to-face interactions.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2019

Climate change: How could artificial photosynthesis contribute to limiting global warming?

Scientists calculate that an area the size of Germany could suffice for artificial photosynthesis to remove 10 gigatonnes of CO2 per year. This technology could potentially balance climate carbon budget and reduce emissions. However, large investments in research and development are required to make it a reality.

From emergence to eruption: Comprehensive model captures life of a solar flare

A team of scientists developed a single, cohesive computer model to simulate the entire life cycle of a solar flare, from energy buildup to explosive release. The comprehensive model captures the formation of tangled magnetic field lines and roiling sunspots, which can impact Earth's power grids, communications networks, and astronauts.

How manganese produces a parkinsonian syndrome

Researchers discovered manganese's role in disrupting protein transport, leading to parkinsonian symptoms. Manganese accumulates in cellular vesicles, disturbing nerve cell function and affecting Parkinson's disease-like symptoms.

SourceCNRS·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateJan 16, 2019

New research confirms US Fed right to hold news conferences after every meeting

A new study from the University of Toronto found that holding news conferences after every FOMC meeting may have done the opposite, setting markets up for unnecessary surprises. The research highlights the potential risks of treating meetings differently, which could reduce transparency through delayed information release.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateJan 16, 2019

The Lancet: Diet and food production must radically change to improve health and avoid potentially catastrophic damage to the planet

Feeding a growing population of 10 billion people by 2050 with a healthy and sustainable diet will require significant changes to eating habits, food production, and reducing food waste. The new dietary pattern promotes whole grains, plant-based protein sources, and high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 16, 2019

Proteins use a lock and key system to bind to DNA

Researchers discovered that proteins use the DNA's three-dimensional structure as a type of keyhole to select specific binding sites, rather than just patterns in the genome's code. Over 80% of proteins bind to a specific shape pattern in the genome, which helps explain how they avoid confusing different sequences.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Systems·DateJan 16, 2019

What is clean breathing water?

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that showering, using sinks, and flushing toilets can expose people to Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which causes pneumonia-like disease. The researchers recommend setting a risk-based concentration limit for indoor water quality to prevent outbreaks.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 16, 2019

Feathers: better than Velcro?

Scientists at UC San Diego discovered that barbules on bird feathers are spaced consistently across species, leading to potential breakthroughs in adhesives and aerospace materials. The study's findings also shed light on the growth patterns of bird bones, particularly the humerus.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 16, 2019

Ammonia by phosphorus catalysis

Researchers have discovered black phosphorus as an excellent catalyst for the electroreduction of nitrogen to produce ammonia. The material exhibits high selectivity and efficiency in this process, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods. However, further improvements are needed to prevent degradation over time.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2019

Nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions for children and adults may be unnecessary

A new study found that nearly a quarter of antibiotic prescriptions for children and adults may be unnecessary, with 1 in 7 patients receiving antibiotics for cases that were not medically justified. This highlights the need to reduce antibiotic overuse and its consequences, including contributing to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Advancing environmental research

The new grant will support activities at four partner institutions, including the University of Delaware, to build up the state's research expertise and workforce for future jobs. The project aims to improve water quality, focusing on salinization and its effects on drinking water and freshwater habitats.