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Science News for January 17, 2019


Resist! TAK1 enables endothelial cells to avoid apoptosis

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that TAK1 preserves endothelial cell survival in an inflammatory environment, suggesting its potential as a target for anti-angiogenic therapy. The researchers used a unique mouse model to show that TAK1 is essential for endothelial cell survival during inflammation and injury.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 17, 2019

This computer program makes pharma patents airtight

Researchers in Poland and South Korea have developed a computer program that suggests synthetic strategies to circumvent patent-protected aspects of essential drugs. The software, called Chematica, uses mechanistic rules to identify new retrosynthetic pathways, allowing for the generation of alternative yet economical starting materials.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJan 17, 2019

Blocking hormone uptake burns more fat

A new study reveals that blocking the uptake of a hormone called norepinephrine in fat cells increases metabolism and burns stored fat. The discovery highlights the importance of beige fat tissue, which plays a key role in thermogenesis and regulating body temperature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 17, 2019

Body-painting protects against bloodsucking insects

Researchers found that body-painting provides protection against bloodsucking insects, with white stripes repelling them more effectively. The discovery is based on experiments using plastic models and may have ancient origins, as similar markings were found on Neanderthal cave walls.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 17, 2019

Gene therapy blocks peripheral nerve damage in mice

Scientists have developed a gene therapy that blocks axon destruction in mice, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to prevent the loss of peripheral nerves in multiple conditions. This breakthrough could help prevent peripheral neuropathy, a disease affecting 20 million people in the US, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 17, 2019

What happened 4,000 years ago in the Urals?

Researchers are studying Bronze Age activity in the Urals to understand demographic processes and settlement structures. They are analyzing palaeogenetic techniques, archaeological excavations, geophysical surveys, material culture, and archaeobotany to find answers about population genetics, cultural transformation, and demography.

Models of life

Researchers at TUM created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate and trigger complex reactions like RNA production, mimicking biological organisms. The system achieves spatial differentiation and is a step towards tissue-like synthetic materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 17, 2019

Many hepatitis infections go undiagnosed in cancer patients

A large study of cancer patients reveals a significant proportion are undiagnosed with acute and chronic hepatitis B and C. The findings suggest that universal screening for these viruses may be warranted to prevent life-threatening complications and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSWOG·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 17, 2019

How molecules teeter in a laser field

Researchers from MBI report on an experiment using attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study the interaction of molecules with a laser field. They found that infrared fields affect weak core-to-Rydberg transitions more strongly than core-to-valence transitions, and that Rydberg states dominate XUV absorption.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 17, 2019

Measuring AI's ability to learn is difficult

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that measuring AI's ability to learn is challenging due to the complexity of tasks. The researchers discovered that no mathematical method can determine whether an AI-based tool can handle a task or not, even with precise task descriptions.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 17, 2019

Coming soon: A blood test for Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have made significant progress towards developing a blood test for Alzheimer's disease, with sensitive assays able to detect smaller amounts of peptides that form when amyloid breaks down. A reliable blood test could aid in diagnosis and help identify participants for clinical trials, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2019

Combination therapy more effective in treating patients with leishmaniasis and HIV

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combination therapy is highly effective in treating patients with both HIV and visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment regimen, which combines liposomal amphotericin B with the oral drug miltefosine, resulted in a 67% cure rate after 28 days of treatment.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 17, 2019

Psychological distress is a risk factor for dementia

A Danish population-based study found that vital exhaustion, a state of emotional suffering and somatic symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. The study, published in IOS Press, suggests that addressing psychological risk factors may be crucial in preventing dementia.

New hope for stem cell approach to treating diabetes

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new method for producing insulin-producing beta cells from human stem cells, which are more responsive to fluctuating glucose levels. The resulting cells were transplanted into diabetic mice and effectively controlled blood sugar for several months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 17, 2019

Higher suicide rates evident among youth certain groups of Medicaid enrollees

A study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly four in ten youth who died by suicide were Medicaid enrollees. The study suggests effective suicide screening for enrollees could decrease suicide mortality in the US, and highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts among specific demographic subgroups.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 2019

Combination therapy treats leishmaniasis, HIV patients

Researchers have developed a more effective treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV patients, combining AmBisome with miltefosine. The combination therapy achieved parasite clearance rates of up to 88% compared to 55% with monotherapy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 17, 2019

Can a critic-turned-believer sway others? The case of genetically modified foods

A new study found that a conversion message by British environmentalist Mark Lynas, who turned from an opponent to an advocate of GM crops, had a greater impact on public attitudes than a direct advocacy message. The study suggests that people's minds may be more easily changeable on this issue.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJan 17, 2019

Awareness is barrier to 'plastic-free periods'

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that many women are shocked to discover the amount of plastic in commonly-used disposable menstrual products. The research suggests that raising awareness is key to changing behavior and encouraging the adoption of more sustainable alternatives, such as organic pads and reusable cloth pads.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSustainability·DateJan 17, 2019

Local focus could help tackle global problems

Researchers argue that 'positive parochialism' can be a foundation for environmental concern and action, highlighting the potential of local focus to address global issues. The study examines the legacy of the Parish Maps project, which promoted local environmentalism and created thousands of maps across the UK and beyond.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTransactions of the Institute of British Geographers·DateJan 17, 2019

Poor sleep and heart-related death

Research by University of Adelaide scientists has revealed that poor blood oxygenation during sleep is a significant indicator of the chance of heart-related death. Extended episodes of interrupted breathing while asleep also increase the risk.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 17, 2019

Epigenetics contribute to male and female differences in fear memory

A mouse model of traumatic memory found that male mice recall fear-related memories better than female mice due to natural activation of cyclin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) in males. Artificial activation of Cdk5 reduced the strength of fear memories in female mice, highlighting sex differences in how fear is remembered.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 17, 2019

New scale for electronegativity rewrites the chemistry textbook

A new scale of electronegativity has been developed, providing a more comprehensive and extensive definition that can predict the approximate charge distribution in different molecules and materials. The new definition averages the binding energy of valence electrons and offers an equation to describe the total energy of an atom.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2019

New light shed on intensely studied material

Pedot is an organic polymer that has been the subject of much experimental research, but few theoretical studies have been conducted. Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new theory of electronic structure and optical properties of PEDOT, overturning previous research. This new understanding has significant implications...

SourceLinköping University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateJan 17, 2019

Blister fluid could help diagnose burn severity

Researchers analyzed 56 samples of blister fluid from burns of different depths and healing times to develop a new classification system. They found that specific protein patterns in blister fluid could predict burn depth and time to re-epithelialization, leading to more accurate diagnoses and potential reductions in scarring.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJan 17, 2019

Whole genome sequencing method may speed personalized treatment of drug-resistant infections

Researchers developed a rapid whole genome sequencing method that can identify specific antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains in under a day, reducing treatment time by at least 20 hours. The technology has the potential to speed personalized treatment of drug-resistant infections, which claim thousands of lives annually.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJan 17, 2019

Air pollution increases ER visits for breathing problems

A study of air pollution and respiratory emergency room visits found associations between ozone, fine particulate pollution, and increased ER visits for asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, varying by age group and pollutant level. The study suggests that protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution is crucial.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 17, 2019

How our cellular antennas are formed

Researchers from UNIGE develop in vitro system to form microtubule doublets, revealing crucial role of tubulin in preventing uncontrolled ciliary structure formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting differences between human and pathogen cilia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019