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Science News for January 18, 2019


Why do Hydra end up with just a single head?

Researchers at UNIGE discovered the identity of Hydra's inhibitor, protein Sp5, which maintains a single-headed adult body and regulates regenerative response. The mechanism has been conserved throughout evolution, suggesting potential therapeutic applications in human tumors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2019

Signs of memory problems could be symptoms of hearing loss instead

A recent Baycrest study found that many older adults being evaluated for memory concerns had mild to severe hearing loss. Addressing hearing issues may mitigate or fix what appears to be a memory problem. Hearing loss is a common chronic condition affecting 50% of those over 65 and 90% of those over 80.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalCanadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement·DateJan 18, 2019

'Happiness' exercises can boost mood in those recovering from substance use disorder

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that brief happiness exercises can significantly increase in-the-moment happiness for adults recovering from substance use disorders. The study suggests these exercises may be promising tools for bolstering happiness during treatment and supporting long-term recovery.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateJan 18, 2019

Tinkering with public debt we doom innovation and growth

Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJan 18, 2019

Exposure to chemicals during pregnancy is not associated with an increase in blood pressure

A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found no association between exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and an increase in blood pressure. In fact, higher exposure to phthalates, BPA, and parabens was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in the second trimester.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateJan 18, 2019

Placentas adapt when mothers have poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy

Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2019

Researchers discover synaptic logic for connections between two brain hemispheres

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a new method to identify functional properties of individual synapses linking the two hemispheres. They found that callosal inputs and local inputs with similar orientation preference are clustered within the dendritic field, enabling coordinated network activity.

Researchers identify specific cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury

A multidisciplinary team of researchers found specific cognitive deficits in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), including information processing speed and verbal fluency impairments. These findings support the theory of accelerated brain aging after SCI, with implications for further research and targeted cognitive interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Spinal Cord Medicine·DateJan 18, 2019

No substantial benefit from transplantation reported for a high-risk leukemia subtype

A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that high-risk leukemia patients did not experience improved long-term survival with bone marrow transplantation. Treatment guided by measuring minimal residual disease was associated with better outcomes, with 58% of patients becoming long-term survivors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 18, 2019

New study shows physician-targeted marketing is associated with increase in opioid overdose deaths

A new study found that increased marketing of opioid products to physicians is associated with higher opioid prescribing rates and elevated overdose deaths in the US. The research suggests that even low-value payments or subtle marketing tactics can influence physician prescribing patterns, leading to more overdose deaths.

Classic double-slit experiment in a new light

A research team at the University of Cologne has successfully performed a variant of the double-slit experiment using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The experiment provided valuable information about the dynamic physical properties of solids and proved a fundamental theoretical prediction from 1994.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2019