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Science News for January 23, 2019


Plants can smell, now researchers know how

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how plants detect odor molecules by binding to transcriptional co-repressors, changing gene expression. This understanding may lead to new ways of influencing plant behavior, such as altering crop quality or deterring pests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2019

Can you pick an MMA winner by studying fighters' faces?

Czech researchers used 360-degree headshots to assess fighters' perceived fighting ability. Despite this, ratings were not linked to actual MMA score or physical characteristics. However, heavier fighters with higher anaerobic performance were judged as more successful based on their facial features.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJan 23, 2019

Cortexyme announces publication of foundational data for groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in Science Advances

Researchers identify Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease pathology and demonstrate potential for small molecule inhibitors to block the pathogen. The discovery paves the way for Cortexyme's lead compound COR388, which shows promising results in preclinical experiments.

SourceTorch Communications·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019

Flu vaccination keeps COPD patients out of the hospital

A recent study published in CHEST reveals that influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 38%. The study found that nearly two-thirds of COPD patients were not vaccinated, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates and timely antiviral medication...

Chemists warm up to preprint servers

Two chemistry preprint servers, ChemRxiv and ChemRN, have gained traction since their launch in 2017, allowing chemists to share discoveries freely before peer review. The sites provide a platform for quick sharing of results, feedback from peers, and increased access to research, especially for scientists in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 23, 2019

More than ruffled feathers: Mockingbirds show heightened aggression after lead exposure

Researchers found mockingbirds exposed to low levels of lead in urban New Orleans neighborhoods displayed significantly increased aggression, attacking intruders and ripping out their feathers. The study suggests sub-lethal lead exposure may be common among urban wildlife and warrants further investigation into its effects.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 23, 2019

Gene-edited disease monkeys cloned in China

A team of scientists has successfully cloned gene-edited monkeys with disease phenotypes using somatic cell nuclear transfer. The monkeys, which exhibit circadian disorder phenotypes, can be used to study the pathogenesis and therapeutic treatments for human diseases such as sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 23, 2019

How friendly mice can affect their lonely cagemates

A novel video-based behavioral analysis system, MAPS, shows that group-housed mice form stronger social relationships and are closer in proximity to isolated mice than those reared separately. This study provides insight into the effects of early social experience on adult social behavior.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 23, 2019

Conservation efforts help some rare birds more than others, study finds

A new study found that conservation programs in Illinois have helped some rare birds increase their populations to historic levels. The Bell's vireo, one of four species studied, has bounced back from historic declines and is now more than double its last estimated abundance. In contrast, other bird species with wider geographic ranges...

Cannabis use disorder: The policy climate matters

A new study found that adolescents and young adults in liberal states reported higher past-year cannabis use rates than those in conservative states. However, the rates of cannabis use disorder were significantly lower in liberal states compared to conservative states for ages 12-17 and marginally lower for ages 26 and older.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 23, 2019

Researchers create road map of care for children with severe head trauma

Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 23, 2019

High-tech tools, teamwork were key to separating infant girls joined at the head

Researchers report on successful separation surgery using advanced technologies and multidisciplinary team, showcasing improved outcomes for infants with craniopagus conjoined twins. The Delaney twins are thriving two-year-olds, exceeding expectations with their development and growth after the 11-hour separation surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

Where is Earth's submoon?

Large moons in stable orbits around their parent planets are thought to be capable of hosting satellite submoons, with four bodies in our Solar System potentially fitting this description. However, the lack of observed submoons may offer insights into planetary formation and evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 23, 2019

Should we rename low-risk cancers?

The debate centers on renaming ultra-low risk cancers to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments. Experts recommend recalibrating thresholds for cancer diagnosis to categorize very low risk cancers as benign, reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 23, 2019

Patients who identify as transgender have lower odds of being screened for cancer: Study

A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that transgender patients have lower odds of being screened for certain types of cancer, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Transgender patients had a 70% lower odds of being screened for breast cancer, with similar disparities seen in cervical and colorectal cancer screening.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCanadian Family Physician·DateJan 23, 2019

Suicide deaths among incarcerated youth

Research finds no significant difference in mental health conditions between incarcerated and community youth who died by suicide. However, study highlights environment as a potential contributor to increased suicides among incarcerated youth. Practical recommendations include timely suicide assessments and targeted prevention programs.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2019

Childhood lead exposure linked to poor adult mental health

A study of people who grew up in the era of leaded gasoline found that higher blood lead levels at age 11 were associated with signs of mental illness and difficult personality traits by age 38. Participants exposed to higher levels of lead as children were rated as more neurotic, less agreeable, and less conscientious than their peers.

SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2019