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Science News for July 25, 2019


Multiple dosing of long-acting rilpivirine in a model of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

A new study examines the safety and effectiveness of multiple doses of injected rilpivirine, a long-acting antiretroviral agent. The results show that rilpivirine is associated with significant inhibition of HIV replication in rectal tissue, persisting for up to 4 months after treatment, but not in cervicovaginal tissue.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateJul 25, 2019

Terahertz imaging technique reveals subsurface insect damage in wood

Researchers have developed a new terahertz imaging technique that can detect subsurface insect damage in wood, allowing for early detection of infestations. The technique uses terahertz time-of-flight tomography to identify damage caused by insects like the typographer beetle, which infects spruce and other coniferous trees.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJul 25, 2019

Neurobiology -- sushi for synapses

A team of researchers at LMU in Munich has found that messenger RNAs are transported between the cell body and nerve processes like sushi on an endless conveyor belt, allowing them to reach specific synapses. The discovery sheds light on how proteins are delivered to synapses, a crucial process for learning and memory.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2019

Scientists find clue to 'maternal instinct'

Research by LSU biologist Ryoichi Teruyama and student researcher Ryan LeBlanc has identified a group of cells activated by oxytocin in one area of female mouse brains not found in males. This discovery may lead to new treatments for postpartum depression, which affects 10-20% of women after childbirth.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2019

Missile strike false alarm most stressful for less anxious Hawaiians, study finds

A study by the American Psychological Association found that highly anxious individuals in Hawaii calmed down rapidly after a false missile alert, while those with lower anxiety levels took longer to stabilize. The researchers believe this may be due to the threat of imminent death putting day-to-day stressors into perspective.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJul 25, 2019

Decades after a good-behavior program in grade school, adults report healthier, more successful lives

University of Washington researchers found that parents and teachers who received a bonding curriculum in elementary school reported better health and socioeconomic status as adults. The study, which followed participants since fifth-grade, showed enduring effects on physical health, mental well-being, and civic engagement.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPrevention Science·DateJul 25, 2019

Researchers suggest empathy be a factor in medical school admissions

A cross-sectional study of over 16,000 osteopathic medical students found that high empathy scores are linked to better clinical competence and patient outcomes. The study established national norms for assessing medical students' empathy, which can help identify students who need additional education to boost their level of empathy.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 25, 2019

Current guides for starting infants on solid food may lead to overfeeding

A computer-simulated study suggests that standard solid food feeding guides from hospitals and baby-formula makers may not provide accurate recommendations for infants. Following these guidelines can lead to overweight infants as early as 9-11 months old, with the Similac guide producing the healthiest results.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Testosterone may significantly improve sexual function and sexual wellbeing in postmenopausal women

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of testosterone treatment for women found significant improvements in sexual desire, function, and pleasure. Non-oral formulations appear to have fewer side effects compared to oral testosterone, with benefits including reduced concerns and distress about sex.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 25, 2019

Clemson research suggests a practical use for regret, hindsight

A study by Robin Kowalski found that many people think about advice they would give their younger selves multiple times per week. This mental exercise can help individuals conceptualize their ideal self and overcome regret. The research also revealed that areas of education, self-worth, and relationships are commonly focused on when it...

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 25, 2019

Group medical visit innovations improve access & advance integrative heath equity

This Special Focus Issue on Innovation in Group-Delivered Services explores various applications of group medical visits for chronic diseases, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. The issue highlights the potential of group visits to address unmet needs of underserved patients and promote integrative health equity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

Trapping female mosquitoes helps curb chikungunya virus

Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 25, 2019

How HIV infection may contribute to wide-ranging metabolic conditions

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-infected cells release a viral protein called Nef, impairing cholesterol metabolism and triggering inflammation in uninfected bystander cells. This impairment causes the formation of excessive lipid rafts and triggers inflammation, potentially contributing to various co-morbidities ass...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 25, 2019

How the pufferfish got its wacky spines

Researchers have identified the genetic basis of pufferfish spines, which share developmental pathways with other vertebrates. The study reveals that the spines evolved as a unique adaptation for protection during inflation.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJul 25, 2019

Worm pheromones protect major crops

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Phytopathology·DateJul 25, 2019

Signals from skin cells control fat cell specialization

Research at Kobe University reveals that protein secretions by skin cells, keratinocytes, regulate the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells into white or brown adipose tissue. The study found that suppressing growth factor proteins BMP2 and FGF21 can decrease white fat cell numbers and increase brown fat cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2019

Supercomputers use graphics processors to solve longstanding turbulence question

Researchers at Imperial College London used supercomputers and graphics processors to simulate turbulent fluid flow and solve a longstanding question about disturbance dissipation. Their results lead to the development of new empirical models for turbulence, improving engineering designs in fields like wind turbines and Formula 1 cars.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 25, 2019

Physicists from IKBFU create metallic alloy for magnetic refrigerator

Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have developed a new metallic alloy that can be used in magnetic refrigeration technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants like freon. The manganese-arsenic alloy shows promising results for solid-state cooling at room temperature.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 25, 2019

Human artificial chromosomes bypass centromere roadblocks

New human artificial chromosomes (HACs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of previous versions by removing repetitive elements and utilizing epigenetic markers. These advancements enable more thorough studies of chromosome function and open doors to complex synthetic biological systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 25, 2019

Paris Agreement hampered by inconsistent pledges, new research finds

A new study found that some countries' Paris Climate Agreement pledges may not be as ambitious as they appear due to inconsistencies in transparency. The researchers analyzed pledges by categorizing them into four categories: absolute emission reduction targets, business-as-usual reductions, emission intensity reductions, and pledges w...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 25, 2019

Attitudes toward race, immigration underscored vote switching in 2016 election

A new study from UC Riverside suggests that concerns about race and immigration were the primary determinants of vote switching in the 2016 presidential election. The researchers found that both working-class and non-working-class whites who held punitive immigration or racially conservative views were more likely to switch to Donald T...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateJul 25, 2019

Electricity-driven undersea reactions may have been important for the emergence of life

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have found that electricity-driven reactions in deep-sea hydrothermal environments can reduce metal sulfides to native metals, promoting the reduction of organic compounds and potentially facilitating prebiotic chemistry. This discovery has implications for understanding the universality and...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2019

Why companies should not give their customers discounts after service failures

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing found that price-based recovery incentives after service failures are negatively associated with the likelihood of subscribers renewing their contracts at the end of the contract period. The researchers propose several ways subscription-based service providers can reduce the negative ef...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 25, 2019