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Science News for July 8, 2019


BU finds police shooting racial disparities reflect segregation

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that racial residential segregation explains greater racial disparities in fatal police shootings. The ratio of Black to White victims of police shootings increases by 44% for each percent of a city's Black population that would need to move for an equal distribution.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJul 8, 2019

Becoming new parents increases produce purchases

A new study found that becoming new parents leads to increased spending on produce in middle- and high-income households, with a significant increase in fruit consumption. However, lower-income families did not exhibit similar changes in their produce purchases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJul 8, 2019

Researchers can finally modify plant mitochondrial DNA

Researchers have successfully edited plant mitochondrial DNA for the first time, paving the way to address the current lack of mitochondrial genetic diversity in crops. This technique, called mitoTALENs, uses a single protein to locate and delete specific genes, potentially adding much-needed diversity to the food supply.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 8, 2019

Producing graphene from carbon dioxide

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a method to directly synthesize graphene from greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The process involves a catalytically active metal surface, resulting in a simple one-step conversion. This breakthrough could lead to the production of valuable materials and contribute to r...

Playfully discover atom manipulation

The University of Vienna team uses a state-of-the-art electron microscope to demonstrate atom manipulation in graphene, revealing the locations of silicon impurities. A new online simulation game, Atom Tractor Beam, allows users to control the movement of these impurities using an electron beam.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 8, 2019

Lead pollution in Arctic ice shows economic impact of wars and plagues for past 1,500 years

A study using Arctic ice cores shows that lead pollution levels correlate with economic growth and decline, indicating the impact of European events on the environment. The research found exponential increases in lead pollution during the past 1,500 years, with a significant decrease since the passage of pollution abatement policies.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

AJTMH tip sheet for July 2019

A new study in Hawaii tallies nearly 82 human infections from the rat lungworm parasite over a decade, highlighting snails and slugs as primary carriers. Meanwhile, research on bednet monitoring reveals high variability in household use, which could be contributing to declining efficacy in malaria prevention.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJul 8, 2019

UK researchers develop ultrafast semiconductors

Researchers from Cardiff University have developed ultrafast Compound Semiconductor technology, creating highly sensitive avalanche photodiodes with lower electronic noise than silicon rivals. This breakthrough has the potential to yield new class of high-performance receivers for applications in networking and sensing.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 8, 2019

B and T cells in celiac disease

Researchers discovered that B cells specifically binding N-terminal epitopes of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) more efficiently take up and present TG2-gluten complexes to gluten-specific T cells. This suggests that B cells with this specificity are the main antigen-presenting cells for pathogenic T cells in celiac disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

The ancestor of the great white shark

A team of researchers found a peculiar tooth composition in great white sharks and their relatives, which is similar to that of the fossil shark Palaeocarcharias stromeri. The shared tooth histology indicates that this small shark gave rise to one of the most iconic shark lineages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 8, 2019

Journal of Dental Research Centennial July 2019: Fluoride Revolution and Dental Caries

The article highlights the impact of fluoride on reducing dental caries, citing studies that showed a marked reduction in caries experience in fluoridated cities compared to non-fluoridated control cities. The widespread use of fluoride toothpaste has also been credited with improving oral health and quality of life for populations wor...

Is that news really 'fake,' or is it just biased?

Bias and honesty are key factors in determining source credibility, a study by Ohio State University researchers found. People tend to distrust biased sources, even if they believe the information is true. In contrast, untruthful news isn't the only issue for consumers; objective sources can still lose credibility if perceived as biased.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 8, 2019

Research team deciphers enzymatic degradation of sugar from marine alga

A research team has elucidated the complex degradation pathway of the polysaccharide Ulvan from marine algae, revealing the biochemical function of 12 enzymes. The findings have significant implications for future biotechnological applications and improve our understanding of the marine carbon cycle.

Natural antioxidant helps improve immune-based therapies by modulating T-cells

Researchers at MUSC discovered that thioredoxin, a powerful antioxidant molecule, can extend the life of adoptive T-cells and improve anti-tumor activity. This finding suggests that treating human T-cells with thioredoxin before administration may increase cell viability and improve the effectiveness of immune-based therapies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2019

Does genetic testing pose psychosocial risks?

A new special report by The Hastings Center examines the psychosocial impacts of genetic information, highlighting both potential harms and limitations. Studies suggest that genetic testing can have negative effects on individuals and families, particularly in contexts where stigmatization or anxiety is heightened.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJul 8, 2019

Semi-arid land in China has expanded in recent decades and probably continues to expand

Semi-arid regions in northern China have expanded significantly over the past 60 years due to climate change. The drying trend is linked to a weakened East Asian summer monsoon and amplified by land-atmosphere interactions. This expansion increases the risk of desertification, food insecurity and water scarcity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Blood flow monitor could save lives

A tiny fibre-optic sensor has the potential to save lives in open heart surgery and during surgery on pre-term babies. The continuous cardiac flow monitoring probe is a safe way to give real-time measurement of blood flow.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateJul 8, 2019

Life is tough but so are worms -- thanks to mom

A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

High rates of opioid prescriptions for osteoarthritis

Researchers found that every fourth osteoarthritis patient was prescribed opioids, with codeine and tramadol being the most commonly used. Despite not being recommended as a first-line treatment, opioids were still given to nearly a quarter of patients, highlighting a significant challenge in addressing osteoarthritis pain management.

SourceLund University·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateJul 8, 2019

Snowball the dancing cockatoo has many moves

Researchers found Snowball's movement diversity is not limited to humans, suggesting an innate ability to respond to music with intentional movements. The study proposes five traits that may explain the shared natural ability to dance in humans and parrots.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

On the way to nanotheranostics

A new nanotheranostic system uses silica-coated bismuth-ferrite harmonic nanoparticles to combine diagnostic imaging with targeted drug delivery, overcoming limitations of previous approaches. The system allows for medically safe release of therapeutics upon near-infrared light activation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 8, 2019

Arctic lead pollution and economic history

A study on Arctic lead pollution reveals a significant increase in emissions from European industries during the Middle Ages, coinciding with technological advancements and economic growth. The pollution level declined substantially after pollution abatement policies were enacted, but still remains much higher than historical levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Moffitt researchers identify effective drug combination against uveal melanoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified a new drug combination that is effective against metastatic uveal melanoma cells. The combination of an MEK inhibitor and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, such as panobinostat, has been shown to prevent resistance to the MEK inhibitor and enhance its anti-tumor properties.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 8, 2019

CNIC scientists identify an essential protein for correct heart contraction and survival

A team of CNIC scientists identified SRSF3 as crucial for proper heart function and found that its loss leads to reduced expression of genes involved in contraction. Further research revealed that SRSF3 controls the alternative processing of mTOR, a major regulator of cell metabolism, which is essential for heart health.

Researchers discover semiconducting nanotubes that form spontaneously

Scientists have discovered semiconducting nanotubes with precise cylindrical structures, which can be used as fluorescent markers in medical research or catalysts in photoreduction reactions. The researchers' accidental discovery reveals the spontaneous formation of these nanostructures using metallic nanocrystals and certain ligands.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 8, 2019

'You all look alike to me' is hard-wired in us, UCR research finds

A new study led by UC Riverside psychologist Brent Hughes found that the tendency to recognize differences in own-race faces is greater than in other-race faces, a phenomenon known as the 'other-race effect.' This bias occurs even at early stages of sensory perception and can affect downstream beliefs and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Bacteria associated with hospital infections are found in raw meat

A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Study confirms disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses

A new study published in the Journal of Cancer reveals significant disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses among women of color and younger women. The research found that non-Hispanic black women had a 2.3-times higher odds of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 8, 2019

Ignoring cues for alcohol and fast food is hard -- but is it out of our control?

Researchers have shown that people's general inability to ignore reward cues is not just a lack of control, but rather a limitation of their executive control processes. In an experiment, participants struggled to resist fast food and alcohol cues when under cognitive pressure or high memory load. The findings suggest strengthening exe...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 8, 2019

A common gut virus that maps our travels

A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Instability in Antarctic ice projected to make sea level rise rapidly

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers suggests that instability within Antarctic ice will accelerate its flow into the ocean and push sea levels up at a more rapid pace than previously expected. This 'instability' makes forecasting more uncertain, particularly relevant to engineering against flood dangers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Quantum chemistry on quantum computers

Researchers at Osaka City University develop a quantum algorithm to determine spin quantum numbers on quantum computers, enabling accurate wave function calculations. This breakthrough solves complex issues in chemistry and physics, accelerating the development of practical quantum computers.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJul 8, 2019

A study in scarlet Japanese macaques

A team from Kyoto University's Primate Research Institute found that female red skin color acts as a 'badge' of their social status, not fertility. Female Japanese macaques with darker/redder hindquarters are of higher social rank.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Exploiting green tides thanks to a marine bacterium

Scientists have identified a marine bacterium that can break down the polysaccharide ulvan from sea lettuce into fermentable monosaccharides. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biotechnological exploitation of ulvan, particularly in the agrifood and cosmetics industries.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 8, 2019

Why is east Asian summer monsoon circulation enhanced under global warming?

A recent study published in Journal of Climate confirms that the Tibetan Plateau plays a key role in enhancing East Asian summer monsoon circulation under global warming. The study found that enhanced latent heating over the plateau stimulates cyclone anomalies, leading to stronger southerly winds in East Asia.

Cave droplets provide window into past climates

Scientists analyzed oxygen isotopes in stalactites and stalagmites from 39 caves worldwide to understand past groundwater recharge. The study found that cave drip water oxygen composition varies between cool and warm climates, providing insights into climate variability and water resources.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

No escape for mosquitoes

Researchers discovered that the Venus flytrap's tactile sensors respond to minute pressure stimuli, converting them into electrical signals that cause the trap to close. The plant has evolved smaller traps to detect the smaller forces generated by lightweight mosquitoes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 8, 2019

CNIC is the coordinator of an international consensus document on the use of magnetic resonance

A new international consensus document provides guidelines for the conduct of magnetic resonance imaging studies after a myocardial infarction. The main outcome measure recommended is absolute infarct size, with scanning timing between 3 and 7 days post-infarction.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 8, 2019

Study shows potential for reduced methane from cows

A study by the University of Adelaide and international researchers has shown that it is possible to breed cattle with reduced methane emissions. The genetics of an individual cow strongly influence the make-up of microorganisms in its rumen, allowing for selection of cows with lower levels of methane-producing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2019

Cancer genes and the tumor milieu

A recent study by Chiaki Takahashi at Kanazawa University discovered that the cancer gene RB promotes tumor growth by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME changes enable the accumulation of immunosuppressive cells, which overpower the body's natural defense system.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 8, 2019