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Science News for June 13, 2019


The Lancet: First randomised trial finds no substantial difference in risk of acquiring HIV for three different forms of contraception

A randomised trial of over 7,800 African women found that a type of contraceptive injection (DMPA-IM), copper IUD, and levonorgestrel implant posed no substantially increased risk of HIV acquisition. The study suggests continued access to these highly effective contraceptives alongside high-quality HIV prevention services.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2019

Making the 'human-body internet' more effective

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made significant breakthroughs in human body communication (HBC), which uses the human body as a network to transfer information. By analyzing the characteristics of impedance and electrodes, they found that HBC can be used to design more efficient devices with better user interaction.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·DateJun 13, 2019

Enhanced human Blood-Brain Barrier Chip performs in vivo-like drug and antibody transport

A new microfluidic organ chip model of the human blood-brain barrier has been developed, allowing for in vivo-like transport of drugs and therapeutic antibodies. The model recapitulates the physical barrier functions and transport abilities of the human BBB, offering a significant advance in drug development.

Sensing food textures is a matter of pressure

A study by Penn State researchers found that the ability to detect food textures is related to individual differences in pressure sensitivity. The study involved 111 volunteer tasters who were asked to perceive different textures in chocolate, with those who could detect grittiness being more accurate. This research may have implicatio...

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2019

Researchers developing new treatment that could protect people with cardiovascular disease

Researchers have developed a new medical therapy that could protect people with cardiovascular disease by boosting the body's natural defences. The treatment, which is based on a peptide called apelin, has shown promising results in mice and humans, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2019

Environmental oxygen triggers loss of webbed digits

Researchers found that atmospheric oxygen exposure triggers removal of interdigital webbing during embryo development. This mechanism is thought to be shared by all tetrapods and contributes to limb shape variation. The study provides insight into the evolutionary process behind limb development in animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 13, 2019

Novel communications architecture for future ultra-high speed wireless networks

IMDEA Networks researchers have developed a novel communications architecture for future ultrafast wireless networks that promises to achieve data rates previously only possible with optical fiber. The architecture uses angle information to rapidly align directional millimeter-wave antennas and integrates a location system, enabling hi...

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateJun 13, 2019

The app teaching anorexics to eat again

A new approach to treating eating disorders involves teaching patients with anorexia how to eat normally, with promising results. The method, which uses a smartphone app to track and regulate food intake, has been shown to achieve a 75% remission rate after just one year of treatment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 13, 2019

Patients at a reduced risk of venous thromboembolism and persistent pain after partial versus total knee replacement

A study published in EULAR 2019 found that patients with osteoarthritis who undergo partial knee replacement have a 25-50% lower risk of venous thromboembolism, but an increased risk of revision compared to total knee replacement. The long-term benefits of partial knee replacement are offset by the higher risk of revision.

Gut microbes eat our medication

A study published in Science reveals that certain gut bacteria can degrade levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, by converting it into dopamine outside the brain. Researchers identified Lactobacillus brevis as a key player in this process and found a molecule capable of inhibiting the bacterial enzyme responsible. Th...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2019

Taking the 'killer' out of natural killer cells

Researchers have discovered a previously unreported strategy employed by the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles to powerfully inhibit natural killer cell function. This impairment enables the virus to paralyze natural killer cells, rendering them unable to respond to target cells, thereby evading the immune response.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 13, 2019

On your bike?

A study by James Cook University researcher Jemma King found that a lack of suitable roads is a major reason for low cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland. Key findings include the majority of non-cyclists citing ill-health, age or lack of time as reasons, while rural residents often cite environmental concerns.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia·DateJun 13, 2019

Concert of magnetic moments

Scientists have identified a unique chiral coupling that allows spins in different magnetic layers to interact over long distances, even if they are not adjacent. This discovery opens up novel opportunities for engineering complex magnetic configurations to store and process data more efficiently.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 13, 2019

Fetal genome involved in triggering premature birth

A study of over 600 infant genomes found that variations in the SLIT2 gene may contribute to premature births by activating the mother's immune system. The researchers also discovered a link between the SLIT2-ROBO1 signalling pathway and multiple pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 13, 2019

The start of a new era in stem cell therapy

A recent study has improved upon Nobel Laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka's cellular reprogramming method, reducing the waiting period from 3-4 weeks to approximately a week. The new method also increases the success rate up to ten-fold, making it easier to apply in clinical settings.

SourceKoc University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 13, 2019

Research reveals liquid gold on the nanoscale

Gold nanoparticles exhibit unique melting behavior on the nanoscale, forming a liquid shell around a solid core. The research provides new insights into how nanoparticles behave at elevated temperatures, with implications for nanotech applications in medicine, catalysis, and electronics.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2019

Using prevalent technologies and 'Internet of Things' data for atmospheric science

Researchers review existing works on using IoT and crowdsourced data for atmospheric research, highlighting its potential to improve weather forecasting and monitoring environmental processes. The innovative approach can provide valuable insights into atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and air pollution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 13, 2019

Lower risk of Type 1 diabetes seen in children vaccinated against 'stomach flu' virus

A new study shows that children who received all doses of the rotavirus vaccine had a 33% lower risk of getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used nationwide health insurance data and found that the vaccine was associated with a 94% lower rate of hospitalization for rotavirus infection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2019

'Locking' an arthritis drug may be key to improving it

Researchers attach a removable lock to an arthritis drug to reduce systemic immune suppression and neutralization, making it safer and more effective. The modified form of the antibody shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis with fewer infections and less development of anti-infliximab antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 13, 2019

Study shows that strength and weight training can control diabetes in obese individuals

A study by Brazilian scientists shows that moderate strength and weight training can reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control in obese and diabetic individuals. The exercise protocol reduced local fat in the liver and improved cellular insulin signaling, even before significant weight loss occurred.

Financial vulnerability may discourage positive negotiation strategies

Research suggests that people who feel financially vulnerable are more likely to approach economic exchanges with a zero-sum mindset, overlooking cooperative and mutually beneficial options. This can perpetuate their financial disadvantage. Negotiation training programs may help them recognize potential for cooperative exchanges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 13, 2019

New record: 3D-printed optical-electronic integration

Researchers have successfully integrated optoelectronics into three-dimensional (3D) structures using femtosecond laser direct writing. The technique allows for the creation of hybrid microlaser modules with selective electric modulation, paving the way for more compact and efficient integrated circuits.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2019

Half of Ebola outbreaks undetected

Researchers estimate that at least half of Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected, resulting in hundreds of potential cases. The study highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent small outbreaks from growing into larger events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 13, 2019

Carboplatin & paclitaxel chemotherapy alone should remain standard treatment for endometrial cancer

The NRG-GOG 0258 trial showed that carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy alone resulted in comparable recurrence-free survival rates compared to combined modality treatment. The study found a reduced incidence of vaginal, pelvic, and para-aortic lymph node recurrences but increased distant recurrences with combined modality treatment.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2019

Are we using biologic therapy properly?

A study found that infliximab, a biologic therapy, did not result in lower rates of hospitalizations or intestinal surgeries among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Ontario. Despite improving symptoms for individual patients, the treatment's impact on quality of life and workplace productivity remains uncertain.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalGut·DateJun 13, 2019

Small currents for big gains in spintronics

Scientists at the University of Tokyo developed an efficient magnetization reversal component using gallium manganese arsenide, reducing current densities by one to two orders of magnitude compared to previous methods. This breakthrough aims to advance spintronics, a promising technology for low-power logic and memory devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2019