Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 26, 2019


Boosting amino acid derivative may be a treatment for schizophrenia

Research from RIKEN Center for Brain Science found that betaine supplementation can counteract psychiatric symptoms in mice, including depressive behaviors and reduced oxidative stress. The study also identified a genetic variant predicting betaine's treatment efficacy, a potential example of precision medicine in psychiatry.

SourceRIKEN·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 26, 2019

Organic farming enhances honeybee colony performance

Research conducted by the CNRS found that organic farming boosts honeybee colonies with 37% more brood, 20% more adult bees, and 53% greater honey production. This may be due to a wider diversity of pollen resources or lower pesticide mortality.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 26, 2019

To increase bike commuters, look to neighborhoods

A recent study published in the Journal of Transport and Land Use found that people living in high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods are more likely to commute by bike. High-density areas such as downtowns and college campuses tend to have higher rates of bike commuting due to increased safety and accessibility.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport and Land Use·DateJun 26, 2019

The Lancet: HPV vaccination programs have substantial impact in reducing HPV infections and precancerous cervical lesions

A meta-analysis of 60 million individuals in high-income countries found significant decreases in HPV infections, anogenital wart diagnoses, and precancerous cervical lesions (CIN2+) after girls-only HPV vaccination. The study supports the WHO's revised position on vaccinating multiple age cohorts of girls aged 9-14 years old.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 26, 2019

Cascade exacerbates storage diseases

A defective degradation enzyme leads to the accumulation of gangliosides, causing deterioration in patients with storage diseases. Researchers have discovered that genetic disorders can trigger a cascade of consequential damages.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 26, 2019

Natural ingredients in supplements, nutraceuticals get a new type of barcode

A team of researchers has developed a method to authenticate botanical ingredients by assigning unique chemical barcodes, which can distinguish between different parts of the same plant and detect chemical contaminants. The new barcode system uses nuclear magnetic resonance and statistical analysis to group similar samples together.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2019

Towards a worldwide inventory of all plants

A global database of regional plant life has been developed to document and understand global plant diversity. The Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT) collates information about the plant species composition in nearly 2,900 regions, covering about 79% of the global land surface.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJun 26, 2019

Practice makes perfect

The Argonne team applied Bayesian methods to quantify uncertainties in the thermodynamic properties of hafnium, a key component in computer electronics. They found that traditional models often lacked error bars or uncertainties, leading to inaccurate predictions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Engineering Science·DateJun 26, 2019

ALS patients may benefit from more glucose

A new study by University of Arizona researchers suggests that ALS patients may benefit from more glucose, as it can help increase energy production and improve cellular function. The findings, published in eLife, reveal that when ALS-affected neurons are given more glucose, they are able to survive longer and function better.

Horticulture CSI

Researchers Gary Bachman, Christine Coker, and Patricia Knight solved the mystery of the Long Beach red radish's disappearance through investigative work. The rediscovery may lead to the restoration of this once-prominent vegetable as a significant economic force in truck cropping.

Science snapshots: A toxin antidote in frogs, atomic motion in 4D, and better biofuels

Scientists have discovered a natural defense against the deadly neurotoxin saxitoxin in bullfrogs, which could lead to the first-ever antidote for this compound. Additionally, researchers have captured atomic motion in 4D and identified a molecular switch that promotes IIL tolerance in bacteria, paving the way for better biofuels.

New knowledge on the development of asthma

A study published in Immunity reveals that the synthesis and breakdown of fats play a crucial role in asthma-related inflammation. Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in immune cells exposed to house dust mites, finding a unique profile of genes linked to fat metabolism.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·DateJun 26, 2019

Hidden consciousness detectable with EEG just days after brain injury

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nearly 1 in 7 brain-injured ICU patients show evidence of hidden consciousness just days after injury. Patients with such signs are more likely to recover, according to researchers at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian. The technique used to detect hidden con...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 26, 2019

What made humans 'the fat primate'?

Research suggests that humans have lost the ability to shunt fat cells toward beige or brown fat, leading to an increased reliance on calorie-storing white fat. This shift may have provided an energy advantage for human brain growth, but also contributes to modern obesity.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJun 26, 2019

Restricted permit-only access to Yosemite National Park's Half Dome summit, anticipated to improve hiker safety, did not

A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that implementing permit-only access to Half Dome cable handrails did not result in a significant reduction in hiker safety or search and rescue activity. In fact, the number of incidents and fatalities remained similar before and after the restrictions were implemented.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 2019

Are testosterone-boosting supplements effective? Not likely, according to new research

Researchers reviewed 50 testosterone-boosting supplements and found that only a few had data to support their claims. Many supplements contained high doses of vitamins and minerals without any proven effects on testosterone levels. The study recommends more regulation around these supplements to protect consumers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalWorld Journal of Gynecology & Womens Health·DateJun 26, 2019

Heart risk raised by sitting in front of the TV, not by sitting at work, finds study

A recent study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that watching TV for long periods increases cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast, working hours have little effect on the risk. The study also suggests exercising regularly can offset this increased risk and mitigate its effects.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 26, 2019

Older adults' independence is most significant factor for vulnerability in hot weather

A new assessment reveals that older adults' independence is the most significant factor in their vulnerability to extreme heat. The study found that individuals with limited financial and physical assets are more susceptible to temperature extremes, highlighting the need for tailored support strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Health Research·DateJun 26, 2019

Soft robots for all

Researchers at Harvard University have invented a soft ring oscillator that enables soft robots to roll, undulate, sort and swallow. The invention uses pressurized air to create movement, allowing the robots to perform complex movements without electronic components.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 26, 2019

New, noninvasive test for bowel diseases

A new study proposes a novel, non-invasive test for assessing gut function that may help screen and monitor treatment of gut diseases. The test measures the concentration of gut bacterial products in patient's blood and stool, detecting gut leakage and its potential impact on IBD and other intestinal diseases.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateJun 26, 2019

Food insecurity leading to type 2 diabetes

A collaborative study by Connecticut researchers shows that food insecurity is linked to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in Latinos. The study found that households with food-insecure individuals had higher levels of inflammation, stress hormones, and insulin resistance compared to those who were food secure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 26, 2019

Former war refugee maps habitat for West African bird

A team of researchers, led by a former war refugee, used ecological niche modeling to predict the future geographic distribution of the endangered White-breasted Guineafowl in response to climate change. The study found that the bird's range is more stable than expected, but coastal areas are threatened by sea-level rise and erosion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAvian Research·DateJun 26, 2019

Interdisciplinary approach decreases broad spectrum antibiotic usage

A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 26, 2019