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Science News for March 12, 2019


A new therapeutic target for blocking early atherosclerosis in progeria

Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism involved in premature atherosclerosis in mice with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. The study identifies tauroursodeoxycholic acid as a potential therapeutic target that slows the progression of atherosclerosis and extends lifespan in progeroid mice.

Profiling immune system in pediatric arthritis patients offers hope for improved diagnosis and treatment

A team of scientists developed a machine learning algorithm that identifies children with juvenile arthritis with nearly 90% accuracy from a simple blood test. The new findings pave the way for improving diagnosis and predicting which patients respond best to different treatment options.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 12, 2019

Machine-learning model provides detailed insight on proteins

A novel machine-learning model uses artificial neural networks to analyze protein sequence data, providing detailed information on protein structure, function and evolutionary features. The model can be used to design new proteins with desired functions and predict the future sequence evolution of proteins in living organisms.

SourceeLife·DateMar 12, 2019

LifeTime is delighted to receive EU funding

The European Commission has awarded €1 million in funding to the LifeTime initiative, a six-year research project that will integrate single-cell methods, personalized organoids, and machine learning to understand human cells when diseases develop. The goal is to fundamentally improve patient care and set the basis for precision medicine.

Little owls on the move

A team of researchers has developed an individual-based computer model to assess the dispersal potential of juvenile little owls from Germany to suitable habitats in northern Switzerland. Key findings include inter-individual and sexual behavioral differences among juvenile little owls, with females tending to move more directionally.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 12, 2019

First double-blind controlled trial of TNS shows reduced symptoms in some children with ADHD

A double-blind controlled trial of TNS found significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and associated improvements in brain functioning. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, suggests that TNS has great potential as an additional option for managing ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 2019

Mixed-cation perovskite solar cells in space

Researchers tested large-area perovskite solar cells in near space at an altitude of 35 km, demonstrating their ability to retain power conversion efficiency despite extreme conditions. The study found that a device based on FA0.81MA0.10Cs0.04PbI2.55Br0.40 retained 95.19% of its initial efficiency.

Revamping science: Making room for more voices

The article discusses the importance of diversity in science, highlighting how underrepresented groups' voices are enriching scientific knowledge. Scientists from diverse backgrounds challenge existing perspectives on race, sex, and gender, promoting a more complete understanding of human and nonhuman diversity.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateMar 12, 2019

One among many

Researchers Korbut observed crowds in metro-mobs to understand how they move and coordinate actions, finding that individuals follow free space minimization rules and rely on others' movements for direction. The study highlights the importance of speed control, stopping signals, and joining methods in mob organization.

Small babies, big data

Researchers have pioneered a technique to analyze tiny amounts of newborn blood, providing the most detailed accounting to date. The study establishes a common developmental pathway for the first week of a newborn's life, offering insights into newborn health and the impact of vaccines.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2019

Starving leukemia cells by targeting amino acids

Scientists have discovered that deleting the gene encoding ASCT2, a transporter enzyme responsible for bringing amino acids into cells, prolongs survival of mice with aggressive leukemia. The study found that ASCT2 is required for leukemia development and progression but dispensable for normal blood cell development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 12, 2019

Lower costs associated with late-preterm steroid therapy, NIH-funded analysis finds

A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.

Researchers improve description of defective oxides with first principles calculation

The researchers developed site-dependent +U correction parameters using self-consistent first principles calculations, which improves the structure of stoichiometric SrMnO3 and provides a more accurate description of defective systems. This approach can lead to lower computational cost and more precise predictions of defect energetics.

A lawn is better than fertilizer for growing healthy blueberries

Researchers have discovered that growing grasses alongside blueberry plants corrects iron deficiency, leading to increased antioxidant content and improved berry quantity. Intercropping with grass species has been shown to provide a natural source of iron chelators, comparable to synthetic treatments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 12, 2019

Opioid crisis: Only a US phenomenon?

The opioid crisis is expanding globally, with Norway, Sweden, and Denmark reporting a surge in prescription opioid prescriptions for chronic non-cancer pain. The study highlights the need to curtail the use of strong painkillers like oxycodone, which can lead to overdose deaths.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Pain·DateMar 12, 2019

Discovery upturns understanding of how some viruses multiply

Researchers have found that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but still cause an infection, contradicting a long-held model. The study, published in eLife, used fluorescent probes to detect viral segments in individual cells and found that distinct segments are often found in different cells.

SourceeLife·DateMar 12, 2019

Breath of fresh air in vasculitis research

Researchers have identified an association between a MUC5B gene variant and systemic vasculitis, a lung disease prevalent in the Japanese population. The study found that patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are more likely to have ILD if they carry this specific genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateMar 12, 2019

Coal power stations disrupt rainfall: global study

A global study reveals that modern coal-fired power stations emit more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic, modifying and redistributing rainfall patterns on local to regional scales. This can lead to extreme weather events, including intense rain and dry conditions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateMar 12, 2019

At 3,836 mph, which way does the air flow?

University at Buffalo aerospace engineer James Chen is working on a new study that aims to solve problems associated with exceeding the sound barrier. The research focuses on Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann's classical kinetic theory, which uses gas molecules to explain everyday phenomena.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Engineering Mathematics·DateMar 12, 2019

UM study suggests climate change limits forest recovery after wildfires

A University of Montana study found that climate change limits tree regeneration following wildfires in low-elevation forests, potentially leading to abrupt forest loss. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, examined post-fire regeneration of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2019

Subsidies for infection control to healthcare institutions help reduce infection levels

A dollar-for-dollar matching subsidy effectively reduces hospital-acquired infections, according to a study by CDDEP and Princeton University. The researchers found that subsidies should be given to hospitals with lower transmission rates to improve infection control for both facilities.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2019

Novel potent antimicrobial from thermophilic bacterium

Researchers have discovered a novel glycocin, a small antimicrobial peptide with a sugar group attached, produced by the thermophilic bacterium Aeribacillus palladius. The compound has been successfully expressed in E. coli bacteria, making it easier to produce and investigate. This breakthrough could lead to new alternatives for biofu...

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2019

Experiences of nature boost children's learning

A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.

Climate Change: Heat-induced heart attack risk on the rise

A study of over 27,000 heart attack patients found an increase in heat-induced heart attacks in recent years, particularly among individuals with diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Climate change is suspected to be a contributing factor, but the exact mechanism behind these deaths remains unclear.

Copying made easy

Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive method called Cas9n-based amplification reaction that avoids thermal cycles and complicated instruments. The technique uses components from the bacterial immune system to recognize specific DNA sequences and introduce genetic scissors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 12, 2019

The ups and downs of sit-stand desks

A recent review study found that sit-stand desks can reduce sitting time and increase comfort, but physiological effects were mixed. To fully benefit from SSDs, workplaces need to understand proper usage and setup, including desk height, monitor height, and anti-fatigue mat use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateMar 12, 2019

Mowing for monarchs

Mowing grasslands in June or July can increase monarch butterfly egg laying by 3-10 times, while also reducing predators. This strategy aims to provide a food source for the butterflies' larval stage and create a more favorable environment for their survival.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 12, 2019