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Science News for March 21, 2019


New microscope captures large groups of neurons in living animals

Researchers developed a new 'multi-z' confocal microscopy system for imaging large groups of cells, enabling fast and detailed imaging across a wide field of view. The instrument captured cellular details at high speeds over a large 3D volume, providing unprecedented insights into how neurons interact during various behaviors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMar 21, 2019

Mount Sinai and IBM researchers uncover key to greater efficacy in cancer treatment

Researchers found that cancer cells with fewer mitochondria are more likely to respond to certain drug treatments, offering a new avenue for targeted therapies. The study's findings suggest that enhancing understanding of the relationship between mitochondrial variability and drug response may lead to more effective cancer treatments.

Golden ball in a golden cage

Scientists have successfully synthesized a 32-gold atom nanocluster with a core of 12 atoms surrounded by a shell of 20 atoms, demonstrating unusual stability. The cluster's geometry and electronic structure rely heavily on interactions with ligands, particularly amido and phosphine groups.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 21, 2019

Sleep and aging: Two sides of one coin?

Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that oxidative stress leads to both sleep disturbances and aging. The study, published in Nature, suggests that targeting the mechanism behind sleep-regulating neurons could lead to a powerful new type of sleeping pill with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2019

Researchers point to a common cause in sudden death syndromes

A common cause for both Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) may be an inability to wake up due to a faulty CO2 blood level regulation. A potential explanation is a malfunctioning serotonin receptor in the midbrain, which could drive future treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMar 21, 2019

Antibodies stabilize plaque in arteries

Researchers found that IgG antibodies play a crucial role in stabilizing arterial plaques, reducing the risk of rupture and clotting. The study suggests that these antibodies may be a new target for mitigating atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateMar 21, 2019

Studies examine ways to assess quality of life in patients with kidney disease

Two new studies provide insights on how physicians can effectively evaluate patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Researchers developed and evaluated improved measures, including a computer-adaptive survey that saves time and is relevant to individual patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 21, 2019

Study in mice examines impact of reused cooking oil on breast cancer progression

A new study suggests that consuming thermally abused cooking oil may trigger genetic changes that promote the progression of late-stage breast cancer. Mice fed thermally abused oil developed more tumors and aggressive growth than those fed fresh soybean oil, highlighting a potential link between diet and cancer recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateMar 21, 2019

Affordable Care Act delivers significant benefits for women

A new study found that the Affordable Care Act improved healthcare affordability and access for women, especially in low- and middle-income groups. The study demonstrated a significant increase in preventive care screenings and influenza immunization among women after the ACA's implementation.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 21, 2019

Study highlights power of play

A University of Otago study reveals that structured play can help toddlers develop essential self-regulation skills, leading to improved behavior and life outcomes. The ENGAGE program, involving simple games and activities, was found to be equally effective as the Positive Parenting Programme in managing children's behavior.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019

Bacteria bide their time when antibiotics attack

Researchers at Rice University suggest that fluctuating growth rates of bacteria can increase the time it takes to eradicate a bacterial infection, giving the surviving bugs a better chance to develop resistance. This approach could lead to more accurate dosing and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalInterface·DateMar 21, 2019

Avoidance or responsible moral choices -- what is your supervisor like?

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä identified four moral identity statuses in Finnish leaders: achieved, foreclosed, diffused, and moratorium. An achieved identity is characterized by a clear, self-chosen value framework, while foreclosed identities are based on adopted values without critical evaluation. The study highlights t...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 21, 2019

Artificial chemical DNA switch helps understand epigenetic mechanisms

Researchers developed an artificial chemical DNA switch that can be turned on and off using light, offering a novel approach to epigenetics. The method uses chemical reactions in the major groove of DNA to influence gene switching, potentially leading to targeted regulation of gene expression.

How spin dances with dipole

Researchers have discovered three key paths for coupling magnetism and ferroelectricity, enabling the interaction between spin moments and electric dipoles in solids. This breakthrough has significant implications for materials science and engineering.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 21, 2019

Medicine and personal care products may lead to new pollutants in waterways

Researchers at Rutgers University discovered that bacteria in wastewater plants transform commonly used pharmaceuticals and personal care products into new contaminants, which may harm aquatic environments. The study highlights the need for further evaluation of these emerging contaminants and their potential risks to human health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 21, 2019

Two-step path to shrinking worker bee gonads

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to selectively shut off a gene for female development, finding that diet has no effect on gonad size when the gene is turned off. This suggests that a specific genetic program must be switched on to permit nutrient level to affect gonad size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 21, 2019

Unequal pain relief at home for dying patients

A study of 43,000 people who died in England found that only 10% of non-cancer patients received palliative care at home, compared to 66% of cancer patients. Patients who accessed palliative care at home experienced better pain relief, with 66% experiencing good pain relief, similar to those receiving care in a hospice.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 21, 2019

Inert nitrogen forced to react with itself

Researchers from Germany have developed a completely new chemical reaction that uses boron-containing molecules to directly couple two molecules of N2 into a N4 chain. This breakthrough enables the direct generation of longer nitrogen chains under mild conditions, bypassing traditional methods like the Haber-Bosch process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2019

Prenatal allergies prompt sexual changes in offspring

A new research suggests that a single allergic reaction during pregnancy can prompt significant changes in the brains of offspring, leading to more male-like behavior and brain development. Female rats born to mothers exposed to an allergen during pregnancy exhibited higher levels of male-like behavior and brain changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019

Want to increase staff loyalty? You'll need to be seen as important, new research suggests

A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology reveals that employees need to feel their boss is important to foster loyalty. The research found that a good working relationship alone may not be enough to build trust, emphasizing the importance of perceived manager importance in employee motivation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 21, 2019

Bacteria and immunity in cervix may be key to predicting premature births

A University of Maryland School of Medicine study has identified seven bacteria associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, while higher levels of a natural antimicrobial peptide may lower this risk. The findings hold promise for early diagnosis and prevention of premature births, particularly in African American women.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 21, 2019

Natural plant defense genes provide clues to safener protection in grain sorghum

Researchers identify specific genes, including SbGSTF1 and a tandem GST gene, responsible for safener efficacy in grain sorghum. The discovery sheds light on how safeners work and could lead to broader applications against insect herbivores, chemical pollutants, or environmental stresses.