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Science News for May 2, 2019


New brain mechanisms regulating body weight

Researchers found that a specific molecule called interleukine-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance. In obese rodents, IL-6 levels decrease, leading to increased body weight and fat accumulation. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to effective anti-obesity treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 2, 2019

For giant pandas, bamboo is vegetarian 'meat'

Researchers used nutritional geometry to assess giant pandas' macronutrient mix, revealing a high protein content similar to hypercarnivores. Despite their plant-based diet, pandas' energy intake comes from protein-rich bamboo, blurring the line between herbivore and carnivore.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 2, 2019

Organ bioprinting gets a breath of fresh air

Researchers develop a new bioprinting technology that can create complex vascular networks, mimicking the body's natural passageways. This breakthrough enables the creation of exquisitely entangled structures for 3D printing replacement organs, potentially addressing the need for organ transplants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2019

Why you love coffee and beer

A genome-wide test suggests that bitter and sweet beverage preferences are related to the psychoactive properties of these beverages, not genetic variations in taste genes. People prefer certain drinks due to their emotional and psychological impact.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Self-powered wearable tech

Michigan State University researchers have created a potential solution for emerging wearable tech by developing highly stretchable supercapacitors powered by crumpled carbon nanotube forests. The new design has demonstrated solid performance and stability, even under extreme stretching and relaxing cycles.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 2, 2019

The immaculate conception?

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a way to transform skin cells into the three major stem cell types that comprise early-stage embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for modelling embryonic disease, placental dysfunctions, and infertility problems by creating human embryos in a petri dish.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 2, 2019

New study finds high rates of formula use with low-income infants, recommends changes

A new study published in Public Health Nutrition found that 61% of low-income infants received formula in the first few days of life. Mothers who set an exclusive breastfeeding goal were five times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at three months post-partum, highlighting the need for education and culturally appropriate sup...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMay 2, 2019

Emergency room patients' acuity levels not always considered when within wait time target

Research from the UBC Sauder School of Business reveals that emergency patient acuity levels sometimes come second to wait time targets. Once wait time targets have passed, patient acuity levels are considered more seriously. The study's authors suggest revising policy guidelines to weigh wait times against patient acuity levels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateMay 2, 2019

Easy on the eyes

Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateMay 2, 2019

It's hard to be a nomad in Mongolia

Scientists tracked Mongolian gazelles over vast grasslands using GPS, finding they avoid human disturbance and require large movement corridors. Integrated land use planning prioritizing permeability is advocated to address barriers such as fences and facilitate long-distance movements.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 2, 2019

Open heart surgery outperforms stents in patients with multivessel disease

A recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with lower mortality rates and reduced hospital readmission compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The research analyzed data from two major clinical outcomes registries and identified patien...

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateMay 2, 2019

More than 100 years of data show Pennsylvania tick population shift

Pennsylvania's tick population has shifted significantly over the past century, from Ixodes cookei to Ixodes scapularis, with climate change and habitat loss contributing to these changes. The dominant species is now linked to Lyme disease, highlighting the importance of robust surveillance and analysis of historical data.

SourcePenn State·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateMay 2, 2019

Putting vision models to the test

Researchers at MIT have demonstrated that artificial neural networks can be used to drive specific brain neurons, showing a strong activation pattern. The study suggests that these models could be used to control brain states in animals and establish their usefulness, paving the way for further research.

Pathogens find safe harbor deep in the gastric glands

Researchers discovered that H. pylori exploit a specialized niche within gastric glands to maintain stable bacterial reservoirs. This allows the bacteria to serve as stable populations and prevents incoming bacteria from establishing themselves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 2, 2019

Researchers make organic solar cells immune to the ravages of water, air and light

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have discovered a method to make organic solar panels more robust by removing electron-accepting molecules from the top surface. This technique enhances the durability of organic solar cells, allowing them to function under water without encapsulation and resist degradation from oxygen an...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

Young frogs that were stressed as tadpoles move less on land, putting their survival at risk

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that juvenile northern red-legged frogs stressed as tadpoles are less likely to move on land, putting their survival at risk. The study suggests that climate-related stress can have long-term effects on the distribution and persistence of animals in freshwater habitats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019

Risk of deaths among incarcerated youth by suicide on the rise

A new study found that incarcerated youth are at an increased risk for suicidal behavior, with rates reported to be 2-to-3 times higher than those in the general population. Key risk factors such as history of mental health conditions and substance use were not significantly different between groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2019

Tumor cells' drug addiction may be their downfall

Cancer cells' acquired resistance to anti-cancer drugs can be exploited as an Achilles heel, according to research that shows removing a MEK1/2 inhibitor drug causes reversal of drug resistance in colon cancer cell populations. This finding may inform decisions about intermittent use rather than continuous exposure.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2019

Pluripotency or differentiation -- That is the question

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discover key molecules in the cell nucleus that orchestrate paraspeckles formation, a structure linked to ALS progression. The discovery provides new insights into pluripotency and differentiation processes, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and therapeutic strategies for ALS.

Researchers find gene for urethral obstruction

A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with LUTO, a rare condition causing urinary tract obstruction in boys. The study found that variants of the BNC2 gene are linked to the disease, which can lead to kidney damage and other complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Medical costs create hardships for more than half of Americans

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers finds that more than half of Americans experience medical financial hardship, with 56.0% of adults reporting at least one domain of hardship. The study estimates that 137.1 million adults in the US suffer from this issue, which can lead to delays in care, distress, and economic hardship.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 2, 2019

How could a changing climate affect human fertility?

A study found that climate change may lead to increased fertility due to reduced resources for education, as people allocate time and money for child-rearing. The researchers used a quantitative model to examine the economic channels through which climate change affects fertility, finding that it worsens inequalities in richer countries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

ESA tipsheet for May 6, 2019

A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019

Researchers crack the peanut genome

The study provides a reference framework for breeding and improvement of the peanut crop, revealing the origin of peanut in South America and genetic mechanisms that generated diversity. The team mapped the entire peanut genome, identifying key traits like seed size and disease resistance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Bronx river turtles get a check-up

A team of scientists conducted a comprehensive health evaluation on Bronx River turtles, discovering the presence of various environmental contaminants, including PCBs, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. The study established a baseline for future comparisons, expanding knowledge of turtle health markers and ecosystems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateMay 2, 2019

Spider venom is a dangerous cocktail

Researchers at the University of Bern studied spider venom from the Cupiennius salei species, discovering a dual prey-inactivation strategy involving neurotoxins and metabolic pathways. This complex effect mechanism attacks an organism's muscles, nervous system, and internal homeostasis, causing paralysis, pain, and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalToxins·DateMay 2, 2019