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Science News for November 18, 2019


Metabolic syndrome: New use for an old drug

Researchers have found that Ibrutinib, approved for B-cell tumors, may limit the impact of obesity-induced inflammation in metabolic syndrome. The study used big data analysis and computational approaches to identify potential drug interactions with mutated genes responsible for the condition.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2019

New method takes analysis of genetic libraries to next level

Uppsala researchers developed a new method to investigate dynamic processes in large genetic libraries using DuMPLING. This approach enables the examination of thousands of living cells in a single microfluidic chip, linking genetic information to complex cell behavior. The study focuses on bacterial cell cycle regulation and aims to i...

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

Are hyoliths Palaeozoic lophophorates?

Researchers analyzed hundreds of hyolith fossils and discovered soft parts with tentaculate feeding organs, challenging the current phylogenetic placement. The findings suggest that hyoliths likely occupied a more basal position in the Lophophorata, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 18, 2019

How gene expression noise shapes cell fate

A new method called VarID quantifies gene expression variability across groups of similar or related cell states, revealing the dynamics of biological noise during cell differentiation. This approach may help understand how gene expression noise regulates development and cell fate decisions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

Foam offers way to manipulate light

A Princeton University study reveals a type of foam can block specific wavelengths of light while allowing others to pass through, creating a photonic band gap. This property has the potential to control the flow of electrons in materials and could lead to breakthroughs in telecommunications.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Study -- disparities in care among homeless adults hospitalized for cardiovascular conditions

A study found striking disparities in in-hospital care and mortality between homeless and non-homeless adults hospitalized for urgent cardiovascular conditions. Homeless patients were significantly less likely to receive important diagnostic or therapeutic procedures and generally had higher in-hospital death rates compared to non-home...

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2019

New assessment finds EU electricity decarbonization discourse in need of overhaul

A new study challenges the EU's approach to decarbonizing its economy, arguing that it overlooks the importance of functional societal change. The researchers propose a new methodological approach to analyze complex issues like electricity decarbonization, highlighting the need for policies that motivate use changes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateNov 18, 2019

What will make grandma use her Fitbit longer?

A Michigan State University study found that older adults are more likely to use wearable activity trackers for longer periods if they offer a variety of functions, such as tracking calories burned or mood. Technological savviness and partnership-based motivation also play a crucial role in long-term adoption.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateNov 18, 2019

Uncovering the pathway to wine's acidity

The University of Adelaide team identified an enzyme that helps produce natural tartaric acid in grapes, enabling winemakers to balance sweetness and acidity. This discovery has the potential to save the Australian wine industry significant sums of money by reducing reliance on expensive additives.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2019

Tracking inheritance of human mitochondrial DNA

A study reveals how mitochondrial DNA is transmitted between generations, showing that a bottleneck occurs during oogenesis, reducing genetic diversity. This process can affect the inheritance of disease-related mutations, making it crucial for genetic counseling in women planning pregnancies.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Oil and gas well leakage in British Columbia

Researchers analyzed data on oil and gas well leakage in British Columbia, finding that 10.8% of wells showed reported leakage, with most incidents involving gas venting. Unremediated surface gas leakage from abandoned wells is estimated to produce significant GHG emissions, equivalent to nearly 75,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Benefits of exercise referral schemes not as large as hoped

Exercise referral schemes have been shown to improve physical activity levels among individuals with long-term conditions. However, the analysis of data from 23,731 participants found that while significant improvements were observed in most measures, they did not reach clinical thresholds for meaningful impact.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 18, 2019

Study measures impact of agriculture on diet of wild mammals

Researchers analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in fur samples from 29 species of mammals to measure the impact of agriculture on their diet. The study found that herbivores and omnivores inhabiting forest fragments consumed agricultural resources, while carnivores close to croplands preyed on prey that feed on these resources.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Statins not associated with memory or cognition decline in elderly, may be protective in some patients

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found no association between statin use and memory or cognitive decline in elderly patients. Statin users showed similar cognitive performance to never-users, suggesting potential protective effects in this population.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 18, 2019

Researchers bring gaming to autonomous vehicles

A new study created three games for level three and higher semi-autonomous vehicles, which can play with other players nearby. The researchers evaluated the games using a virtual reality driving simulator and participant feedback, finding that participants rated the games highly in immersion and enjoyed playing with strangers.

Screening for thyroid dysfunction in people without symptoms: Don't routinely check that box

A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant adults without symptoms or risk factors. The evidence suggests that this type of screening has no health benefits and may lead to unnecessary testing, medication, and follow-up appointments.

New clinical guideline for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis

The American Thoracic Society has published a new clinical guideline for the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis, emphasizing the use of all-oral regimens. The guideline also recommends treatment for all contacts of MDR-TB patients and provides evidence-based guidance for pregnant women with MDR-TB.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 18, 2019

Should scientists change the way they view (and study) same sex behavior in animals?

Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies propose a new framework for understanding same-sex behavior in animals, arguing that these behaviors are not costly but rather neutral and advantageous. They suggest that these tendencies likely evolved in the earliest forms of sexual behavior and may be more common than ...

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 18, 2019

Living bridges

Researchers studied traditional Khasi building techniques for living root bridges, which can reach over 50 meters in length and withstand centuries. The bridges' complex root structure provides stable and safe passage, while also serving as a natural cooling system for cities.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2019

Directional control of self-propelled protocells

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a way to control the direction of self-propelled protocells using enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. The protocells can move towards or away from specific chemical signals, enabling targeted drug delivery and reducing the amount of medication required.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 18, 2019

Antibiotics from the sea

A team of scientists has discovered 79 new types of bacteria with potential to produce unique antibiotics. The researchers, led by Christian Jogler, found that these Planctomycetes have complex lifestyles and the ability to produce small molecules like antibiotics.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 18, 2019

Watch out for 'feather duvet lung' caution doctors

A middle-aged man developed severe lung inflammation after introducing feather-filled bedding into his home, prompting doctors to sound the alarm about the potential risk. Repeated exposure to bird feathers can lead to irreversible scarring of lung tissue, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition promptly.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateNov 18, 2019

How religion can heighten or help with financial stress

A study by University of Arizona researcher Ashley LeBaron found that religious involvement can both relieve and worsen financial stress. On one hand, religion can reduce materialism, bring monetary blessings, and foster a positive outlook on financial struggles. On the other hand, it can also impose increased financial obligations, re...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychology of Religion and Spirituality·DateNov 18, 2019

Can plants tell us something about longevity?

Researchers from Arizona State University uncover the structure and function of plant telomerase RNA, a 'missing link' between ciliates and humans. This discovery may hold promise for extending human lifespan and improving health in elderly individuals by understanding the regulation of telomerase enzyme.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

New findings on the largest natural sulfur source in the atmosphere

A team of researchers from TROPOS and Universities in Germany, Austria, and Finland have discovered a new reaction pathway for dimethyl sulfide, challenging current knowledge on its degradation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth's sulfur cycle and climate modeling.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Protein imaging at the speed of life

The European XFEL has enabled scientists to create molecular movies of ultrafast protein movement, allowing them to observe proteins' physical functioning and enzyme activity in real-time. This breakthrough capability opens the door to answering bigger biological questions and potentially saving lives.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019