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Science News for November 4, 2019


Gene-OFF switches tool up synthetic biology

Researchers developed programmable repressor elements that can switch off protein production in response to specific stimuli, enabling sophisticated diagnostic, environmental and biofabrication approaches. The new tools have the potential to improve applications in next-generation diagnostics, environmental reporting and biomanufacturing.

Increased risk of suicide for teens who visit emergency for self-harm

Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 4, 2019

Teens who visit the emergency department for self-harm at increased risk of suicide, repeated self harm

A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.

New approach uses light to stabilize proteins for study

Researchers developed a new technique using light to stabilize proteins for study, allowing scientists to observe how specific proteins contribute to health, development, and disease. The method, called GLIMPSe, involves attaching a short peptide sequence that signals the cell to degrade the protein, which can be controlled using light.

What factors predict success?

A large-scale study of over 11,000 West Point cadets reveals that both cognitive and non-cognitive factors predict success outcomes. Grit is crucial during Beast Barracks, while cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of academic grades in the classroom. Physical ability also plays a key role in determining graduation rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Study of African animals illuminates links between environment, diet and gut microbiome

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Scientists probe the limits of ice

Researchers found that the transition between ice and water breaks down at the nanoscale, with clusters oscillating between solid and liquid states. The study provides new insights into the conditions necessary for ice formation and has implications for understanding climate regulation and life viability.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Researchers lift the curtain behind the 'black box' of data broker records

A study by INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that data records used in targeted advertising are not as reliable as assumed, with accuracy rates varying between demographics and interests. The researchers conducted field tests to assess the effectiveness of third-party consumer profiling and found mixed results.

Protein Data Bank at Rutgers Awarded $34.5 million grant

The Protein Data Bank at Rutgers has received a $34.5 million grant over five years to enhance services and improve the quality of its vast repository of 3D biomolecular structures. With more than 150,000 structures available, the data bank plays a crucial role in discovering lifesaving drugs and supporting various fields of research.

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 4, 2019

Peering into a more 'human' petri dish

Cell culture media has remained relatively unchanged for over 70 years, but Jason Cantor is developing 'physiologic media' that closely mimics real biological conditions. This allows researchers to study cell behavior in a more accurate and relevant way, potentially revealing fundamental insights into human diseases such as blood cancer.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Health care provider deserts may leave patients in the cold

Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 4, 2019

Fighting the HIV epidemic

A new study found that stigma about HIV preventive medication (PrEP) use is significantly associated with lower intention to start PrEP among women. The study recommends expanding public messaging, addressing stereotype beliefs, and designing interventions that integrate stigma reduction at the individual and community levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalStigma and Health·DateNov 4, 2019

Post-lithium technology

Researchers have developed a high-performance cathode made of an organic polymer for sodium-ion batteries, achieving excellent electrochemical performances. The new material outperforms current polymeric and inorganic cathodes in capacity delivery and retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2019

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Synthetic phages with programmable specificity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created synthetic phages that can recognize and attack a broader range of bacterial strains, providing a potential solution for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The synthesized phages share the same genome but have different receptor binding proteins, allowing them to target specific hosts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 4, 2019

The truth about misinformation

A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 4, 2019

USC stem cell scientists reveal key differences in how kidneys form in men and women

Researchers have discovered significant differences in gene expression between male and female mouse kidneys, shedding light on the organ's complex physiology and potential impact on human kidney disease. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand genetic programs linked to disease and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 4, 2019

New tornado casualty analysis will improve future predictions

Tyler Fricker's study analyzed nationwide tornado casualty data to identify high-risk regions and community-level factors influencing casualties. The results suggest that regional susceptibility to high-casualty events is more complex than previously thought, with factors beyond mobile home ownership and low income contributing to high...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateNov 4, 2019

Cynical social media voices can erode trust in news media

A Rutgers study found that cynical online views are the most influential on a person's trust in news media, while face-to-face interactions with like-minded people have a stronger impact. The study suggests that social media can make it harder to separate opinion from fact and bias from well-reasoned arguments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateNov 4, 2019

Elusive cancer-related protein captured in flight

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully captured the instantaneous image of the MYC protein bound to TBP, shedding light on its role in cancer. The study reveals that MYC's adaptability and dynamic structure enable it to interact with over 300 proteins, making it a promising target for new cancer therapies.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Published a clinical guide for the genomic diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic leukaemia

Researchers developed guidelines to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making for patients with MDS and CMML. The guide provides technical aspects, quality controls, and step-by-step instructions for applying Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in hospitals and laboratories.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 4, 2019

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers found multilevel societies in a population of over 400 adult birds, with stable membership and associations between groups based on preference. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of complex societies and provides clues about the mechanisms underlying social behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Retrospective study suggests ED physicians improving both outcomes and efficiency of care

A retrospective study suggests that ED physicians are improving both outcomes and efficiency of care, with mortality rates declining by 23% from 2009 to 2016. This improvement occurred despite increasing ED utilization, as fewer patients were admitted to the hospital and more were sent home, leading to nearly 200,000 fewer deaths in 2016.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Evaluating mind-body therapies for opioid-treated pain

A comprehensive review of mind-body therapies found associations with lower opioid use and better pain outcomes. The study combined data from multiple studies, providing evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions in managing chronic pain among adults on opioids.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Scientists spy unstable semiconductors

Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered metastability in gallium arsenide compound semiconductor material, a phenomenon that could affect device stability. The findings could lead to improved materials and structures for electronic devices, such as smartphones, GPS, and satellites.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2019

From cone snail venom to pain relief

Researchers have discovered a class of analgesics in conotoxin peptides, which are found in the venom of marine cone snails. These peptides show exceptional potency and selectivity for ion channels involved in pain transmission, offering new avenues for pain therapy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalChemical Reviews·DateNov 4, 2019

Voyager 2 reaches interstellar space

Researchers confirm Voyager 2's entry into interstellar space with a plasma density jump detected by an Iowa-led instrument. The spacecraft crossed into the ISM at a distance of over 11 billion miles from the sun, providing valuable clues to the structure of the heliosphere.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 4, 2019

Invasive species short-circuiting benefits from mercury reduction in the Great Lakes

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that reduced mercury use in the Great Lakes region has not led to a decline in mercury accumulation in large game fish. Instead, aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels are forcing fish to seek atypical food sources enriched in mercury.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

30-day death rates after emergency department visits

Researchers analyzed 30-day mortality rates following ED visits, finding a significant increase in deaths among elderly patients. The study used Medicare data from 2009 to 2016 and found that the 30-day death rate for emergency department visits increased significantly during this period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

How much do we lie when we have sex on the brain?

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people are more likely to change their attitudes and engage in deceptive self-presentation when they are sexually primed. Participants who were exposed to sexual stimuli were more likely to express agreement with a contrary opinion and conform to a stranger's...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2019

Too good to be true?

A new study from Harvard Medical School suggests that an overall decline in hospital admissions may have driven the observed drop in readmissions, rather than the pay-for-performance program. The findings contradict prevailing interpretations and call into question the program's effectiveness.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 4, 2019