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Science News for October 16, 2019


Deep water sites off the US northeast coast are suitable for offshore blue mussel farms

Researchers at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center have identified suitable locations off the US northeast coast for offshore blue mussel farms. The study suggests that Long Island, north of Cape Ann in Massachusetts, and off New Hampshire are promising sites due to favorable temperature and food availability conditions.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·DateOct 16, 2019

Biodiversity improves crop production

A study involving over 100 researchers demonstrates that biodiversity enhances pollination and biological pest control, leading to increased crop yields. Higher agricultural biodiversity also reduces the reliance on pesticides, promoting sustainable agriculture.

SourceEurac Research·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 16, 2019

Fully recyclable packaging materials

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country and Colorado State University have developed a class of biorenewable, biodegradable plastics that promote the circular economy. The new materials have suitable mechanical and barrier properties similar to commercial materials currently used in packaging.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2019

Artificial pancreas system better controls blood glucose levels than current technology

A new artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, reducing time in range for high and low glucose levels. The system also showed improvements in hemoglobin A1c and other measurements related to diabetes control compared to current technology.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

A secret in saliva: Food and germs helped humans evolve into unique member of great apes

Human saliva has distinct differences in protein content and structure compared to other primates, with a waterier consistency and higher amounts of enzymes and proteins involved in digestion and defense. These findings suggest that our diet and evolutionary adaptations played a significant role in shaping our unique saliva.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 16, 2019

New strategy to treat Parkinson's disease

A new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease has been developed by amplifying healthy GCase enzymes, alleviating symptoms in both human brain cells and mouse models. This approach may be relevant for multiple forms of PD with reduced activity of wild-type GCase.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

Digital breast tomosynthesis increases cancer detection over full-field mammography

A recent study comparing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) found that DBT significantly increased cancer detection rates for invasive, minimal, estrogen receptor-positive invasive, and node-negative cancers. However, the difference was not significant for ductal carcinoma in situ.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 16, 2019

Competitive people are more prone to drug consumption

A recent study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that hostile and competitive personality traits are associated with an increased risk of drug consumption among young people. On the other hand, individuals with patient, less hostile, and non-competitive personalities have a lower likelihood of being drug users. ...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateOct 16, 2019

Artificial pancreas system better controls blood glucose levels than current technology

A new artificial pancreas system improved participants' blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, reducing the risk of low blood sugar levels. The system's advanced algorithms and safety features enabled users to achieve near-normal blood sugar levels every morning.

A rat's brain, on and off methamphetamine

Study reveals substantial changes in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism, the nervous system, and cell membrane lipid metabolism during methamphetamine self-administration and withdrawal. Biomarkers such as depleted amino acids may help identify early warning signs of methamphetamine dependence.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateOct 16, 2019

Scientists link hormone production in baby wallabies how some girls are born with 'male' genitalia

Researchers discovered an alternative pathway for testosterone production that contributes to the development of male characteristics in human girls with a genetic disorder. The study found this pathway is present and active during fetal development and plays a key role in shaping external genitalia in newborns with CAH.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2019

Artificial pancreas system better controls blood glucose levels than current technology

A new artificial pancreas system has been shown to improve blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, offering a significant advantage over existing treatments for people with type 1 diabetes. The system, which automatically monitors and regulates blood glucose levels, was more effective than traditional therapies in achie...

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2019

Examining risk of suicide and use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs

A study by JAMA Network found a potential association between ACE inhibitors and ARBs and an increased risk of suicide among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The observational study analyzed data from over 200,000 patients to identify any possible links between these medications and suicidal behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 16, 2019

X marks the spot: recombination in structurally distinct chromosomes

Researchers discovered that different mechanisms govern chromosome interaction with the synaptonemal complex, particularly for sex chromosomes like X. The findings highlight the importance of structural features over primary amino acid sequences and suggest a chromosome-specific aspect to human meiotic defects.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2019

First study to test healthy lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of dementia in a large-scale, diverse population in the United States

A new study at Rush University Medical Center aims to determine whether a combination of lifestyle changes can protect memory and thinking skills in people at risk of developing dementia. The two-year U.S. POINTER clinical trial will enroll 2,000 adults between 60-79 years old with no current memory problems or exercise habits.

The moon determines when migratory birds head south

Researchers found that European nightjars begin their autumn migration 10 days after the full moon and synchronize their flight to depart at the same time. The study reveals that moonlight affects the birds' activity patterns, enabling them to hunt more efficiently and replenish energy reserves.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 16, 2019

Family members' emotional attachment limits family firm growth

Research by Lancaster University finds that family-related considerations often trump a desire to grow among firms with multiple generations of the same family in senior roles. Non-active family members as major shareholders and non-family members on boards encourage growth, while active family members are more conservative and risk-av...

SourceLancaster University·JournalEuropean Management Review·DateOct 16, 2019

Ultrafast particle interactions could help make quantum information devices feasible

Researchers detected energy transfer from excited electrons to the crystal lattice on the femtosecond timescale, enabling the development of materials that retain energy for longer periods. This study contributes to the retardation of decoherence and the creation of quantum information devices such as optical switches.

How partisan hate leads people to believe falsehoods

A study by Ohio State University found that partisan media use is linked to stronger negative feelings and false beliefs about political opponents. Researchers surveyed Americans using various news outlets during the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, discovering a correlation between increased hostility and belief in misperceptions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateOct 16, 2019

Human medicines affect fish behavior

Research reveals that human medicines influencing serotonin and dopamine systems alter the boldness and explorative behaviour of three-spined sticklebacks, highlighting potential consequences for aquatic ecosystems. The study confirms the role of these signal substances in individual personality differences and stress resilience.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 16, 2019

Pilot study shows even short-term 'vaping' causes inflammation in non-smokers

Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center report a measurable increase in inflammation after four weeks of e-cig use without nicotine or flavors. The study suggests that even short-term usage can result in inflammatory changes at a cellular level, a concern as vaping usage is rapidly outpacing scientific understanding.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 16, 2019

Study reveals how age affects perception of white LED light

Researchers found that age-dependent effects on color perception can lead to different perceptions of white LED lighting. Designs that consider these differences can improve the aesthetic appeal of LED lighting. The study suggests using modern colorimetry to minimize inter-user discrepancies in LED emitters.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 16, 2019

Pioneering cell therapies for non-responders to current immunotherapies

A new approach to identifying killer T lymphocytes in patients with gastrointestinal tumors has been developed, which can hone in on unique mutations expressed in cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized and effective cell therapies for patients who do not respond to current immunotherapies.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 16, 2019