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Science News for October 9, 2019


Researchers find multiple effects on soil from manure from cows administered antibiotics

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that exposure to manure from cows administered antibiotics alters the soil microbiome and ecosystem functions, reduces soil carbon storage, and changes how plants allocate carbon below ground. The findings suggest that widespread use of antibiotics in livestock production has s...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 9, 2019

Vaccine against RSV could be in sight, researchers say

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant discovery in developing an RSV vaccine, targeting an epigenetic modification that can tame the virus and prompt a robust immune response. The study's findings could lead to a more effective and affordable vaccine that saves tens of thousands of lives annually.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2019

American Journal of Roentgenology reviews vaping-associated lung injury findings

The American Journal of Roentgenology review article details common imaging manifestations of vaping-associated lung injury, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and organizing pneumonia. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing these patterns in radiologists to prompt clinical teams to ask a...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 9, 2019

Predicting the impact of climate change on bridge safety

A novel approach developed by Lehigh University researchers combines four steps: climatology, hydrology, structural engineering, and risk assessment to predict the impact of climate change on bridges. The model reveals that a 20-year flood may become a 13-year flood at the end of the century, nearly doubling the frequency of flooding.

BTI researchers unlocking hornworts' secrets

Researchers are developing robust gene transfer and editing technologies to study the unique biology of hornworts, which could lead to breakthroughs in plant evolution, crop yields, and environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is to engineer symbiotic nitrogen fixation into crop plants, reducing fertilizer use and pollution.

April Kloxin wins NIH innovator award

University of Delaware Professor April Kloxin wins NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop synthetic models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease affecting over 3 million people globally. Her research aims to uncover insights into the underlying causes and potential treatments for lung fibrosis.

β-blockers build heart muscle, may help infants with congenital heart disease

Researchers found that β-blockers can stimulate proper cell division in infant heart tissue and improve heart function. In mouse studies, propranolol treatment resulted in 30% more cardiomyocytes and better recovery from heart attacks. The pathway to clinical translation is promising, as the drug was synthesized nearly 60 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2019

Physics vs. asthma

The study reveals the detailed 3D structure of the CysLT1 receptor, which plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes and allergic diseases like asthma. The researchers used advanced X-ray sources to determine the receptor's mechanism of operation, providing insights into improving asthma medications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2019

UT human development specialist recognized with National Excellence in Extension Award

Matthew Devereaux, a UT human development specialist, has been honored with the National Excellence in Extension Award for his visionary leadership and innovative programming that positively develops youth in afterschool settings. His research on social-emotional learning programs has shown significant gains in student grades and stand...

Study finds prehistoric humans ate bone marrow like canned soup 400,000 years ago

Scientists have found evidence of prehistoric humans storing and consuming animal bone marrow at Qesem Cave, dating back to around 400,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that early Paleolithic people had a sophisticated understanding of food preservation, allowing them to store bone marrow for up to nine weeks before feasting on it.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2019

No soil left behind: How a cost-effective technology can enrich poor fields

A new cost-effective technology, subsurface water retention technology (SWRT), has the potential to significantly improve harvests in sub-Saharan Africa's poor fields. SWRT increases water retention and organic material accumulation, making soils more fertile, resulting in higher maize yields and carbon sequestration.

How to make biocatalysts immortal

A research team from Bochum and Marseille has developed a self-defence mechanism in biocatalysts that shields them from oxygen, extending their service life up to 22,000 years. The new design uses tiny molecular spheres to create an extremely thin protective film that maintains efficiency.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2019

Mapping white clover heritage

Researchers in New Zealand have developed a comprehensive map of white clover heritage and genetic landscape, providing a valuable resource for breeders. The 'pedigree map' reveals the history of the species, including its origins and genetic makeup, enabling more informed breeding decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 9, 2019

Study examines timing of weight gain in children

A new study analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that body mass index of Wisconsin children rose in the summer and decreased in the fall. The study suggests that school-based obesity prevention initiatives may benefit from additional weight management support delivered at the start of the school year.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateOct 9, 2019

Can being neighborly reduce depression in older adults?

A study of over 10,000 Chinese older adults found that living in neighborhoods with higher levels of social participation was associated with lower rates of depression. This increased social connection led to more physical activity and contact with neighbors and own children.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateOct 9, 2019

NUS researchers show potential liver cancer treatment by targeting cancer stem-like cells

A new study from National University of Singapore (NUS) researchers has demonstrated a potential method for treating advanced liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Targeting the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, they found that a class of small molecule drugs can effectively reduce cancer progression in preclinical models, with...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateOct 9, 2019

Virtual review of cancer clinical trial treatment options quicker than conventional method

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center developed a virtual review method that reduces the time needed to assess a cancer patient's tumor profile and suitability for clinical trials from 14 to 4 days. The method also increased the number of cases that could be assessed, with over 2,000 clinical trials evaluated.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 9, 2019

Rest may help reduce PTSD symptoms, UCL study finds

A new UCL study has found that a period of rest following a traumatic event can reduce the development of involuntary 'memory intrusions' in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study suggests that increasing memory consolidation, which involves storing and contextualizing memories, may help prevent these disturbances.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 9, 2019

Physicists couple key components of quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Münster have created an interface that couples light sources with nanophotonic networks, enabling the integration of quantum optical circuits on chips. The interface uses photonic crystals to enhance a specific wavelength range and can be replicated using established nanofabrication processes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAdvanced Quantum Technologies·DateOct 9, 2019

Late third trimester ultrasound may detect missed fetal abnormalities

A study of over 50,000 pregnancies reveals that late third trimester ultrasounds can identify previously undetected fetal abnormalities in 0.5% of cases. This benefit highlights the importance of these scans for detecting abnormalities that were missed in earlier first and/or second trimester exams.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 9, 2019

Long-term dupilumab benefits adolescents with eczema

A phase IIa trial and a subsequent extension trial show dupilumab's long-term safety and efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents. The medication works by blocking specific substances that cause eczema symptoms, providing substantial clinical benefit with an acceptable safety profile.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 9, 2019

Study examines care for knee osteoarthritis in the United States

A new study analyzed US physician visits for knee osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2015 and found that rates of physical therapy and lifestyle recommendations decreased, while narcotic prescriptions increased. The study highlights the need for more research on barriers to prescribing exercise-based interventions to improve patient care.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 9, 2019

Army bio-inspired theoretical research may make robots more effective on the future battlefield

Researchers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing artificial nanomotors inspired by biological molecules, which can harness Brownian motion for efficient energy production. These advancements aim to create faster, more versatile robots with improved autonomy and stealth capabilities.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·DateOct 9, 2019

Large income change associated with cardiovascular disease risk

A significant association between changes in income and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was found in this observational study. Participants who experienced a 50% or more decrease in income were at higher risk of developing CVD, including heart attack, coronary heart disease, and stroke, over an average follow-up period of 17 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 9, 2019

CNIO and University of Wurzburg solve 3D structure of 'nanomachine' that makes tuberculosis virulent

Researchers at CNIO and the University of Würzburg have solved the 3D structure of the T7SS nanomachine used by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to evade the immune system. This finding provides crucial information for developing new therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis, a disease that kills over 1.6 million people worldwide each year.

Melatonin may not help prevent delirium after heart surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that melatonin treatment did not reduce the risk of developing delirium following heart surgery. The study included 210 adults and showed a similar proportion of participants experienced severe episodes of delirium in both the melatonin and placebo groups.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 9, 2019

Fentanyl's risk on the 'darknet'

US overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl have surged, with purchases often made on the darknet. Fentanyl prices plummeted by 50% between 2014 and 2016, making it nearly twice as deadly as heroin.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 9, 2019

Cretan tomb's location may have strengthened territorial claim

A recent study published in Open Archaeology reveals that Tholos A at Apesokari, a Bronze Age circular tomb on Crete, was deliberately placed to control parcels of land and increase visibility from a specific path. The article's use of GIS analysis sheds new light on the role of burial sites and mortuary practices in Prepalatial Crete.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateOct 9, 2019

Brain tissue kept alive for weeks on an artificial membrane

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to keep brain tissue viable for months using a semi-permeable membrane, allowing gas exchange while preventing dehydration or drowning. This breakthrough enables long-term study of biological development and organogenesis, facilitating drug discovery and tissue research.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAnalytical Sciences·DateOct 9, 2019

Statins linked to higher risk of diabetes and skin infections

A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that statin use for as little as 91 days increased the risk of skin and soft tissue infections. Statin use was also associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for these infections.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 9, 2019

How bats relocate in response to tree loss

Researchers documented the movement of a big brown bat colony's relocation in response to naturally occurring tree loss. The study suggests general patterns may exist across bat species and forest types for how bats respond to roost tree loss.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 9, 2019

Physicists have found a way to 'hear' dark matter

Researchers propose a novel method to search for dark matter by harnessing the power of plasmas and magnetic fields. This approach, known as axion plasma haloscopes, enables the detection of dark matter in previously unexplored areas. By tuning into specific frequencies, scientists may uncover evidence of this elusive substance.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 9, 2019

A new strategy for the synthesis of complex natural products

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a new strategy for synthesizing complex natural products, including Epicoccin G and Rostratin A, using C-H bond activation. The approach results in high yields and reduces the number of steps compared to previous methods, opening up new avenues for medicinal applications.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2019