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Science News for September 10, 2019


How pipeline programs can increase diversity in dentistry

A pipeline program called Saturday Academy at NYU College of Dentistry has shown to increase interest in the health professions, particularly dentistry, among underrepresented high school students. The program exposes students to the field through instruction and hands-on learning, mentoring them through the college application process.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Dental Education·DateSep 10, 2019

Researchers focus on older adults' cannabis use to fill emerging policy need

Research highlights existing studies and recommended areas for further investigation into cannabis use among older adults, addressing concerns about public health policy and potential harms. Insights from five articles explore topics such as cannabis use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and related comorbidities.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateSep 10, 2019

BU study: Are kids hardwired for revenge?

A new study published in Psychological Science found that children as young as 4 years old exhibit a strong tendency to retaliate against those who wrong them, rather than showing gratitude towards their benefactors. Researchers discovered that kids readily punish the thieves but struggle to reciprocate kindness.

SourceBoston University·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 10, 2019

Every time the small cabbage white butterfly flaps its wings it has us to thank

A team of researchers, led by Sean Ryan, documents the invasive history of the small cabbage white butterfly, which they attribute to human activities such as trade and migration. The study uses DNA analysis from over 3,000 submitted butterflies to reveal the butterfly's spread across Europe, Asia, Siberia, North America, and New Zealand.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2019

The vagina monocultures

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a universal screening approach for vaginal microbiota transplantation (VMT) donors to ensure only beneficial microbes are transferred. The pilot study found that 35% of participants might be eligible VMT donors, and the success rate may depend on a small number of willing 'super donors'.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateSep 10, 2019

Diabetes nearly double for Japanese-Americans

A new study found that Japanese-American adults with a normal body mass index have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The study revealed that younger respondents, never smokers, and those with higher education levels were less likely to have diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvances in Preventive Medicine·DateSep 10, 2019

What the noggin of modern humans' ancestor would have looked like

Researchers created a virtual 300,000-year-old fossil skull with relatively modern features, similar to some fossils only 100,000 years old. The study suggests that the species Homo sapiens arose through hybridization of South and East African populations, contradicting previous theories.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019

Adolescents with high levels of physical activity perform better in school over two years

A new study from Finland found that adolescents with higher levels of physical activity performed better in school during a two-year follow-up period. However, the results also showed that increasing physical activity did not necessarily result in improved academic performance, and may even lead to lower grades for some participants.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·DateSep 10, 2019

Lasker Foundation announces 2019 Lasker Awards

The 2019 Lasker Awards recognize Max D. Cooper and Jacques Miller for their discovery of the function of B and T cells in the adaptive immune system. The awards also honor H. Michael Shepard, Dennis J. Slamon, and Axel Ullrich for their development of Herceptin, a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets HER2-positive breast cancer.

Do animals control earth's oxygen level?

Researchers from the GLOBE Institute found that massive fluctuations in ocean oxygen levels during the Cambrian explosion were influenced by animal behavior. The discovery suggests that animals may have controlled their own development through adjustments to oxygen levels, shedding light on Earth's 'heartbeat' and its impact on life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2019

Nobel Laureate, Tom Cech, Ph.D., suggests new way to target third most common oncogene, TERT

Researchers have identified a new way to target the third most common oncogene, TERT. The study reveals that TERT messenger RNA is held up in the nucleus, and keeping it trapped could be an effective strategy for treating cancer. This discovery offers a promising new approach in the fight against TERT over-activation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2019

The secret strength of gnashing teeth

Gnashing teeth's secret strength lies in the microarchitecture of brittle materials, where adding small defects can increase glass strength 200 times over. Researchers developed two models to describe fracture propagation and contact mechanics, paving the way for stronger ceramics, biomedical implants, and building materials.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMechanics of Materials·DateSep 10, 2019

'Asexual' Chagas parasite found to sexually reproduce

Scientists have discovered that the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, responsible for Chagas disease, can reproduce sexually after analyzing its genomic code in unprecedented detail. The study reveals that some groups of parasites exhibit high levels of sexuality, while others remain abstinent.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019

An overactive cerebellum causes issues across the brain

A recent study by Kyoto University found that acute cerebellar inflammation causes 'depression-like' behavior in rats, characterized by decreased motivation and sociability. The research team discovered that microglia activation led to increased neuronal firing, causing the cerebellum to become hyperexcited.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 10, 2019

Model of health

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed a novel approach to determine when patients with tibial fractures can bear weight. The study used low-dose computed tomography scans and finite element analysis software to create 3D mechanical structural models that identified the regions of bone and new bone, or callus.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 10, 2019

Study shows how salamanders harness limb regeneration to buffer selves from climate change

Researchers at Clemson University discovered that salamanders use temperature rather than humidity to anticipate changes in their environment, and harness limb regeneration to minimize the impact of hot temperatures. This adaptation may have implications for other animals and plants, and could provide insights into regenerative medicine.

SourceClemson University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019

Peripheral artery disease risk hinges on health factors and demographics, including race

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association estimates that black men have a 30% lifetime risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), while Hispanic men have a 22% risk. The researchers developed a risk calculator to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from PAD diagnostic screening.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 10, 2019

Smithsonian scientists triple number of known electric eel species

Researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History have discovered three distinct species of electric eels in the Amazon basin, showcasing their remarkable diversity and adaptability. The newly identified species can produce up to 860 Volts of electricity, significantly more than previously known species.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2019

Colorful microreactors utilize sunlight

Researchers have created a widely applicable and affordable photomicroreactor that utilizes luminescent solar concentrators to efficiently power photochemical reactions. This innovation enables the synthesis of various substances, including pharmaceuticals, using sunlight as a sustainable energy source.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 10, 2019

Research shows 80% drop in ICU bloodstream infections

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found a significant reduction in UK ICU bloodstream infections over an 8-year period. The research used data from over 1 million patients admitted to 276 NHS adult ICUs, showing a 95% decline in MRSA infections and a 57% drop in E. coli infections.

Scientists identify rare evolutionary intermediates to understand the origin of eukaryotes

A new study by Yale scientists identifies ancient prokaryotes with compartmentalized nuclei, shedding light on the origin of eukaryotic cells. They found ribosomal proteins in Archaea with NLS-motifs similar to those in eukaryotic species, suggesting a transitional phase.