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Science News for September 23, 2019


Dartmouth study reveals how fungal biofilm structure impacts lung disease

A Dartmouth study reveals that the way human fungal pathogens form colonies can significantly impact their ability to cause disease. The researchers identified a specific mutation that causes key changes in gene function, leading to improved virulence and host damage. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for developing effect...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 23, 2019

Diving birds follow each other when fishing

European shags follow social cues by watching fellow birds to determine the best time and place to dive. This behaviour may help them save energy and find fish more efficiently. The study sheds light on the importance of understanding seabird species' adaptability in response to environmental pressures.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 23, 2019

Task force provides insights and direction on cell-based therapies

A new report highlights the limitations of cell-based therapies for treating musculoskeletal diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis due to insufficient clinical evidence. The task force recommends specific guidelines for preclinical and clinical investigations to develop more effective treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 23, 2019

Today's obesity epidemic may have been caused by childhood sugar intake decades ago

A recent study published in Economics and Human Biology suggests that the current obesity epidemic in adults may have been caused by excessive sugar consumption in childhood. The researchers modeled the increase in US adult obesity rates since the 1990s as a legacy of increased excess sugar consumption measured among children in the 19...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateSep 23, 2019

More than 70% of hospital data breaches include sensitive demographic or financial info that could lead to identity theft

A study of 1,461 hospital data breaches found that 71% compromised sensitive demographic or financial information, putting patients at risk of identity theft. The breaches also revealed a lack of transparency about the types of information compromised, sparking calls for policymakers to require standardized documentation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2019

Genetic lineages of chytrid fungus

Researchers have found interactions between multiple genetic lineages of the amphibian-killing chytrid fungus, including a previously unknown lineage widespread in Southeast Asia. This discovery suggests that genetic recombinations can create more virulent hybrids, posing additional threats to amphibians and conservation efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Non-viral gene therapy to speed up cancer research

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a non-viral gene delivery method that has proven effective in laboratory tests, opening the door to treatment of various genetic diseases. The method uses Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and could significantly reduce the time and expense involved in bringing new treatments to market.

SourceRMIT University·JournalSmall·DateSep 23, 2019

Building on UD, Nobel legacy

Researchers have discovered a new reaction that enables the production of indoline scaffolds, which are crucial for developing new medicines. By using nitrogen as a catalyst, the reaction can create complex assemblies more easily and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 23, 2019

Uncovering hidden intelligence of collectives

Researchers discover that the physical structure of animal groups, not individual animals, plays a crucial role in processing information and responding to environmental changes. By changing the group's structure, individuals can amplify risk signals and respond effectively to threats, highlighting the importance of social connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Cracking the ethylene code

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has developed a new method to separate ethylene from ethane gas, which is abundant in natural gas. The technique uses isolated copper atoms that olefins like ethylene can bond to strongly, potentially saving energy and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 23, 2019

Exploring the future of coal power in water scarce Asia

A new study explores how climate change impacts coal-fired power plants' water constraints, threatening regional electricity generation plans. The research highlights three possible strategies to mitigate water limitations, including reducing existing/planned power plants, integrating electricity markets, and adopting dry cooling in no...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 23, 2019

Perturbed genes regulating white blood cells linked to autism genetics and severity

Researchers identified a critical gene network disrupted in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that correlates with symptom severity. The findings suggest genetic factors influencing brain development during pregnancy are primary causes of ASD, providing potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and prediction of symptom severity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 23, 2019

Mummy study: Heart disease was bigger issue for human ancestors than initially thought

A new imaging study of ancient mummies found that their arteries were more clogged than thought, indicating heart disease was prevalent among human ancestors. The study used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect cholesterol buildup in the arteries, revealing a prevalence of cholesterol-rich plaques even in people at a relatively young age.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateSep 23, 2019

Researchers perform thousands of mutations to understand amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) researchers found that aggregation of TDP-43 is not harmful but actually protects cells. This discovery challenges the assumption that alleviating protein aggregates is necessary to treat neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. The study opens doors to radically new therapeutic approaches if aggregation...

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2019

Does being younger than classmates increase likelihood of childhood depression, ADHD, intellectual disability

A large observational study of over 1 million UK children found that those younger than their classmates were more likely to experience childhood depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intellectual disability. The study suggests that age-related differences in brain development may contribute to these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 23, 2019

What would Jesus do? Quite possibly, recycle

A Michigan State University study found that fundamentalist Christians are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors such as conserving water and energy. However, their willingness to sacrifice for the environment does not extend to addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Studies and Sciences·DateSep 23, 2019

Probes shed new light on Alzheimer's cause

Researchers have developed a way to track the formation of soluble amyloid beta peptide aggregates implicated in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The ruthenium-based fluorescent complexes bind to these aggregates, allowing researchers to monitor their progress and movements over time.

Researchers recreate living 3D displays

A team of researchers has developed a smart skin that can change shape and texture using artificial muscles, mimicking the cephalopod's ability to morph its structure. This innovation enables lightweight and flexible displays, interfaces for the visually impaired, and drag reduction on marine vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateSep 23, 2019

One species, many origins

Researchers argue that viewing past human populations as discrete branches on an evolutionary tree is misleading and instead propose a dynamic changes in connectivity model, which better explains genetic diversity and fossil records. This shift in understanding could address complex questions in human evolutionary studies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 23, 2019

Nonverbal signals can create bias against larger groups

New research from the University of Georgia finds that preschool children develop biases towards entire groups after being exposed to biased nonverbal signals. The study suggests that this process can occur as early as early childhood, prior to first grade, and may be an important mechanism for transmitting group biases within culture.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 23, 2019

Obesity alert for October 2019

The Obesity Society has released a new evidence-based treatment protocol for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) to treat obesity in primary care settings. The MODEL-IBT program provides 14 visits in the first 24 weeks, with 7 additional monthly visits through week 52.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateSep 23, 2019

New national guideline sets out best practices for delivering injectable opioid agonist treatment

The new national guideline provides evidence-based treatment options for people with severe opioid use disorder, including injectable opioid agonist treatment with prescription heroin and hydromorphone. The guideline aims to reduce overdose deaths by supporting health care providers in delivering life-saving treatments.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 23, 2019

A new way to turn heat into energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have found a new method for harnessing thermal energy by exploiting paramagnetic particles, which can produce spin and generate electricity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient thermoelectric materials and energy harvesting technologies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 23, 2019

For young athletes, sport specialization means increased risk of injury

A new study finds that kids who specialize in a chosen sport tend to engage in higher levels of vigorous exercise, increasing their risk of injuries such as stress fractures, tendinitis, and ACL tears. The study suggests moderating the amount of time young athletes spend engaging in vigorous physical activity can help mitigate this risk.

SourceBrown University·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 23, 2019

What color were fossil animals?

A new study framework improves and expands current practice in fossil color reconstruction by incorporating chemical signatures of different pigments. This framework provides a reliable and repeatable approach to test fundamental hypotheses related to animal physiology, ecology, and behavior.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBiological Reviews·DateSep 23, 2019

Cats are securely bonded to their people, too

A recent study found that domestic cats bond with their owners in a way that's surprisingly similar to infants, with about 65% of both cats and kittens classified as securely attached. This suggests that cats' human attachments are stable and present in adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 23, 2019

Use, discontinuation of insulin treatment among older adults

This observational study found that insulin treatment was used less frequently among older adults (75-79 years) in poor health compared to those in good health. The study also revealed higher discontinuation rates of insulin treatment among those in poor health, suggesting potential implications for diabetes management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 23, 2019