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Science News for September 25, 2019


Engineered protein crystals make cells magnetic

Researchers have engineered protein crystals that can generate magnetic forces many times stronger than previously reported. By introducing these crystals into living cells, scientists can move the cells around with a magnet, offering potential applications in fields such as biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 25, 2019

Converging on a global waste solution

A multidisciplinary team at the University of Pittsburgh is developing novel research paradigms to address the complex challenge of global waste through circular economy design. The project aims to advance fundamental science behind circular economy solutions, including product design and life-cycle assessment.

Prediction system significantly increases palliative care consults

A new prediction system significantly increased palliative care consultations for seriously ill patients by 74%, according to a University of Pennsylvania study. The Palliative Connect trigger system uses predictive analytics to identify patients in need of palliative care consultation, leading to earlier and more effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 2019

Studies link air pollution to mental health issues in children

Three studies from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveal a strong association between short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children, with higher risks for disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research also found links to generalized anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy children.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 25, 2019

University of Alberta researchers developing new 'DNA stitch' to treat muscular dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Alberta are developing a new treatment that could help almost half of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by restoring dystrophin protein production. The experimental cocktail of DNA-like molecules has shown dramatic regrowth of dystrophin, which acts as a support beam to keep muscles strong.

Choose your own adventure

A novel player trait model has been developed to evaluate individual gaming preferences, enabling the creation of tailored experiences. The five-trait model assesses social, aesthetic, challenge, goal, and narrative elements to provide personalized game recommendations.

Avatars against obesity

Researchers at the University of Würzburg are developing a new therapy approach using virtual reality avatars to combat obesity. The avatars aim to provide a realistic body image, promoting acceptance and self-reflection in patients struggling with the condition.

Use of mental health services after weight-loss surgery

A study of nearly 25,000 patients found that weight-loss surgery in Western Australia was associated with higher rates of outpatient and emergency department mental health services. The research suggests that patients who undergo bariatric surgery may experience increased mental health needs after the procedure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 25, 2019

Tripolye 'mega-structures' were ancient community centers

A recent study by Robert Hofmann and colleagues discovered that Tripolye mega-structures served as public spaces for ritual, economic, and decision-making purposes. The researchers found a hierarchy of mega-structures based on their architecture and location, indicating sequential decision-making at various levels of society.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 25, 2019

Nanocatalyst makes heavy work of formic acid

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a palladium-based alloy nanocatalyst that promotes the selective production of deuterium isotope compounds from formic acid. The catalyst enables a cost-effective and scalable process for producing these gases, which are useful in fine chemical production and research applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2019

Scientists find ways to improve cassava, a 'crop of inequality' featured at Goalkeepers

A recent study published in New Phytologist identified opportunities to boost cassava yields by optimizing photosynthesis. Researchers found that cassava's stomata limit photosynthesis during light transitions, and increasing the speed of these pores could increase yield potential by up to 6%.

New insights into the healing capacity of the heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that inactivating the Hippo pathway in cardiac fibroblasts promotes cardiac fibrosis and adversely affects cardiac function. This finding highlights the need for specific targeting of the Hippo pathway in cardiac muscle cells for safe and effective heart failure therapy.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 25, 2019

Cancer: The origin of genetic mutations

Researchers at UNIGE unveil a mutation mechanism essential for cancer development by linking DNA replication failures in cancer cells to their genetic instability. They successfully corrected the effects of replication stress in diseased cells, showing that this phenomenon is controllable and potentially exploitable for therapy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2019

Private boats in the Mediterranean have extremely high potential to spread alien species

A study by the University of Pavia found that Mediterranean private boats have a high potential to spread alien species through biofouling. Boats traveling to new marinas were likely to be transporting alien species, with visible biofouling in niche areas such as ladders and propellers being key predictors of high species richness.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 25, 2019

Ditch the delicate wash cycle to save our seas

Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.

Secure printing with water-based invisible ink

Researchers have created a rewriteable paper coating that can encrypt secret information using relatively low-tech invisible ink--water. The method allows reversible secure printing for at least 30 cycles, significantly reducing the cost and being environmentally friendly.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateSep 25, 2019

Experts focus on food insecurity and its far-reaching consequences, particularly in vulnerable populations

Food insecurity has serious consequences for health and wellbeing, including inadequate intake of key nutrients, depression, and poor physical and mental health. Experts propose strategies such as improving weekend access to nutritious foods during summer months and understanding the psychosocial effects of food insecurity on college s...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateSep 25, 2019

School spending cuts triggered by great recession linked to sizable learning losses for students in hardest hit areas

A study found that substantial school spending cuts during the Great Recession led to significant losses in academic achievement for students living in counties most affected by the economic downturn. The estimated declines in student math and English language arts achievement represent a loss of approximately 25 percent of expected an...

Light work for superconductors

Using laser pulses, researchers successfully induced superconductivity in an iron-based compound at a temperature of minus 258 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough could lead to more power-efficient devices and infrastructure if it can be scaled up to room-temperature applications.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 25, 2019

First CAR T cell therapy targeting B cell-activating factor receptor eradicates blood cancers

Researchers at City of Hope have developed a new CAR T cell therapy targeting the B cell-activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), which showed remarkable tumor regression and prolonged survival in animal models. The therapy may potentially be used as a first-line treatment for patients who relapsed after CD19 immunotherapy treatments.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 25, 2019

Investigational drug with immunotherapy may provide new therapeutic opportunity for patients previously treated for kidney and lung cancer

A Phase 1B study led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated positive safety results for pegilodecakin when combined with pembrolizumab and nivolumab. The treatment showed promising anti-tumor activity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and kidney cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 25, 2019