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Science News for September 30, 2019


Antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread by washing machine

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that conventional washing machines in hospitals and potentially households can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to newborns through clothing. The study highlights the need for higher temperatures during laundry to prevent transmission of dangerous pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019

Cooking food alters the microbiome

A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019

Great apes have you on their mind

A new study suggests that great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, possess a theory of mind, enabling them to understand others' mental states. The team observed that the apes anticipated an agent's actions based on their own experiences with different barriers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Expanding Medicaid means chronic health problems get found & health improves, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine and University of Michigan found that nearly one in three low-income people with chronic illnesses discovered a new condition after enrolling in expanded Medicaid. Half of those with chronic conditions reported improved overall health within a year of coverage, with similar improvements in mental health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Quantum material goes where none have gone before

Physicists at Rice University have created a new alloy that exhibits unusual electronic properties when traversing the final frontier of quantum criticality. The cerium palladium aluminum alloy behaves like a spin liquid, a metallic system with exotic properties that can be found in other strongly correlated materials.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 30, 2019

Turning Phoenix green

A study by Arizona State University found that urban agriculture can meet 90% of Phoenix's current annual fresh produce consumption. The city could also increase green space by 17% and reduce CO2 emissions by displacing energy use equivalent to 6,000 homes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2019

Novel treatment combination for patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

A phase III study showed that the combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival (9.0 months) and objective response rates compared to standard care. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting a potential paradigm shift in treating BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Bateman's cowbirds

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that male cowbirds exhibit greater variation in offspring production, conforming to Bateman's Principle. Surprisingly, approximately 75% of cowbirds were monogamous for the entire breeding season despite not providing food or resources to their young.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 30, 2019

Johns Hopkins researchers advance search for safer, easier way to deliver vision-saving gene therapy

Researchers have developed a new approach to delivering sight-saving gene therapy to the retina, using a small needle to inject harmless viruses into the suprachoroidal space. This method could provide a more permanent therapeutic option for patients with common diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration and inherited retina...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 30, 2019

First-time pregnancy complications linked to increased risk of hypertension later in life

Researchers found that women who experience complications such as preterm births and preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are nearly twice more likely than women without complications to develop high blood pressure later in life. The study emphasizes the need for doctors to focus on knowing the health histories of women.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 30, 2019

Fish fathers exhibit signatures of 'baby brain' that may facilitate parental care behavior

A study of stickleback fish found that male parental care is accompanied by changes in gene activity in the brain, similar to those experienced by mammals. The researchers identified genes associated with mothering and aggression, suggesting a molecular link between fish and mammal parents.

The Lancet journals: Papers at ERS Congress 2019

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine published a series of papers on cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulator drugs showing promise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, a three-in-one inhaler therapy was found to improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Cornell researchers reveal molecular basis of vision

Researchers at Cornell University have solved the three-dimensional structure of a protein complex involved in vertebrate vision at atomic resolution, revealing how signals from photons are amplified in the eye. The study provides insights into G-protein-coupled receptors and their role in human vision, with potential implications for ...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 30, 2019

Fruit flies live longer with combination drug treatment

A triple drug combination of lithium, trametinib, and rapamycin has been shown to extend the lifespan of fruit flies by 48%, a significant increase compared to previous studies. The treatment targets different cellular processes and may have potential benefits for preventing age-related diseases in humans.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Is this brain cell your 'mind's eye'?

Researchers suggest a structural connection between 'content circuits' in the cortex and 'switchboard circuits' that allocate awareness, mediated by L5p neurons. Studies demonstrate interaction between state and contents of consciousness in these cells.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateSep 30, 2019

Georgia State research finds early life racial discrimination linked to depression, accelerated aging

A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that early life racial discrimination is linked to elevated depressive symptoms and accelerated aging processes in African American youth. The study, which analyzed data from over 800 African American families, suggests that experiences of racial discrimination may be driving a ...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateSep 30, 2019

German fishermen's scepticism towards EU impedes compliance with its regulations

A game of chance experiment revealed that German commercial fishermen are more honest than students when not under suspicion. However, when told to report their results in favor of the EU, almost one in three fishermen answered dishonestly. The study highlights the importance of trust between fishermen and regulatory authorities.

Biologists track the invasion of herbicide-resistant weeds into southwestern Ontario

Researchers identified two mechanisms driving herbicide-resistant weed emergence in Ontario: pollen and seed dispersal via wind and water, and spontaneous genetic mutations. This study highlights the need for integrated management approaches to minimize gene flow and resistances, including thorough equipment cleaning and crop rotation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Veg 'nudge': an extra vegetarian option cuts meat consumption without denting food sales

A study found that doubling vegetarian options reduced meat-rich purchases by 40-80%. The results suggest tweaking food availability can influence people's decisions for human health and environmental preservation. No rebound effect was detected, meaning opting for a veggie lunch didn't lead to a compensatory meat-heavy dinner.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

New clinical trial analyses predict response to benralizumab by patients with COPD

A new analysis of two international clinical trials predicts that benralizumab may be effective for a subpopulation of patients with moderate to very severe COPD who have elevated blood eosinophil counts and a history of frequent exacerbations. The study found no significant efficacy in reducing annual COPD exacerbation rates for patie...

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Triplet-targeted therapy improves survival for patients with advanced colorectal cancer and BRAF mutations

The BEACON CRC Phase III clinical trial found that the three-drug combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival in patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. Median OS for the triplet-targeted therapy was 9 months compared to 5.4 months for standard therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Terror activity and local power structures

Research reveals that subsequent terrorist attacks are more likely to occur within a 20km radius of the initial attack, suggesting a localized pattern. The study also finds that group alliances and rivalries play a crucial role in shaping terror activity, with mutually reinforcing effects between terror attacks and state intervention.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Strained, symmetric, and new

Tetravinylallene, a highly unsaturated molecule with two adjacent double bonds, has been synthesized for the first time, offering a new approach to constructing complex molecular frameworks. Its symmetry enables chemists to perform multiple reactions in one step, making it a potent tool for synthesizing natural products and drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 30, 2019

How common is food insecurity among Medicare enrollees?

A study of nearly 9,700 Medicare beneficiaries found that food insecurity was common among older adults (1 in 10) and individuals with long-term disabilities (4 in 10). Lower incomes and reporting multiple chronic conditions were associated with increased risk of food insecurity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Mechanisms of real-time speech interpretation in the human brain revealed

Scientists developed computational models of word meanings and tested them against real-time brain activity in volunteers, revealing how the brain combines words to make sense in context. The study shows how word constraints directly affect meaning interpretation, highlighting the neural mechanisms behind spoken language understanding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Artificial intelligence improves biomedical imaging

Researchers developed a machine learning method to enhance optoacoustic imaging quality without sacrificing it. The approach uses sparse data, allowing for reduced sensor numbers and improved diagnosis accuracy, facilitating clinical decision-making.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 30, 2019