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Science News for September 9, 2019


Autism traits and social judgments

A study involving over 6,900 people reveals that autism spectrum traits are associated with improved social judgment skills, especially in detecting general patterns and rules. The findings suggest that individuals with autism may excel at perceiving social phenomena due to their unique cognitive abilities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

One-atom switch supercharges fluorescent dyes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple method to turn fluorescent tags on and off with visible light by switching one atom. This technique will enable high-resolution imaging and dynamic tracking of biological processes in living cells, tissues, and animals.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2019

Testing new treatment for epilepsy patients

Researchers have developed a new machine learning algorithm that can detect the seizure onset zone in just 10-20 minutes, eliminating the need for prolonged monitoring and reducing risks. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment approach for epilepsy patients, particularly those with drug-resistant forms of the disease.

At-home dialysis improves quality of life

Kaiser Permanente research finds that at-home peritoneal dialysis is safe and effective for managing advanced-stage kidney disease, improving lifestyle and quality of life. The study shows a significant increase in at-home dialysis rates over 10 years, with 80% of patients remaining on it one year after starting.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Metal-organic framework nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a general method to prepare ultrathin MOF NRBs with high surface area, highly active surface and excellent catalytic efficiency. The proposed method is simple, efficient and versatile, which could be used for the preparation of a series of ultrathin MOF NRBs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 9, 2019

Building blocks of bird babble identified

Researchers at the University of Zurich and others identified two perceptually distinct sounds in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements. The findings suggest that these elements are meaningless and may be an early step in the emergence of human language.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Ages of the Navajo Sandstone

A new study published in Geology has determined the ages of Navajo Sandstone deposits, providing a timeline of desertification that occurred during the Early Jurassic. The findings show that parts of eastern Utah's Navajo desert are much older than previously thought, and that the giant sand sea had a wetter climate at times.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 9, 2019

Overcoming resistance in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to tackle the development of resistance in pancreatic cancer by targeting the ERBB signaling pathway. This approach has shown promise in shrinking pancreatic tumors in mice, providing a potential avenue for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 9, 2019

New results on fungal genetics

Researchers discovered physically linked mating type loci in 24 Trichosporonales fungi species, with highly conserved gene sequences. This is unusual, as mating type chromosomes tend to degenerate during evolution, and the mechanisms stabilizing these loci will be analyzed in future studies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 9, 2019

Offering children a variety of vegetables increases acceptance

A new study found that offering children a variety of vegetables increased their acceptance and consumption. Families who introduced multiple vegetables saw a significant increase in consumption, with parents reporting it as easy to follow the provided instructions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 9, 2019

'Building blocks' of bird calls resemble human languages

Researchers identified two distinct sound elements in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements and convey no specific meaning. The findings suggest that the capacity to generate meaning from meaningless building blocks is widespread in animals, similar to human language construction.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Employee contract structures in startups can be determining factors of success

A new study by Evgeny Kagan and colleagues found that incentive clauses in contracts work best for high-performing team members, while those who may not be high performers do not benefit from incentives. The researchers suggest delaying contracting to learn about team member personalities and adjusting contract structures accordingly.

Prolonged antibiotic treatment may alter preterm infants' microbiome

Treating preterm infants with antibiotics for more than 20 months can lead to less diverse bacterial populations in their gut, containing more antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use may promote allergies and other health issues later in life by reducing the diversity of microbial communities.

Hidden danger from pet dogs in Africa

Dogs in Africa are susceptible to severe and often fatal disease if bitten by infected tsetse flies, characterized by symptoms such as corneal cloudiness. Researchers have developed molecular methods to accurately diagnose the disease, revealing a surprising link between canine and human cases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateSep 9, 2019

Online crowdfunding to pay for cancer care

The study found that online crowdfunding efforts can significantly increase access to cancer care, particularly for low-income individuals. By leveraging online platforms, patients with financial burdens can receive essential treatments and services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

NIAID officials call for innovative research on sexually transmitted infections

Experts from NIAID urge biomedical research community to refocus on STI research, emphasizing the need for innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. The authors highlight the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance and cooperation among researchers, healthcare providers, and community clinics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 9, 2019

Feeling legs again improves amputees' health

Researchers developed an interface to connect a leg prosthesis with residual nerves, providing sensory feedback that reduces effort during walking and phantom limb pain. The system also increased confidence in prosthetic use, enabling users to devote more attention to other tasks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Researchers unearth 'new' extinction

Scientists have confirmed a new mass extinction event occurred 260 million years ago, affecting life on land and in the seas. The event is correlated with massive flood-basalt eruptions, similar to those causing other known severe mass extinctions.

SourceNew York University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 9, 2019

The birth of vision, from the retina to the brain

Researchers at UNIGE identified key genes regulating retinal cell differentiation and axon guidance, offering insights into the construction of vision and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and could lead to new therapies for optic nerve damage.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 9, 2019

Melt-rich rock from Chicxulub impact crater

Researchers analyzed core samples from the Chicxulub impact crater, revealing that top layers contained soil biomarkers suggesting a tsunami brought terrestrial material back to the site. The study also found evidence of impact-induced wildfires and a lack of sulfur-rich evaporites, implying a massive release of sulfate aerosols.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Acute periodontal disease bacteria love colon and dirt microbes

Research found that common mouth bacteria responsible for acute periodontitis fared better when paired with bacteria and other microbes from outside the mouth, including those found in the colon or dirt. This suggests that not all relationships within a microbiome are cooperative, and some may have 'high fences' and share sparsely.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Hemophilia three times more prevalent than thought

A new study by McMaster University researchers reveals that over 1,125,000 men globally have hemophilia, with 418,000 having severe forms of the disease. The study found a significant life expectancy disadvantage for those with hemophilia, particularly in lower-income countries.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

How brain rhythms organize our visual perception

A team of neuroscientists discovered that the brain combines visual features through high-frequency oscillations to achieve a unified percept. The researchers measured nerve cell activity in rhesus monkeys while performing a visual perception task, finding that faster responses occurred with stronger high-frequency oscillations.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Bias against single people affects their cancer treatment

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that unmarried patients with cancer are significantly less likely to receive potentially life-saving surgeries or radiotherapies compared to their married counterparts. The disparity persists despite extensive research findings suggesting otherwise.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Factors associated with longer wait times in colorectal cancer specialty care referrals

A study found that patients presenting with non-alarming gastrointestinal symptoms experienced longer wait times for referral, while those with red flag symptoms had shorter wait times. The study highlights the need for earlier reconsideration of initial diagnoses and strict follow-up consultations to reduce wait times.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Molecule properties change through light

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a novel molecule that can control its magnetic properties through visible light. The discovery has significant implications for the development of flexible and processable magnetic materials, which could be used in a range of applications including data storage and chemical sensors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 9, 2019