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Science News for August 17, 2020


Epigenetic risk for PTSD in trauma survivors

Researchers studied epigenetic modifications associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma survivors, finding a link to the gene NTRK2 and reduced PTSD risk. The study revealed that epigenetic modification of NTRK2 was predictive of PTSD risk, but its relationship with PTSD is complex and influenced by multiple factors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Scientists further cowpea research--boosting canopy CO2 assimilation, water-use efficiency

A recent study published in Food and Energy Security found that optimizing cowpea canopies can significantly improve CO2 assimilation and water-use efficiency, leading to increased crop yields. Researchers used a canopy gas exchange chamber to measure plant responses to different canopy architectures, revealing that higher biomass cano...

Opioid use can trigger deafness

Researchers found a strong association between high-dose opioid use and degrees of hearing loss, with 21% experiencing permanent loss. The study suggests that health care providers should be aware of this potential link when evaluating patients with hearing issues.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateAug 17, 2020

Chatbots delivering psychotherapy help decrease opioid use after surgery

Researchers found that patients who received daily text messages from an automated chatbot experienced a significant decrease in opioid use, averaging 26 pills compared to 41 for non-participants. This low-effort approach aims to reduce opioid dependence and is potentially transferable to other patient populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 17, 2020

Targeted therapy combination effective for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma and BRAF mutations

A Phase II trial conducted at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a 51% overall response rate in patients with BRAF-mutated cholangiocarcinoma treated with dabrafenib plus trametinib, providing a much-needed treatment option for patients with treatment-resistant advanced disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 17, 2020

Farmers help grow water plan

Using local producer knowledge helps estimate groundwater use in modelling for mapping sustainable use of scarce resources. Farmers' land use, agricultural practices and water use are key factors in this approach.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateAug 17, 2020

The easy way to get a square deal

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new method to easily add lanthanide cubanes into an existing metallo-supramolecular framework. The team found that by soaking a crystal in a cubane-containing solution, the molecules become intercalated via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 17, 2020

USU mathematicians unravel a thread of string theory

Researchers from Utah State University, Thomas Hill and Andreas Malmendier, explore the duality between F-theory and heterotic string theory in eight dimensions. They discovered four unique ways to slice K3 surfaces as Jacobian elliptic fibrations, enabling investigation of underlying physical theories.

SourceUtah State University·JournalLetters in Mathematical Physics·DateAug 17, 2020

Applying machine learning to biomedical science

Researchers have developed a new approach to machine learning combining ensemble methods and deep learning to diagnose cancer, predict viral attacks, and revolutionize molecular biology. This emerging field has the potential to transform bioinformatics and biomedical sciences.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 17, 2020

North American cold-climate forests are already absorbing less carbon, study shows

A new study reveals that cold-climate forests at high latitudes are already absorbing less carbon, casting uncertainty on their ability to continue doing so. In contrast, Siberian forests have increased their carbon uptake four times more than other North American forests, suggesting stark divergent responses across regions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Smartphones may help detect diabetes

Researchers at UCSF have developed a smartphone-based digital biomarker to detect Type 2 diabetes, providing a potential in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools. The algorithm correctly identified the presence of diabetes in up to 81% of patients, offering a promising solution for widespread disease screening.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 17, 2020

Experts question need to wait days between introducing new solid foods to infants

A recent survey of pediatricians found significant variability in recommendations for solid food introduction, leading experts to question the relevance of current guidelines. The long waiting period may delay peanut introduction and limit food diversity, which can decrease the development of allergic diseases in infants.

Society perceives the poor as less affected by distress than those with more means

Researchers found a 'thick-skin bias' persists across various groups, including children and adults, professionals, and U.S. citizens, perceiving low-income individuals as less harmed by negative events than their high-income counterparts. This bias may lead to neglect of those most in need and exacerbate cycles of poverty.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalBehavioural Public Policy·DateAug 17, 2020

Projected extreme heat and cold exposure in US cities

A new study projects that major US cities will experience significantly increased exposure to extreme heat and cold by the end of this century. The study's authors used a novel approach to account for urban development and its interactions with climate change to predict changes in population-weighted exposure to extreme temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Naturally occurring antibodies against prion proteins found in humans

Scientists have found that a small proportion of individuals possess high levels of antibodies targeting the normal PrP version of the prion protein. These antibodies may be beneficial in targeting pathological aggregates for degradation by phagocytic cells, potentially offering new tools for studying neurodegeneration. The discovery s...

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 17, 2020

ASU climate study looks at humans' exposure to extreme temperatures during 21st century

A recent ASU climate study forecasts a substantial rise in human exposure to extreme temperatures in the US during the 21st century. By the end of the century, the annual heat exposure is expected to increase nearly 30-fold, with major metropolitan regions like New York and Los Angeles facing significant changes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Autism-cholesterol link

Researchers identify a subtype of autism associated with lipid metabolism and brain development, offering potential targets for precision-targeted therapies and earlier diagnosis. The study found notable alterations in cholesterol levels among children with autism and their parents.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 17, 2020

Study hopes to encourage use of new technology to reduce errors in DNA testing

A study by Dr. Jianye Ge and colleagues suggests that millions of DNA testing cases may be incorrectly interpreted due to limited genetic information. The new technology has been shown to substantially reduce the chance of mistakes in kinship relationship testing, which could have serious consequences for individuals and families.

Sleepiness and social contact

A study found that increased sleepiness is tied to decreases in social activity, especially on days off and in the evenings, while more social activity in the afternoon can lead to longer sleep duration. The complex relationship between social activity and subsequent sleepiness suggests that sleepiness may impede voluntary social contact.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Semitransparent photovoltaics

Researchers developed a semitransparent photovoltaic cell with high power conversion efficiency and visible transparency, opening possibilities for power-generating windows and solar energy applications. The study showcases the potential of organic photovoltaics in serving as color-neutral, transparent power sources.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Bacteria's secret weapon revealed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a previously unknown way bacteria evade immune responses, targeting mitochondria for disarming. The study suggests potential new ways to combat resistant bacterial infections and could lead to new therapeutic possibilities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 17, 2020

Food safety model may help pandemic management

A food safety model developed by Flinders University researchers can aid in managing pandemic trust through transparent communication and public engagement. The model identifies key strategies to maintain public confidence, including credibility, proactivity, and education, which can be applied to pandemic management.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 17, 2020

Potential drug target revealed to help more children survive a lethal heart defect

A new study has identified a potential therapeutic target, fibronectin (FN1), to improve endocardial function and regenerate cardiac valves, septum, and coronary vessels in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. This discovery offers hope for increasing heart chamber size and reducing the need for multiple surgeries.

Research finds daily cranberry intake associated with reduced with reduced H. pylori infection rates

A clinical trial found that consuming 44mg of proanthocyanidins (PACs) per day in cranberry juice resulted in a 20% reduction in H. pylori infection rates in Chinese adults. The study suggests that twice-daily consumption of this specific amount of PACs may be an effective natural management strategy for adults infected with H. pylori.

SourcePollock Communications·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 17, 2020

Discovered a new method of biofortification that transforms leaves into nutrient stores

A team of researchers at CSIC and CRAG has discovered a new method to transform chloroplasts in leaves into chromoplasts, which produce high levels of carotenoids. This process can increase the nutritional value of crops and provide a sustainable source for the food and cosmetic industries.

SourceCentre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2020

Energy-efficient tuning of spintronic neurons

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Gothenburg developed a novel voltage-controlled spintronic oscillator capable of closely imitating non-linear oscillatory neural networks. The technology allows for strong tuning with negligible energy consumption, enabling efficient training of large neural networks.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2020

How sour beer gets so... sour (video)

Researchers analyze how acids and other compounds contribute to sour beer's unique taste, with findings that could help brewers gain more control over the flavor. The study uses NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to track changes in organic acids and identify trace compounds that influence flavor.

Scientists develop approach to synthesize unconventional nanoalloys for electrocatalytic application

Researchers developed a new method to synthesize unconventional nanoalloys composed of immiscible metals, which showed superior performances in electrocatalytic reactions. The approach uses vapor-source technology and allows for control over composition and size, enabling the creation of cost-effective, highly active, and durable elect...