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Science News for August 5, 2020


Epigenetic changes in ADNP syndrome, a cause of autism, do not indicate profound presentation of the disorder

A study found that two blood epigenetic signatures associated with ADNP syndrome have only modest correlation with clinical manifestations. Researchers conclude that these signatures should be carefully evaluated before being considered as biomarkers for predicting behavioral outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 5, 2020

Study clarifies kinship of important plant group

A new study has provided the world's most detailed phylogenetic analysis of asterids, a group of flowering plants that include coffee, heather, and tomatoes. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn and international partners, sheds light on the evolutionary history of these species and their relationships.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateAug 5, 2020

Study sheds new light on vein formation in plants

A study published in Nature Communications has found that plant hormones strigolactones reduce the transport of auxin, a key hormone involved in vein formation. This slowdown allows for more focused and efficient vein development, which can lead to improved crop yields and better adaptation to challenging climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 5, 2020

Turning carbon dioxide into liquid fuel

A team led by Argonne National Laboratory has discovered a new electrocatalyst that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into ethanol with very high energy efficiency, selectivity for the desired final product, and low cost. This process could contribute to the circular carbon economy by reusing CO2 from industrial processes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 5, 2020

Local food

The study found that the Pacific Island Countries (PICTs) are vulnerable to food insecurity due to their reliance on global supply chains. However, researchers suggest that bolstering local production and intraregional trade can strengthen the food system and protect against malnutrition. The PICTs have the potential to rely on traditi...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFood Security·DateAug 5, 2020

Will automated vehicles cut parking revenue?

As autonomous vehicles challenge traditional auto-related funding streams, cities must prepare for potential revenue implications. Researchers analyzed transportation network companies' impact on parking demand and found a non-linear relationship between Uber trips and occupancy. Cities can adjust parking policies by time/day, lower pr...

Three-quarters of migrants traveling to US through Mexico experience food insecurity

A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateAug 5, 2020

Organoids help bridge gap between laboratory study and animal modeling of disease

Researchers biofabricated human colorectal cancer organoids to understand how tumors grow in their natural microenvironment and respond to treatments. The study replicated native tumor tissue in a laboratory model and validated its effects on whole-body physiology, paving the way for new therapies targeting the extracellular matrix.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 5, 2020

Experiences of loneliness may differ by age

A cross-sectional study in the Netherlands found that loneliness experiences differ by age, with certain factors associated with loneliness varying across adult life stages. The strongest association with loneliness was found for those who felt excluded from society.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 5, 2020

Computational modeling enables heart valve visualizations

Researchers used computational modeling to visualize heart valve implant behavior for the first time, revealing that thinner biological tissues can induce leaflet flutter, compromising durability and causing blood cell damage. This study builds upon decades of research and showcases the importance of supercomputing power in improving s...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2020

Plate tectonics goes global

Researchers discovered evidence of ancient subduction in China and six other continents, revealing that plate tectonics went global 2 billion years ago. This finding provides the first global evidence for the operation of plate tectonics at this age.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateAug 5, 2020

HPV vaccination linked to lower risk of precancerous condition

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, a precancerous condition leading to cervical cancer. Vaccination coverage was high among young women born in 1993, resulting in a 30% lower risk compared to those...

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 5, 2020

Sustainable chemistry at the quantum level

Researchers have developed a three-pronged approach to predict novel electrocatalysts, which can simulate many atoms at once and transform catalyst development. The new method allows for high-throughput screening powered by machine learning, accelerating the discovery of efficient electrocatalysts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalInterface·DateAug 5, 2020

Life at its limits

A new study reveals that microbes in the seabed can survive on extremely low levels of energy, with some using methane and sulphate as alternative sources. This discovery challenges our understanding of life's limits and has significant implications for Earth's carbon and nutrient cycles.

Initiative to promote a culture of mobility in hospitals yields encouraging results

An initiative promoting hospital mobility in the US yielded encouraging results, with 76% of participating sites implementing successful programs. Implementing mobility programs reduced bed or chair alarm use by 1.8-fold and increased daily walks for patients by 2-fold.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 5, 2020

Study examines skin diseases in older adults

A study of 552 older adults found 80% had at least one skin disease requiring treatment, with fungal infections and eczema being the most prevalent. The research also revealed that more than a third had multiple simultaneous skin diseases, highlighting the importance of whole body skin evaluations in this age group.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 5, 2020

A one-step diagnostic may bring faster, cheaper cancer testing to remote settings

A rapid and affordable test for breast cancer has been developed to combat delayed diagnoses in developing regions. The compact CytoPAN test uses image cytometry to analyze individual cells, yielding results in under 1 hour and requiring minimal training, making it ideal for resource-limited settings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2020

Neuroendocrine markers of grief

Research examines neuroendocrine effects of grief, finding elevated cortisol levels in bereaved individuals with possible long-term health consequences. The study calls for more research on potential markers of neuroendocrine activity associated with grief to inform tailored interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·DateAug 5, 2020

New strategy against osteoporosis

Researchers identified a small protein that mobilizes bone resorbing cells under osteoporotic conditions. Chemical inhibitors targeting this protein show promise in blocking bone resorption without disrupting normal bone turnover.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2020

Dinosaur relative's genome linked to mammals

The study reveals a remarkable genetic connection between the tuatara, a reptile that lived with dinosaurs, and mammals such as platypus and echidna. The genome analysis shows an unusual combination of mammalian and reptilian components, with some sequences similar to those found in platypus.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020

New study may refine predicted survival outcomes and treatment in younger adults with acute leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that molecular characteristics can refine prognostic recommendations for AML patients under age 60. The study detected mutations in several categories, which were associated with better or worse outcomes and may help improve treatment choices.

Building dementia friendly churches

The Dementia Friendly Church programme has had a significant impact, improving interactions between church attendees and people with dementia. The project involves making practical changes to church layouts, worship, and hospitality to create 'friendly spaces' for those living with dementia.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalReligions·DateAug 5, 2020

Autism: How a gene alteration modifies social behavior

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a connection between a genetic alteration and social difficulties related to autism. By targeting the oxytocin signaling pathway, they achieved promising results in an animal model and found that treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor can normalize social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020

How tumor cells evade the immune defense

Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 5, 2020

How climate change affects allergies, immune response and autism

Rising carbon dioxide levels and changes in the environment may contribute to increased prevalence of respiratory allergies, autoimmune diseases, and neurologic conditions such as autism. Disruptions to gut bacteria have also been linked to these disorders, highlighting the need for a greener lifestyle and reduced exposure to antimicro...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 5, 2020

Gout diagnoses rising worldwide

The prevalence of gout increased worldwide between 1990 and 2017, reaching approximately 41.2 million cases in 2017. High body mass index and impaired kidney function were identified as key risk factors for the disease.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 5, 2020

Rice researchers use InSight for deep Mars measurements

Researchers from Rice University have made the first direct measurements of three subsurface boundaries from Mars' crust to its core using NASA's InSight Lander data. The study provides insights into Mars' early history, planetary formation, and the planet's development from a chemical and thermal perspective.

SourceRice University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2020

New website offers added decision support for patients searching for a transplant center

A new online tool developed by Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and the University of Minnesota helps transplant candidates find matching programs based on their donor type and medical profile. The website uses data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to provide personalized decision support.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalTransplantation Direct·DateAug 5, 2020