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Science News for February 13, 2020


Ceramides predict vascular brain injury and dementia

Higher ratios of very-long-chain to long-chain ceramides were associated with reduced dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks, suggesting a potential role for plasma ceramides as biomarkers. Elevated ceramide ratios may also have protective effects against dementia, while altered lipid metabolism is linked to its development.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Study: Text messaging an effective tool to improve access to prenatal health information

A new study from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University found that pregnant urban African American and immigrant Afro-Caribbean women can improve access to prenatal health information through the use of mhealth apps like Text4baby. The study showed a 14% increase in intent to use the app and a 28% increase in intent to speak with pr...

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalJMIR mhealth and uhealth·DateFeb 13, 2020

Moffitt researchers say multiple drug adaptive therapy is possible

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center present a case study of an adaptive treatment approach based on evolutionary principles in prostate cancer, suggesting it as a promising alternative to traditional treatments. The approach involves forcing tumors into repeatable treatment cycles, which may limit the development of uncontrollable dru...

Mending a broken heart -- the bioengineering way

A team of bioengineers from Trinity College Dublin has developed a prototype patch that mimics the electrical signalling properties and mechanical demands of heart tissue. The patch, manufactured via melt electrowriting, withstood repeated stretching and showed good elasticity, addressing key requirements for cardiac biomaterials.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 13, 2020

State of mind: The end of personality as we know it

Researchers propose a holistic framework for understanding how the mind adapts to situations, suggesting that changing states of mind exert coordinated effects on perception, attention, and behavior. By acknowledging and manipulating these dynamic states, individuals can improve performance and achieve a healthier state of mind.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2020

Much shorter radiation treatment found to be safe, effective for people with soft tissue sarcoma

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found a condensed five-day radiation regimen to be as effective as traditional five-week treatment in treating soft tissue sarcoma. The new approach showed lower wound complication rates and improved cancer control without increasing side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 13, 2020

Artificial intelligence is becoming sustainable!

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a novel circuit that can execute advanced AI operations in one operation, reducing energy consumption and paving the way for more sustainable AI computing accelerators. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient training of neural networks, crucial for applications like facial rec...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 13, 2020

Storytelling can reduce VR cybersickness

A study found that emotionally evocative storylines can reduce virtual reality cybersickness, especially in non-gamers, by enhancing presence and decreasing sensory conflicts. The findings suggest that game design can be used to create more inclusive VR experiences.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateFeb 13, 2020

Scientists finally figure out how millipedes actually do it

Researchers have figured out how millipedes mate by using high-tech imaging techniques and blacklights that make the different tissues glow. The findings show that the male's gonopods insert sperm into the female's vulvae through tiny claws, while the female's vulvae seal up with a gooey secretion to trap the sperm.

SourceField Museum·JournalArthropod Structure & Development·DateFeb 13, 2020

Are all sources of carbohydrates created equal?

A randomized crossover study found that eating non-fried potatoes instead of refined grains improved diet quality and was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who ate potatoes had higher potassium and fiber intake, as well as a healthier index score.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateFeb 13, 2020

Mathematical model reveals behavior of cellular enzymes

Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe the behavior of cellular enzymes, particularly those involved in multisite phosphorylation reactions. The study revealed that certain mutations affect the activation of key enzymes, including MEK and ERK, which can lead to cancer. This knowledge can help develop new therapeutic str...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Boom and bust for ancient sea dragons

Ichthyosaurs experienced a rapid evolution burst around 250 million years ago but quickly lost their diversity due to overcrowded seas. The group's evolution slowed down significantly over the next 100 million years, leading to less variation between species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Clinical practice guideline approval process introduces potential conflicts of interest

A new study found that many US medical specialty guidelines are vulnerable to conflicts of interest due to the approval process used by guideline development committees. Most societies require approval by a committee representing the society as a whole, which creates a potential conflict between professional and economic interests.

Nitrogen-fixing trees help tropical forests grow faster and store more carbon

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees can double the amount of carbon stored in a forest's first 30 years of regrowth. Forests with these trees also take up 10% more carbon at maturity. Planting fixers as part of reforestation efforts could boost forest development and carbon accumulation.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Researchers uncover the Moscow subway microbiome

A group of ITMO University researchers analyzed the Moscow Subway and found a microbiome similar to that of New York's public transportation. The study used high-throughput DNA sequencing and discovered identical types of bacteria, including Dietzia, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas.

SourceITMO University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

How useful are current tools that assess the quality of kidney-related care in the US?

A comprehensive evaluation of existing quality metrics for kidney disease reveals that less than half are highly valid, with nearly half related to dialysis management. The study proposes refinements and new metrics to better reflect the spectrum of kidney care delivery, aiming to improve the accuracy of quality measurement.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 13, 2020

The Antarctica Factor: model uncertainties reveal upcoming sea level risk

The 'Antarctica Factor' study reveals that Antarctic ice-loss is the greatest risk and uncertainty for global sea-levels, with a possible contribution of up to 58 cm within this century. The range of estimates is quite large, from 6-58 cm, but the results are robust due to the large number of ice sheet modeling groups involved.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEarth System Dynamics·DateFeb 13, 2020

Very tough and essential for survival

Biologists from Bayreuth investigate the role of Mauthner cells in fish and amphibian species, revealing a strong hierarchical dependence on these cells for essential functions. The researchers discovered that Mauthner cells remain functional without their cell bodies, contradicting widespread assumptions about nervous system hierarchies.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2020

The curious case of the disappearing snakes

A Michigan State University-University of Maryland study found that the decline of frogs led to a significant decrease in snake diversity, with an estimated 85% probability of fewer species. The research highlights the importance of long-term data for understanding biodiversity loss and its cascading effects on ecosystems.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020

Babies mimic songs, study finds

A study found that a 15-month-old boy attempted to sing along to 'Happy Birthday' after hearing it played on a toy. The research suggests that babies learn music patterns and rhythms through spontaneous imitation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Music Education·DateFeb 13, 2020

Effectiveness of travel bans -- readily used during infectious disease outbreaks -- mostly unknown, study finds

A University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University study examines travel bans to control infectious diseases like COVID-19. The research suggests that while a travel ban may delay the arrival of an illness, it does not eliminate long-term risk. The authors emphasize the need for more research to inform policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Emergency Management·DateFeb 13, 2020

Artificial intelligence finds disease-related genes

A new study uses artificial intelligence to identify groups of disease-related genes from huge amounts of gene expression data. The researchers found that the AI model discovered relevant patterns that agree well with biological mechanisms in the body, suggesting potential applications in precision medicine and individualized treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2020

Simple N-terminal modification of proteins

Researchers at Osaka University have reported a straightforward approach to protein modification by targeting the N-terminus, providing a new tool for protein engineering. The method uses a single-step reaction to conjugate functional molecules to proteins, resulting in highly efficient site-specific labeling under mild conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemBioChem·DateFeb 13, 2020

Most quality metrics for kidney disease fall short

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that more than half of existing kidney disease quality metrics are of middle or low quality, which hampers efforts to improve patient care. The team advocates for shifting focus to metrics that matter most to patients and accurately reflect kidney health or disease progression.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 13, 2020

Novel biotechnological route developed to obtain fine chemicals from agricultural waste

A novel simplified biotechnological route has been developed to convert sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw into fine chemicals. The new process uses a cascade of three catalytic enzymes to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic biomass and convert it directly into coniferol, resulting in high conversion yields.

Reasons why megaprojects fail

A systematic literature review by academics at UCL found that no single factor causes megaproject failures, but rather a combination of six key themes. The study identified 54 preventative solutions to improve megaproject performance, including designing system architecture and engaging institutions and communities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProject Management Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

Shaping waveforms

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a method to control electronic dynamics in real time by shaping attosecond pulses. This breakthrough allows for the study of molecular or crystal responses and has potential applications in optimizing processes like photosynthesis and charge separation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2020

Can beauty be-er ignored?

A study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that intoxication reduces the distraction caused by attractive faces, allowing intoxicated individuals to focus equally on both attractive and unattractive faces. The researchers used a computer-based task to assess participants' attention while ignoring facial stimuli.

SourceEdge Hill University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateFeb 13, 2020

10+ lifetime sexual partners linked to heightened cancer risk

A study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health found that having 10 or more lifetime sexual partners is associated with a heightened risk of cancer diagnosis in both men and women. Women who reported this number were 91% more likely to be diagnosed, while those with limiting chronic conditions were 64% more likely. The study sug...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·DateFeb 13, 2020

When frogs die off, snake diversity plummets

A new study found that after a chytrid fungus outbreak in Panama, decimated frog populations, the number of snake species declined dramatically, causing the snake community to become more homogeneous. The loss of amphibians had a ripple effect on the ecosystem, leading to a drop in body condition and occurrence rates among snakes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020