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Science News for February 20, 2020


Glaucoma care in prison inmates

A new observational study examines how glaucoma treatment and follow-up are managed in a prison clinic, with findings on medication adherence being highlighted as an area of concern. The research sheds light on the challenges faced by prisoners with this common eye condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 20, 2020

New drug combination restores beta cell function in animal model

Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that can restore beta cell function in an animal model, showing promise for diabetes remission. The treatment, which combines GLP-1/estrogen with insulin, was found to be more effective than single-treatments and increase pancreatic insulin content and beta cell numbers.

First genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease

A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Pill-sized 'heater' could increase accessibility in diagnosing infectious disease

Researchers developed a pill-sized 'heater' that regulates temperature of biological samples through different stages of diagnostic testing, increasing accuracy and accessibility. The device can be used in various settings to detect viruses without electricity, reducing the need for specialized training and costly lab equipment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

Researchers develop label-free microscopic techniques to visualize extracellular vesicles

The Beckman Institute has developed imaging techniques that capture more information about a tissue compared to traditional methods, allowing for better visualization of extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are known to increase in number and be associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer cells.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

How to keep the nucleus clean

A new study reveals that nuclear RNAs are sorted using a two-layered targeting mechanism, where NEXT and PAXT complexes work together to degrade non-functional transcripts. This process prevents deleterious accumulation of non-functional RNAs in cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Condom nation

A Canadian survey of 2,300 people found that 30% of Canadians use condoms during penile-vaginal intercourse, with higher rates among young adults, men from visible minority groups, and those with education on condom usage. The study highlights the importance of condom education in reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 2020

E-cigarette users are exposed to potentially harmful levels of metal linked to DNA damage

A recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that e-cigarette users have elevated biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, including zinc excess correlated with oxidative DNA damage. The study highlights the risks of prolonged e-cigarette use and advises physicians to exercise caution when recommending e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

New research takes p*** out of incontinence

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Single gene cluster loss may contribute to initiation/progression of multiple myeloma

A study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that deleting one copy of the miR15a/miR16-1 gene cluster accelerated the development of multiple myeloma in mice, while also enhancing disease aggressiveness. The researchers also analyzed a genetic dataset of multiple myeloma patients and found similar associations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateFeb 20, 2020

New study indicates amino acid may be useful in treating ALS

A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2020

Newly found bacteria fights climate change, soil pollutants

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020

New studies explore how knowledge drives action in climate change decision-making

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School explore the importance of learning and knowledge in environmental decision-making. They argue that educational tools can accelerate climate change adaptation and provide actionable knowledge for societies.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·DateFeb 20, 2020

New artificial intelligence algorithm better predicts corn yield

A new AI algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers accurately predicts corn yield using deep learning and convolutional neural networks. The approach incorporates various topographic variables, soil electroconductivity, nitrogen treatment rates, and seed application to optimize crop management decisions.

Columbia researchers develop new method to isolate atomic sheets and create new materials

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.

Study shows long-term survival benefit for certain patients with advanced lung cancer

Researchers at Yale Cancer Center discovered that a small amount of the PD-L1 biomarker can predict long-term survival benefits from using pembrolizumab in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study found that overall survival was about 99% one year after discontinuing treatment, and ranged from 23% to 35% three years after treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 20, 2020

Half of transgender youth avoid disclosing gender identity to a health care provider

A survey of 153 transgender youth found that 47% intentionally avoided disclosing their gender identity to healthcare providers outside the clinic. Participants suggested ways clinics can create spaces for comfortable disclosure, including materials, forms, and staff education. The study highlights the need for improved provider-patien...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 20, 2020

Autism eye scan could lead to early detection

A new non-invasive eye scan could identify autism in children up to 5 years earlier than current methods, using a hand-held device to detect subtle electrical signals in the retina. The scan was tested on 180 people with and without autism between 5-21 years old.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 20, 2020

Curing genetic disease in human cells

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 base-editing to cure cystic fibrosis in human stem cells, providing a promising new approach for treating genetic diseases. The technique, which repairs mutations without cutting DNA, shows great promise for the future treatment of various genetic disorders.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2020

Xiaoji Xu named a 2020 Sloan Research Fellow

Xiaoji Xu named a 2020 Sloan Research Fellow, recognized for his innovative nanoscale imaging methods that empower researchers to study previously inaccessible objects. He plans to investigate the formation and transformation of aerosols and chemical properties of organic/inorganic photovoltaics.

A scaffold at the center of our cellular skeleton

Researchers from Université de Genève have discovered an internal structure at the center of centrioles, crucial organelles that form the cell skeleton. This finding provides a better understanding of centriole functions and pathologies associated with their dysfunction, including ciliopathies and retinal disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020

Study shows UV technology raises the standard in disinfecting ORs and medical equipment

A new UV technology has been shown to effectively eliminate more than 96% of pathogens in operating rooms and medical equipment, outperforming traditional chemical-based cleaning methods which only achieve 38% effectiveness. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient care environments and reduce hospital-acquired infections.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 20, 2020

Want to live longer? Stay in school, study suggests

A multi-institution study finds that level of education is best predictor of life expectancy, outshining racial factors. Higher education levels resulted in 1.37 fewer years of lost life expectancy, suggesting improved access to education could reverse declining life expectancy trends.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2020

Bundled payments have not led to 'cherry-picking' of patients for joint replacement surgery

Researchers evaluated patient characteristics after introduction of bundled payment program, finding no significant changes in access to hip and knee replacement for sicker patients or those at higher risk of complications. The study provides reassurance that the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program has not led to 'cherry-p...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2020

Active droplets

Researchers created 'active droplets' that release drugs at a constant rate over several days, reducing the risk of overdose. The droplets are stable for longer due to hydrolysis protection and can be loaded with varying doses.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 20, 2020

A deep dive into cellular aging

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Harvard University discovered that mitochondria trigger senescence in cells by communicating with the cell's nucleus. They identified an FDA-approved drug that helped suppress the damaging effects of senescence in cells and mice, providing a potential treatment for a...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 20, 2020