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Science News for January 14, 2020


Skin cancer suppressor found by Bath scientists

Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 14, 2020

Memory boost with just one look

Researchers at HRL Laboratories found that targeted transcranial electrical stimulation during slow-wave sleep can improve metamemories of specific episodes by nearly 20% after just one viewing. This non-invasive approach may benefit patients with learning and memory deficits, as well as those with PTSD.

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 2020

Having less sex linked to earlier menopause

Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Study: Blood-clotting protein and blood platelets promote immune evasion, cancer progression

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discover a direct connection between thrombin and TGF-b1, a cytokine promoting tumor progression and suppressing immune responses. Blocking this mechanism prevents tumor resistance to immunotherapy and increases tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2020

A novel way to watch paint dry

James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.

The wisdom of crowds: What smart cities can learn from a dead ox and live fish

A study by Portland State University researchers found that diverse crowds of local stakeholders can collectively produce complex environmental models similar to those of trained experts. The results correspond more or less exactly to scientific knowledge on the subject, with the final outcomes improving as more individuals are involve...

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Exosomes promote remarkable recovery in stroke

Researchers have found that an exosome treatment can promote full recovery in swine with severe stroke, even in cases where brain cells are at risk of dying. The treatment works by interrupting the process of cell death and reducing damage signals throughout the brain network.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Study examines attitudes toward transgender athletes

A new study published in Sex Roles investigates public attitudes towards the participation of transgender people in sports. The research finds that women sports fans are more likely to oppose transgender athletes participating in sports by gender identity, holding views similar to male sports fans. However, the study also reveals that ...

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 14, 2020

Neither fishing tales nor sailor's yarn

Researchers developed a method combining empirical knowledge of fishery stakeholders with scientific understanding to identify ecological cause-effect relationships in pike populations. The collective intelligence of nature users accurately captured complex human-environment relationships, exceeding scientific knowledge in some cases.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Getting to the heart of epinephrine use in pediatric cardiac arrest patients

Researchers found that prehospital epinephrine administration was associated with improved return of circulation in pediatric patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, there was no significant improvement in 1-month survival rates. The study suggests that prehospital epinephrine administration should be included in interna...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2020

Final images from Cassini spacecraft

Researchers analyze Cassini data to study Saturn's ultraviolet auroras and their dynamic processes. The new observations provide unique views of the small-scale structures behind these auroras, revealing similarities with Jupiter's magnetosphere.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2020

A simple twist of cell fate

A study by University of Michigan researchers sheds light on the role of WDR5 and p53 proteins in influencing stem cell fate, with implications for cancer research and potential treatments for heart disease. The team found that inducing a short delay in WDR5 expression steered embryonic stem cells towards different tissue types.

Many older people's glasses of wrong power

A recent study by the University of Gothenburg found that many 70-year-olds in Sweden overestimate their eyesight, but can still see considerably better with glasses or power correction. The study also highlights the importance of regular eye exams to detect visual impairment and age-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalActa Ophthalmologica·DateJan 14, 2020

In mice, alcohol dependence results in brain-wide remodeling of functional architecture

Researchers at University of California San Diego School found that alcohol dependence remodels the functional architecture of mouse brains, leading to increased coordinated activity and reduced modularity. This change is associated with cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and intense craving in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2020

What we're learning about the reproductive microbiome

Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 14, 2020

Cancer surgery: It depends on experience

A study published in BJS Open found that mortality rates from colorectal cancer surgery are significantly higher in smaller hospitals with lower annual case numbers. Hospitals performing more operations per year have better patient survival rates, likely due to increased access to specialized care and equipment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBJS Open·DateJan 14, 2020

No need to dig too deep to find gold!

The study found that the depth of porphyry copper and gold deposits influences their composition, with deeper deposits containing more copper and shallower deposits containing more gold. Over 95% of gold is lost to the atmosphere through volcanic emissions, making it challenging for companies to extract this metal.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Infectious disease defenses among ancient hominid contributions to adaptation of modern humans

Scientists discovered more evidence of archaic introgression in immunity-related genes and found a possible resistance to malaria among Papua New Guineans. They also identified genes related to porphyrins, energy metabolism, and olfactory receptors showing signals of Neandertal introgression.

Interdisciplinary study reveals new insights into the evolution of signed languages

Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Antibiotics often sold without prescription in retail pharmacies in China

A study found that antibiotics are widely available without a prescription in Chinese retail pharmacies, hindering the government's goal to make them prescription-only by 2020. The survey revealed that 83.6% of pharmacies sold antibiotics without a prescription, with no significant differences between urban and rural locations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateJan 14, 2020

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2020

Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness

A new study finds that relationships between children and their siblings with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those between typically developing siblings. Children with siblings with intellectual disabilities scored higher on empathy, teaching, and closeness, while scoring lower on conflict and rivalry.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 14, 2020