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Science News for January 29, 2020


New injection technique may boost spinal cord injury repair efforts

A new injection technique has been developed to deliver neural precursor cells to spinal cord injuries, reducing further trauma and promoting reparative cell propagation. This method may have utility for multiple neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Siri, help me quit -- what does your smart device say when you ask for help with addiction?

A recent study found that leading smart device conversational agents, such as Siri and Alexa, are unable to provide meaningful help for quitting substances like opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. However, researchers suggest that updating these devices to promote resources like helplines could prove highly effective in addressing the natio...

SourceElevated Science Communications·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Single-cell sequencing of CLL therapy: Shared genetic program, patient-specific execution

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond differently to ibrutinib treatment due to individual genetic and epigenetic profiles. The study reveals a shared genetic program in CLL cells responding to ibrutinib, but with patient-specific execution, leading to varying disease progression rates.

On the menu: Study says dining out is a recipe for unhealthy eating for most Americans

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that most American adults consume meals of poor nutritional quality when dining out, with disparities affecting certain groups. The researchers recommend improving the nutritional quality of restaurant meals and reducing health disparities to promote healthier eating.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2020

Openly acknowledging social inequalities

A multinational study by University of Zurich researchers found that members of disadvantaged groups are less likely to support social change when interacting with privileged groups, but more willing to work in solidarity. The study suggests that actively acknowledging structural inequalities can prevent perpetuation of group disparities.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 29, 2020

Pollination is better in cities than in the countryside

A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that flowering plants are better pollinated in urban areas than in rural regions. Bees, particularly bumblebees, played a crucial role in this process. The researchers recommend considering the needs of bees when planning green spaces in both cities and countryside.

Missing link in rare inherited skin disease exposed

Hokkaido University scientists have discovered the missing link in a rare hereditary disease that impairs the skin's barrier function. They found that fatty acid transporter member 4 (FATP4) plays a critical role in synthesizing acylceramides, key skin lipids that prevent water loss and protect against pathogens.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2020

A strong foundation

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute found a correlation between the stability of giant kelp and understory seaweed and seafloor invertebrates, leading to higher biodiversity. The study suggests that robust kelp increases species diversity, promoting ecosystem stability.

Genetics contributes to mental health risks in adoptees

A large genetic risk study found that adoptees had a slightly elevated genetic risk for depression, schizophrenia, and neuroticism. The adoption process did not increase the impact of this genetic risk, suggesting that both environment and genetics play a role in mental health problems.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 29, 2020

Guardian angel of the eye

Researchers from TUM have identified a new role for the alpha-A-crystallin protein in protecting other proteins from oxidation, which may contribute to the prevention of cataracts and age-related blindness. The study reveals that oxidized alpha-A-crystallin can transfer disulfide bridges to other proteins, influencing their redox state.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 29, 2020

Hermetically sealed semi-conductors

Researchers have developed a new encapsulation technique to protect the electronic properties of sensitive materials like indium selenide and gallium selenide. The method uses hexagonal boron nitride to encase the material, preserving its performance and enabling its integration into electronic components.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 29, 2020

How to head off a Red Bull habit -- study

A study at Flinders University in Australia found that a form of cognitive incentive retraining can help regular consumers of energy drinks reduce their consumption. The training aimed to tackle attentional and approach biases towards energy drinks, helping participants moderate their bias towards choosing healthier options.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2020

Long life, good health

The American Heart Association's 2030 Impact Goals aim to increase healthy life expectancy globally, with targets of 67 years by 2030. Despite positive trends in cardiovascular health, the US faces challenges such as obesity and inadequate physical activity among youth.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJan 29, 2020

Researchers combine technologies to resolve plant pathogen genomes

Plant scientists combined second- and third-generation genomic technologies to create a more accurate and efficient method for resolving plant pathogen genomes. This breakthrough reduces the time required to sequence genome data from one-and-a-half years to just nine days, while lowering costs from $2 million to $1,000.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 29, 2020

Not 'brains in a dish': Cerebral organoids flunk comparison to developing nervous system

A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...

Unique new antiviral treatment made using sugar

Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Prescribed burns benefit bees

Research from North Carolina State University found that freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more bees and bee species than unburned forests. The study suggests that prescribed fires maintain a favorable environment for pollinators by reducing ground cover and releasing nutrients, increasing flower resources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateJan 29, 2020

Ordering in? Plants are way ahead of you

Researchers discovered that plants use flavonoids to communicate with microbes in the soil, but high levels of organic carbon in the soil can repress these signals. This allows plants to control whether they invest in expensive symbionts and avoid wasting photosynthate on unnecessary microbial help.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Swing feel in the lab

A team of researchers found that microtiming deviations, previously thought to be crucial for the swing feel in jazz music, are actually unnecessary. Instead, musicians perceive the swing when the timing fluctuations are minimal. The study, conducted by the Max Planck Institute and University of Göttingen, used digital jazz piano recor...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2020

Cover of CHEOPS space telescope open

The CHEOPS space telescope has successfully opened its cover following a series of tests, enabling further activities including star and planet imaging. The first images are expected to be published within one or two weeks, allowing the team to assess the instrument's abilities.

To make amino acids, just add electricity

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully synthesized several types of amino acids using abundant materials. The process uses electric energy generated from renewable sources and involves titanium dioxide as the electrocatalyst and an organic acid called alpha-keto acid as the key source material.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Mountain vegetation dries out Alpine water fluxes

During droughts, mountain forests and grasslands at higher elevations release more water into the air than in normal growth periods. This is due to increased metabolism promoting water uptake by vegetation. As a result, evapotranspiration rates are above average, draining rivers and streams of half their usual volume.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2020

Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds

Research suggests that captive-bred game birds may be unprepared for life in the wild due to unnatural early life conditions. Mimicking natural conditions in captivity could promote more natural behavior and improve survival chances. Adding perches and unpredictable food supply are proposed solutions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Welfare·DateJan 29, 2020

Nitrogen fertilizers finetune composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota

Researchers discovered that nitrogen fertilizers shape the composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota, with Actinobacteria colonizing root tissues. The diet represented by different nitrogen treatments determines the plant microbiota, highlighting potential targets for optimizing plant nutrition and global food security.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJan 29, 2020

Who receives advanced stroke care? It may depend on traffic

A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Does lung damage speed pancreatic cancer?

Research found that high CO2 levels drive the aggressiveness of pancreatic tumor cells and their resistance to treatment. Increasing CO2 levels in cell cultures also showed increased growth and aggression, while common chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy were less effective against high-CO2-cultured cells.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 29, 2020

An ultrafast microscope for the quantum world

Scientists have created a high-speed camera for the quantum world, enabling the precise tracking of electron movements at a resolution of a few hundred attoseconds. This microscope can be used to analyze processes in tiny electronic components and molecules, providing valuable insights for developing faster and more efficient electronics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2020

Ancient skulls tell new story about our first settlers

The analysis of four ancient skulls from Mexico suggests that early North Americans were more biologically diverse than previously believed, with affinities to various populations including Arctic, European, Asian, and Native American groups. This new finding challenges the previous narrative about the settlement of the Americas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2020

Researchers studying motivational aspects of mindfulness find quality differs by situation

A new study finds that mindfulness arises from the interaction between individuals and their situations, rather than being a stable psychological property. The research, which included over 558 participants, reveals three key motivational forces: metacognitive beliefs, mental fatigue, and situational appraisal.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 29, 2020

Are you 'at risk' of being a habitual tofu eater?

A genome-wide association study found nine gene locations associated with eating certain foods, including tofu, cheese, and tea. The study identified six genetic variants linked to at least one disease phenotype, including several types of cancer and type-2 diabetes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 29, 2020

Immune responses to tuberculosis mapped across 3 species

A new study maps TB immune responses in diverse models including genetically diverse mice and blood samples from adolescents with TB. The study reveals similarities and differences between human, mouse, and macaque responses, providing valuable insights for developing effective therapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020