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Science News for March 10, 2020


Muscle stem cells compiled in 'atlas'

A team of Cornell researchers compiled a 'cell atlas' of muscle regeneration, cataloging the activity of almost every type of cell involved in muscle repair. The dataset provides a comprehensive picture of cellular interactions and may lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from muscle injuries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Wetting property of Li metal with graphite

Graphite has been found to be intrinsically lithiophilic at 500K, contradicting previous conclusions that it was lithiophobic. The study uses ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and shows that surface chemistry plays a key role in the wetting performance of Li metal on graphite.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 10, 2020

How heartbreak and hardship shape growing old

A new study found that people who experienced the greatest levels of hardship, stress, and personal loss were five times more likely to experience a lower quality of life, with significantly more health and physical difficulties in later life. Those raised by emotionally cold mothers were also less likely to experience good quality of ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 10, 2020

NCCN releases recommendations for standardizing quality measurement in oncology

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has published a list of high-impact measures for assessing quality improvements in cancer care. The recommendations reflect a landscape analysis from leading oncology experts and include endorsement of 15 existing measures and seven new concepts proposed for development.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateMar 10, 2020

Feeding wildlife can disrupt animal social structures

Researchers observed that male macaques were more likely to interact with humans for food rewards, disrupting normal social behaviors and reducing opportunities for positive interactions such as grooming. This disruption can have detrimental effects on the monkeys' health, life span, reproductive success, and infant survival.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Arming the body's immune cells

Researchers at UC have discovered a mechanism that could lead to new immunotherapies for patients with head and neck cancers. By understanding how calmodulin interacts with ion channels in immune cells, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to restore the ability of these cells to enter and kill tumors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·DateMar 10, 2020

Tracking down false parkers in cancer cells

A research team led by University of Würzburg scientists has found a way to inactivate the cancer protein NP63, which is crucial for squamous cell carcinoma growth. By using a preclinical inhibitor, they were able to switch off NP63's parking ticket remover and stop tumor cells from growing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Knowing more about a virus threat may not satisfy you

A recent study on Zika virus found that individuals who thought they knew more about the threat were actually more likely to feel uncertain and anxious. The researchers suggest that public health agencies should focus on providing ongoing updates and shaping messages that encourage people to stay informed, as uncertainty can fuel fears...

SourceOhio State University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 10, 2020

First-ever analysis of video recorded CPR improves resuscitation outcomes in emergency departments

Researchers developed a novel approach called MTV-CPR to video record and review CPR practices, leading to improved survivorship rates for cardiac arrest patients. The study found that the use of video recording and team-focused strategy increased the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate from 26% to 41%.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 10, 2020

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that communities with more fast food restaurants, higher population density, and jobs in the extraction industry have shorter life expectancies. Conversely, areas with growing populations, good access to physicians, and high social cohesion tend to have longer lifespans.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaving your baby to 'cry it out' has no adverse effects on child development

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Slime mold simulations used to map dark matter holding universe together

Researchers have successfully mapped the cosmic web's filamentary structure using a slime mold-inspired algorithm, providing insights into dark matter's role in shaping the universe. The study revealed that denser regions of intergalactic gas are organized into filaments that stretch over 10 million light-years from galaxies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Making more MXene

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 10, 2020

New study confirms value of family meals

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior confirms that frequent family meals are associated with better dietary outcomes and improved family functioning. The research found a positive relationship between family meal frequency and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as measures of family c...

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 10, 2020

Experts call for more support for parents of children with genetic learning disabilities

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Case Western Reserve University research finds high rates of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms for those in drug court

A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that nearly 94% of defendants in Cuyahoga County drug court have been exposed to trauma, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research suggests a need for increased trauma-informed care and possibly specialized, gender-specific support.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·DateMar 10, 2020

Chemists create new artificial enzyme

Chemists at the University of Miami have created an artificial enzyme with improved catalytic abilities. The new molecule is designed to tackle chemical reactions in industrial settings and could lead to the development of more efficient biofuel production, drug creation, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2020

Injection strategies are crucial for geothermal projects

A new study analyzed temporal evolution of seismicity and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes in various stimulation projects. The results show a clear linear relation between injected fluid volume and cumulative seismic moments for most projects, indicating that seismicity can be managed by changes in injection strategy.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Intel processors are still vulnerable to attack

Researchers at KU Leuven exposed a security flaw in Intel processors, revealing a vulnerability in SGX enclaves that can be exploited for sensitive information. The 'Load Value Injection' attack allows attackers to inject data into software programs, compromising passwords and other personal data.

Pain researchers get a common language to describe pain

A new classification system for orofacial pain has been developed by international researchers, providing a common language for medical doctors and dentists to diagnose patients accurately. The system is expected to improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain in the mouth, jaws, and face.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCephalalgia·DateMar 10, 2020

New clinical trial examines a potential noninvasive solution for overactive bladders

A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaf-inspired surface prevents frost formation

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new way to reduce frost formation on any surface using a leaf-inspired design. The study found that the optimized surface structure reduces frost by up to 60% and can be defrosted with considerably less energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

The Lancet HIV: Study suggests a second patient has been cured of HIV

A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMar 10, 2020

Solved: The mystery of the expansion of the universe

A UNIGE researcher has solved a scientific controversy about the speed of the universe's expansion by proposing that it may not be homogeneous on a large scale. This approach eliminates a divergence between two independent calculation methods, which previously yielded conflicting values for the Hubble constant.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 10, 2020

Study reveals grasshopper declines associated with declines in quality of prairie grasses

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals a decline in grasshopper numbers over the past two decades in a Kansas grassland preserve. The research identifies nutrient dilution as a key driver, caused by increased atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to declining plant quality and reduced sustenance for herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020