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Science News for March 25, 2020


New imaging method sheds light on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Lund University developed a new imaging method to study protein structures within nerve cells, providing insight into the first molecular changes in neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough may help explain the mechanisms behind the disease and potentially lead to effective treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 25, 2020

Parents' physical activity helps kids with developmental disabilities improve motor skills

A recent study from Oregon State University found that parents who model and support physical activity in daily life can help children with developmental disabilities improve their motor skills. Parents can make a difference by spending quality time with their child, engaging in activities together and providing opportunities for them ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateMar 25, 2020

Mental health care for adolescents

Researchers examined changes in adolescent mental health problems and care settings, finding shifts towards more specialized services and online care. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support for adolescents, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2020

Staining cycles with black holes

Researchers have introduced a method to rapidly cycle through staining, destaining, and restaining of cell samples using black hole quenchers in under 1 hour. This allows for precise characterization of immune cells in tumors, enabling the selection of suitable treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 25, 2020

How to break new records in the 200 metres?

Researchers Amandine Aftalion and Emmanuel Trélat found that shorter straights and larger radii can improve running performance. Their mathematical model predicts that these track designs could potentially break long-standing records, with improvements of up to 4 hundredth of a second.

SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 25, 2020

Too much salt weakens the immune system

A high-salt diet can significantly weaken the immune system by reducing the function of granulocytes, a type of immune cell that attacks bacteria. This is according to a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, which found that mice fed a high-salt diet suffered from more severe bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020

Assessing the the global problem of poor sanitation

The Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) has secured a grant to develop data collection techniques for assessing the scale of challenge in safely dealing with sewage waste. On-site sanitation, such as pit latrines, is used by 3.1 billion people worldwide, but few countries keep data on waste treatment, posing major health risks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateMar 25, 2020

New molecular probes for opioid receptors

Researchers have developed highly selective ligands to label opioid receptors, shedding light on their behavior in living cells. The study reveals that most opioid receptors exist as individual entities, but a small proportion forms pairs, which may contribute to the receptor's function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2020

Computational human cell reveals new insight on genetic information processing

The researchers have developed a computational model of a human cell that simulates its behavior for up to 15 minutes, revealing the effects of spatial organization on genetic processes. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated and developed, and how diseases such as cancer are formed.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 25, 2020

Lung cancer trials supported by drug industry stronger

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that lung cancer clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry demonstrate no more bias compared to studies funded by other sources. The analysis, led by Dr. Pedro Aguiar, assessed 477 studies and found that pharmaceutical-backed trials had stronger evidence, ev...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 25, 2020

Heat takes its toll on mental health

A study published in PLOS ONE found that hotter temperatures increase the probability of reporting bad mental health in the US. People are willing to pay several dollars to avoid each additional hot day in terms of its impact on self-reported mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 25, 2020

Snake venom evolved for prey not protection

A new study suggests that snake venom did not evolve primarily as a defense mechanism, but rather to overpower and kill prey. Researchers surveyed nearly 400 people who work with snakes and found that only a minority of bites cause immediate pain, implying that the venom's composition has not been optimized for defensive purposes.

SourceSwansea University·JournalToxins·DateMar 25, 2020

Using CRISPR to find muscular dystrophy treatments

A study using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has identified potential treatments for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy by targeting genes involved in hypoxia signaling. The research found that knocking out key genes can desensitize cells to DUX4 toxicity, preventing cell death and improving muscle function.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2020

Pharma's potential impact on water quality

Researchers found higher levels of pharmaceutical industry-related substances in wastewater from a manufacturing site compared to domestic wastewater treatment plants. The team detected 25 compounds, including antidepressants and opioids, in treated water samples from both facilities, with peak levels in the industrial wastewater sample.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 25, 2020

The Lancet Public Health: Modelling study estimates impact of physical distancing measures on progression of COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan

Researchers estimate that extending school and workplace closures in Wuhan until April would delay a second wave of cases until later in the year, relieving pressure on health services. Physical distancing measures are likely to be most effective if staggered return to work commences at the beginning of April.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 25, 2020

Acupuncture can reduce migraine headaches

A new study finds that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days and attacks, with manual acupuncture showing greater benefits than sham or usual care. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in migraine episodes, making it an effective alternative to drugs for patients who prefer not to use them.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 25, 2020

How trans fats assist cell death

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that certain trans fats can trigger programmed cell death by activating a mitochondrial signaling pathway. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of trans fats in diseases such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 25, 2020

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

Printing complex cellulose-based objects

Scientists successfully printed complex structures containing up to 27% cellulose particles, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to those of natural materials like wood. The developed process enables the creation of customized packaging, cartilage replacements, and potentially even sports car bodies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020