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Science News for May 27, 2020


'Knowing how' is in your brain

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers has found the brain programs that code the sequence of steps in performing a complex procedure. The main findings were that each knot had a distinctive neural signature, so the researchers could tell which knot was being tied from the sequence of brain images collected.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2020

Molecular pair offers potential for Parkinson's treatment, finds NTU Singapore-Harvard study

A study by NTU Singapore-Harvard University has identified a promising molecular pair, Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin A1, that can boost dopamine levels and slow Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that these hormone-like substances can activate Nurr1, leading to increased dopamine production and neuroprotection.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 27, 2020

Study shows domestic violence reports on the rise as COVID-19 keeps people at home

A UCLA-led study found a significant increase in domestic violence calls to police in Los Angeles and Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers predict that the incidence of domestic violence will decrease as people return to normal routines, but may increase again if there is a second wave of COVID-19 infections.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateMay 27, 2020

Children's temperament traits affect their motor skills

A recent study found that children's motor skills are positively associated with activity and attention span persistence. Participation in organised sports also supports motor skill development. Parents and educators should be aware of individual factors like temperament traits to encourage motor skill growth.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 27, 2020

Depression viewed differently when thought to be biological

Researchers found that people who believe depression is biologically caused tend to think it is more severe and long-lasting, but are also more optimistic about treatment. Those with a genetic or brain-related perspective on depression are less likely to hold negative attitudes towards individuals with the disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Mental Health·DateMay 27, 2020

Gene inactivation of PTEN drives cancer predisposition

Researchers identified WWP1 mutations as a genetic driver of PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome-associated cancer. The study found that WWP1 variants lead to abnormal activation of the enzyme inhibiting PTEN function and contributing to cancer development, suggesting a new therapeutic target.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 27, 2020

Simple and readily available saline solution can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs

A new study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found that phosphate buffered saline (PBS) can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs for up to 18 hours. This inexpensive and commonly available solution overcomes the shortage of virus transport media, enabling faster diagnosis and more widespread surveillance.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMay 27, 2020

Follow-up treatments after opioid overdose rare among insured patients

A study found that only 16% of commercially insured patients received timely follow-up care after an opioid overdose, with black patients being half as likely to receive treatment. The lack of care is attributed to barriers beyond insurance status and highlights the need for increased adoption of pathways to initiate buprenorphine in EDs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 27, 2020

Yale finds a (much) earlier birth date for tectonic plates

Researchers found evidence of continental growth starting as early as 4.4 billion years ago, indicating that tectonic plate movement began more than a billion years earlier than previously believed. This discovery challenges our understanding of Earth's geological history and suggests a complex process involving the recycling of crust.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020

Age, gender and culture 'predict loneliness'

A global study involving over 46,000 participants found that younger people report greater feelings of loneliness than older adults. The study also revealed cultural differences in loneliness levels, with individuals in collectivist societies experiencing lower levels of loneliness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 27, 2020

June's SLAS discovery features the special collection, 'ion channels and relevant drug screening approaches'

A special collection in SLAS Discovery highlights new screening tools and assays for ion channel drug discovery. The articles cover various techniques such as optical and automated patch clamp electrophysiology to identify new chemical matter for medically relevant membrane protein targets.

Mouse model mimics SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans

Researchers created a mouse model that produces human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2), the receptor SARS-CoV-2 binds to. The mice exhibited robust viral RNA replication in the lung and brain, as well as interstitial pneumonia. These features replicate those observed in COVID-19 patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 27, 2020

Electronic cigarettes trigger an inflammatory response that may set the stage for gum disease

A new study finds that e-cigarettes cause a proinflammatory response in the oral microbiome, coating commensal bacteria with slime and disrupting healthy colonization. The glycerol/glycol vehicle in e-cigarettes appears to drive these changes, according to researchers who analyzed bacterial genes in plaque samples from e-cigarette users.

No laughing matter

A new study by Katie Welch and Marco Shappeck investigates the prevalence of 'LOL' in students' text messages, highlighting its potential applications in classroom learning. The research demonstrates how linguistic concepts can be effectively incorporated into courses that satisfy basic educational requirements.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·DateMay 27, 2020

How a network of hospitals reduced average age at cerebral palsy diagnosis to 9.5 months

A network of hospitals successfully implemented international cerebral palsy diagnosis guidelines, reducing the average age at diagnosis from 19.5 months to 9.5 months in just one year. The initiative involved five hospital systems and demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of the guidelines for improving early interventions.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 27, 2020

Two anti-inflammatory drugs found that inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus

Researchers have identified two anti-inflammatory drugs that can inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus. The study used computational techniques to analyze 6,466 authorized drugs and predicted that Carprofen and Celecoxib could be effective in inhibiting the main protease enzyme responsible for the virus's replication.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMay 27, 2020

Study reports nursing home hip fracture rates stay persistently high

A recent study reports a slight rise in hip fracture rates among long-stay residents in US nursing homes, with 36% of those who experience fractures dying within six months. The study suggests that underutilization of osteoporosis medications may be a contributing factor to the high rates.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 27, 2020

Anxiety needs global health attention

A study found that nearly three-quarters of people with depression also suffered from anxiety, leading to a higher risk of long-term depression. The researchers highlight the need for integrated anxiety screening and culturally adapted therapies to address this complex combination of mental health issues.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMay 27, 2020

A potential explanation for urban smog

New research suggests nitric acid can boost particle growth in cold climates, forming particles even in highly polluted cities. This mechanism also affects the oxidation characteristics of organic compounds, potentially reducing aerosol formation and contributing to climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 2020

Under pressure, black holes feast

A new study reveals that supermassive black holes experience a surge in activity as galaxies within galaxy clusters stop forming stars. The intense pressure allows for a final feast of gas clouds and stars before shutting off normal feeding, suggesting an intricate interplay between black hole behavior and star formation.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 27, 2020

Framework helps clinicians identify serious spinal pathology

A new framework for assessing and managing serious spinal pathologies has been developed by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT). The framework provides a clinical-reasoning pathway to recognize red flags in spinal injuries and disease, enabling early identification and management.

SourceJOSPT, Inc. d/b/a Movement Science Media·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateMay 27, 2020

Researchers incorporate computer vision and uncertainty into AI for robotic prosthetics

Researchers developed a software framework that incorporates computer vision and uncertainty into AI for robotic prosthetics, allowing users to walk safely on various terrains. The framework uses robust AI algorithms to predict terrain type, quantify uncertainty, and adjust behavior accordingly.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering·DateMay 27, 2020

Women and minorities lacking in research and clinical trials for new cardiometabolic medications

The study found that women and racial minorities were significantly underrepresented in pivotal trials supporting approval of new cardiometabolic medicines. This underrepresentation may lead to variation in treatment outcomes and survival, emphasizing the need for increased diversity in clinical trial participants.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 27, 2020

A special elemental magic

Physicists from Kyoto University have developed a new 'Nucletouch' table that reimagines the periodic table of elements around protons in the nucleus, rather than electrons. This shift highlights alternative ways to illustrate natural laws and provides a fresh perspective on familiar elements.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFoundations of Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2020

Augmented reality can improve online shopping, study finds

A recent study by Cornell University found that augmented reality (AR) technology can improve the online shopping experience by reducing returns and increasing consumer attitudes towards garments. While results were mixed, participants responded well to virtual try-on, with higher telepresence corresponding to more positive attitudes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Fashion Marketing and Management·DateMay 27, 2020

An imperative for psychiatrists to act now

The article discusses how psychiatrists can contribute to mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts emphasize the need for a collective response from the psychiatric community to address the growing mental health crisis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 27, 2020

Yale researchers find where stress lives

Yale researchers have identified a neural home of the feeling of stress in the brain, revealing a network of connections from the hippocampus to the dorsal lateral frontal cortex. This discovery may help develop targeted therapies for anxiety and other mental health disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2020

Fighting parasites with poo

Researchers at University of Queensland are studying bacteria and fungi in sheep faeces and pastures to discover new natural antiparasitics. The goal is to prevent multi-drug resistance and safeguard livestock, with potential benefits for the environment and farming industry.

Same father, same face

A team of scientists used artificial intelligence to examine whether mandrills' facial features are a result of genetic similarity or selection. They found that half-sisters with the same father exhibit stronger facial resemblance, indicating a possible evolutionary mechanism for social discrimination and nepotism among kin.

Study uncovers gender roles in physics lab courses

A Cornell University study finds that inquiry-based physics labs, designed to encourage student agency, actually contain gender imbalances and biases when compared to traditional, highly structured labs. The researchers analyzed student behavior in two types of labs and found that men and women take on different roles within groups.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysics Education Research Journal·DateMay 27, 2020

CSIC researchers use whole living cells as 'templates' to seek for bioactive molecules

Researchers at CSIC pioneer the use of whole living cells in dynamic combinatorial chemistry systems to discover new bioactive molecules. This methodology has great potential in rapidly identifying new molecules with potential biological activity, and could lead to faster discovery of bioactive compounds.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 27, 2020