Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 13, 2013


High-angle helix helps bacteria swim

Researchers from Brown University and the University of Wisconsin discovered that a high-angle helix enables bacteria to swim faster in viscoelastic fluids, clearing up previously conflicting findings. The study's findings have implications for understanding bacterial infection and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 2013

New strategy to disarm the dengue virus brings new hope for a universal dengue vaccine

Scientists have discovered a new strategy that cripples the dengue virus's ability to escape the host immune system. By introducing a genetic mutation to deactivate the MTase enzyme, researchers created a weakened virus that generates a strong protective immune response while preventing the virus from spreading in mosquitoes.

Researchers slow light to a crawl in liquid crystal matrix

Scientists have developed a new technique to slow down light by embedding dye molecules in a liquid crystal matrix, allowing for more efficient sensing and interferometry applications. The method uses little power, operates at room temperature, and can measure extremely low speeds in just one second of measurement time.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 13, 2013

Virus-derived particles target blood cancer

Researchers have developed unique virus-derived particles that can kill human blood cancer cells in the laboratory and eradicate the disease in mice. These non-replicating particles, derived from rhabdovirus, work by direct cytolysis and induction of antitumor immunity, showing promise as a new therapy for leukemia.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·DateAug 13, 2013

Chronicling cancer experience online can reduce depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients

A UCLA study found that women diagnosed with breast cancer who created personal websites experienced reduced depressive symptoms, improved mood, and increased appreciation for life. The project, Project Connect Online, provided a platform for breast cancer patients to share their experiences and connect with friends and family online.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 13, 2013

Who benefits from vitamin D?

A recent University of Eastern Finland study found that individuals whose expression of certain genes was not altered by vitamin D supplementation may already have a sufficient level of serum vitamin D or be disturbed in their vitamin D utilization. The researchers believe this approach can help identify potential beneficiaries of long...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 13, 2013

Decellularized mouse heart beats again after regenerating with human heart precursor cells

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully regenerated a mouse heart using human heart precursor cells, paving the way for potential transplantation and drug testing models. The breakthrough could lead to personalized organ replacement and improved treatment options for heart disease patients.

The Elizabethan war that won $300,000

Ruth Canning's research project explores the Nine Years' War, a 400-year-old conflict that shaped Ireland's identity and continues to influence its culture today. The grant will fuel her three-year study of this overlooked war, which could lead to a more nuanced understanding of present-day situations.

Sugar is toxic to mice in 'safe' doses

Researchers found that mice consuming a diet of 25 percent extra sugar died at twice the normal rate and males had reduced territory and reproduction rates. The study suggests that added sugars can have dramatic adverse impacts on mammalian health, even at levels considered safe by regulatory agencies.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2013

Stroke declines dramatically, still higher in Mexican-Americans

A new study reports that ischemic stroke rates among Mexican Americans have declined over the past decade, while still being significantly higher than those of non-Hispanic Whites. The study found that this disparity has not changed, with Mexican Americans accounting for 34% of all stroke cases.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 13, 2013

Bright birds make good mothers

A three-year study found that female blue tits with brighter UV-reflectant crown feathers fledge more offspring than duller females, experiencing lower levels of stress hormones during arduous periods of chick rearing. This suggests that male choice of mate based on plumage color may be a wise strategy.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateAug 13, 2013

Do conservation scientists work too hard?

Conservation scientists work a substantial amount of their time outside regular office hours, with Japanese and Chinese researchers submitting nearly 40% of their manuscripts outside regular office hours. This trend is increasing, with potential negative impacts on the quality of scientific work and life-work balance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 13, 2013

Women still less likely to commit corporate fraud

Researchers found women rarely part of corporate conspiracies and tend to play minor roles in fraud schemes. Women's involvement may be motivated by ethical concerns and social relationships, leading to lower financial gains from corporate crime.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateAug 13, 2013

Ecosystems change long before species are lost

A recent study by Rice University researchers found that altering the dynamics of a population can have measurable consequences on complex ecosystems. The study's results suggest that changing the structure of populations can alter entire food webs and ecosystems, highlighting their fragility.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2013

AGU journal highlights -- Aug. 13, 2013

Researchers discovered that large waves in Norwegian fjords were triggered by a powerful Japan earthquake, while disposal of Marcellus Shale fracking waste caused earthquakes in Ohio. The Arctic region is also sensitive to black carbon emissions, which can have devastating effects on the environment.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2013

Crowdsourcing weather using smartphone batteries

Researchers used smartphone batteries to crowdsource weather information, estimating daily average temperatures for eight major cities with an accuracy of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This technique could lead to continuously updated weather predictions at a city block resolution, improving the accuracy and specificity of current weather forec...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 2013