Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2013 - Page 24


Page 24 of 31

Tumor-suppressor Protein Gives Up Its Secrets

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that reversible chemical tags attached to the PTEN protein can regulate its activity. When these phosphate groups are bound, PTEN becomes inactive, suppressing cell division and migration. This finding may lead to new options for drug design to keep PTEN working.

Graphene on its way to conquer Silicon Valley

Scientists from the University of Vienna have successfully integrated graphene into metal silicide technology, preserving its unique properties. The new structure shows promising results for applications in semiconductor devices, spintronics, photovoltaics, and thermoelectrics.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2013

Women working shifts are at greater risk of miscarriage, menstrual disruption and subfertility

A meta-analysis of studies found that women working shifts experience a higher rate of menstrual disruption (33% increase) and subfertility (80% increase), while night shift work only increases the risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that altering circadian rhythms can lead to short- and long-term biological disturbances.

UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identify specific fetal antigens attacked by maternal antibodies

Researchers have identified a specific risk factor for autism, known as MAR autism, linked to maternal antibodies attacking fetal brain proteins. The study found that mothers of children with autism were more than 21 times likely to have these antibodies, offering a potential biomarker for drug development and early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2013

Birds outpace climate change to avoid extinction

A new study found that birds can survive climate change through phenotypic plasticity, a flexibility in behavior. This adaptation enables them to track environmental changes, increasing their chances of survival. However, slow-reproducing species are more vulnerable to extinction due to the need for precise adaptations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 9, 2013

Robot mom would beat robot butler in popularity contest

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 8, 2013

Melody modulates choir members' heart rate

Researchers found that choir members' heart rates synchronize when singing in unison, with a direct link between melody and cardiac activity. This effect is similar to controlled breathing exercises, which regulate vagus nerve activity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for July 8, 2013

Researchers found that macrophages are essential for embryo implantation in the uterus. The absence of these cells leads to reduced hormone levels, causing embryos to fail to implant. Restoration of macrophage function or hormone replacement therapy can revive pregnancy, shedding new light on a potential cause of infertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Corals cozy up with bacterial buddies

A new study reveals that healthy Red Sea corals harbor bacterial communities deep within their tissues, including the previously unknown species Endozoicomonas. This symbiotic relationship is believed to aid the coral's nutrient recycling, contributing to its overall health and survival.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2013

Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber

Researchers at Rice University developed a new type of carbon fiber with unique properties, achieving '100% knot efficiency' where the fiber is equally likely to break anywhere along its length. The fibers were created by spinning large graphene oxide flakes into fibers, resulting in enhanced strength and flexibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2013

Getting to the root of the matter

Scientists identified a network of genes that promote root growth in low-nitrogen conditions, making them suitable for sustainable biofuel production. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant development and could lead to the creation of nitrogen-efficient crop varieties.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 8, 2013

TU Vienna develops light transistor

The TU Vienna has successfully developed a light transistor that can be controlled by an electrical potential, enabling efficient miniaturization and use in optical computers. This breakthrough utilizes terahertz radiation and the Faraday effect to rotate the polarization direction of light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2013

Buckling up to turn

Researchers at MIT used high-speed video to record individual marine bacteria and found that a small flexible rod called the hook bucks during forward swims, causing the cell to tumble and reorient. This unusual mechanism helps bacteria navigate toward food in nutrient-sparse ocean waters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 8, 2013

Finding the Goldilocks sites to store CO2 underground

Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

Rhode Island Hospital successfully manages case of severe EEE

The hospital's aggressive approach helped manage brain swelling, stop seizures, and minimize brain injury in the patient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S., with a mortality rate of approximately 33%.

SourceLifespan·JournalNeurocritical Care·DateJul 8, 2013

'Scent device' could help detect bladder cancer

Researchers from the University of Liverpool and University of the West of England have developed a device that can detect bladder cancer through urine scent analysis. The ODOREADER device analyzes chemicals in gas emitted from urine to produce a 'profile' that can be used to diagnose cancer cells in the bladder.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2013

Glimpse into the future of acidic oceans shows ecosystems transformed

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

Denormalizing smoking: Making the case for banning cigarettes in parks and on beaches

Denormalizing smoking is fostering lower smoking rates by banning cigarettes in public settings, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The paper analyzed the evidence for bans and found that government acting in the name of public health can restrict smoking to protect smokers themselves.

Nanomaterial to help reduce CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that can separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen in flue gas mixtures, reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations. This material has remarkable selectivity and is energy-efficient, allowing for easy regeneration and reuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 8, 2013

Nurse practitioners provide more primary care in states with least restrictive regulations

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that states with fewer nurse practitioner regulations had more patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners. States with less restrictive regulations saw a 2.5 times increase in primary care patients, compared to the most restrictive states.

Inhibiting macrophage MerTK signaling creates an innate immune response against cancer

Research by a University of North Carolina-led team shows that inhibiting MerTK signaling in macrophages can activate the immune system to kill cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and metastasis. The study's findings suggest combining this approach with existing therapies may offer a new avenue for activating anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Immune cells play a role in early pregnancy

Researchers found that macrophages help regulate corpus luteum development during embryo implantation, which is essential for successful pregnancy. The absence of macrophages can lead to infertility due to disrupted hormone levels, but restoring them or administering hormones can correct this issue.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Ethical quandary about vaccinations sparked by tension between parental rights and protecting public health

A study by NYU Langone researchers found that states with simpler vaccination exemption processes have higher non-medical exemption rates, contributing to outbreaks of childhood infections. States with looser requirements are more likely to see parents opt-out of vaccinating their children, putting others at risk.