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Science News for November 13, 2013


Study: Your brain sees things you don't

Researchers found that brainwaves indicate the brain processes and understands hidden objects in everyday life, despite the subjects not consciously perceiving them. The study challenges existing models of how the brain processes visual information, suggesting a more complex role for the brain in interpreting visual input.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 13, 2013

Redesigned protein opens door for safer gene therapy

Researchers at KU Leuven developed a new protein fusion that combines HIV and MLV replication proteins to create a safer viral vector for gene therapy. This fusion protein reduces the risk of cancer-causing mutations when integrated into human cells, paving the way for more effective treatments for blood diseases.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 13, 2013

Compound stymies polyomaviruses in lab tests

Researchers at Brown University have identified a small molecule compound called Retro-2 that successfully controls the spread of three polyomaviruses in human cell cultures. The compound protects up to 90.5% of cells from infection, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceBrown University·JournalmBio·DateNov 13, 2013

Squeeze and you shall measure -- squeezed coherent states shown to be optimal for gravitational wave

Physicists at the University of Warsaw and Hanover demonstrate that experimentally available squeezed states are optimal for improving the precision of measurements in gravitational wave detectors. This breakthrough improves sensitivity by up to 30%, allowing for more accurate detection of subtle spacetime vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalPhysical Review A·DateNov 13, 2013

Fusion foe lends a helping hand

Recent experiments have found that lithium bound to carbon walls in fusion devices plays a key role in improving plasma performance. The combination of lithium, oxygen, and carbon improves deuterium retention and reduces recycling, leading to enhanced energy confinement and reduced edge plasma instabilities.

The 'evolution' of Little Red Riding Hood

A new study using phylogenetic analysis explores the relationships among different folktales, including 'Little Red Riding Hood', to identify distinct groups spread across regions and cultures. The research suggests that folktales evolve gradually over time, with elements blending together as they spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2013

ORNL study uses neutron scattering, supercomputing to demystify forces at play in biofuel production

A study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to demystify the forces behind pretreatment processes in biofuel production. The research revealed unexpected findings about water molecules trapped between cellulose fibers, which can either dehydrate or separate into different phases when heated.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2013

USC study reveals a protein that keeps people -- and their skeletons -- organized

A new USC study found that the protein Lkb1 promotes orderly skeletal growth and prevents skeletal tumors by controlling the progression of immature cartilage cells. This discovery sheds light on how this protein helps keep people organized, with implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2013

Tomato therapy: Engineered veggies target intestinal lipids, improve cholesterol

Researchers at UCLA found that engineered tomatoes can reduce the negative effects of unsaturated lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) in mice, which are linked to high cholesterol and inflammation. The tomatoes produce a peptide that mimics HDL ('good') cholesterol, stopping increases in 'bad' cholesterol and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateNov 13, 2013

Gene linked to common intellectual disability

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation leading to a reduction in proteins in the brain, causing intellectual disability. The study highlights the importance of unraveling the causes of these conditions, with potential implications for up to 3% of the population affected.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 13, 2013

Science on the trail of The Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood

A study using phylogenetic analysis maps out the evolution of folk tales, revealing that Little Red Riding Hood shares a common root with The Wolf and the Kids, which originated in the 1st century AD. The research sheds light on the migration patterns of humans in ancient times by determining the origins and evolution of folk stories.

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2013

Healing powers

Researchers from the Carl-Philipp Heisenberg group have identified a key mechanism for limiting tissue tension during cell division, enabling epithelial closure and wound healing. By orienting cell division through mechanical tension, cells can maintain their integrity and ensure proper tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 13, 2013

Early uses of chili peppers in Mexico

Researchers have found evidence of chili pepper residues in ancient pottery dating back to 400 BC, suggesting that Mixe-Zoquean cultures may have used chili peppers for multiple culinary purposes. The discovery opens the door for further research into the uses of chili peppers in prehistoric times.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2013

Fatty acid produced by gut bacteria boosts the immune system

A new study found that butyrate, a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, induces the production of regulatory T cells in the gut, boosting the immune system. This discovery supports the use of butyrate as therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and may lead to personalized preventive medicine.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2013

Sobriety, spirituality linked for teens in treatment

A study by researchers from The University of Akron found that increased spirituality in teens undergoing substance abuse treatment is linked to greater likelihood of abstinence, positive social behaviors, and reduced narcissism. This shift was strongest among teens who reported a spiritual identity at discharge.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalAlcoholism Treatment Quarterly·DateNov 13, 2013

Automated test construction can better assess student mastery of common core state standards

A new algorithm for automated test construction has been developed to improve the alignment and validity of assessments for the Common Core State Standards. The study found that this approach can provide more accurate measures of student mastery, which is essential for effective instructional time use by school leaders. Additionally, t...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateNov 13, 2013