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Science News for April 21, 2014


'Dustman' protein helps bin cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a new role for Cullin-5 in killing cancer cells by targeting proteins that drive cell division. The study suggests a possible test to identify responsive patients and develop more effective drugs.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Queuing theory helps physicist understand protein recycling

Using the subway analogy, a physicist is applying queuing theory to study protein traffic jams in cells. By understanding these bottlenecks, he aims to discover mechanisms for alleviating them and develop new tools for synthetic biology. This research has the potential to impact areas such as development, inflammation and cancer.

Malfunction in molecular 'proofreader' prevents repair of UV-induced DNA damage

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

New approach may help manage the most troubling symptoms of dementia, lessen use of drugs

A new approach called DICE aims to reduce behavioral problems in dementia by empowering caregivers, patients, and health providers. The DICE method involves Describe, Investigate, Evaluate, and Create steps to change dementia patients' behavior through environmental modifications and other interventions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 21, 2014

Study: Centuries of sand to grow Mississippi Delta

Researchers found that the river's supply of sand, a key ingredient for rebuilding marshlands, will remain constant for at least 300 years. The study suggests that despite reduced sediment loads, the abundance of sand in the lower Mississippi River channel will continue to replenish wetlands.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 21, 2014

A plague in your family

The study analyzed 224 strains of Yersinia family members, revealing parallel independent evolution of pathogenicity in species like Yersinia pestis and enterocolitica. The researchers found that acquisition of specific genes and loss of metabolic functions are key traits for pathogenic species.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014

Progress made in developing nanoscale electronics

Scientists have successfully directed charges through single molecules using a bi-layer arrangement of organic molecules, enabling precise control over electronic properties. This breakthrough brings us closer to nanoscale circuitry, which could be used in various applications such as OLEDs and biomedical devices.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 21, 2014

The anti-inflammatory factory

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University and Pittsburgh University have identified a new biosynthetic pathway for lipid mediators, producing molecules that regulate inflammation and cell death. The study's findings could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2014

How often are unauthorized immigrant workers trafficked and abused?

A recent study published in The ANNALS found that more than 30% of undocumented migrant laborers are victims of labor trafficking, while 55% experience other forms of labor abuse. The research highlights the importance of improving working conditions for vulnerable workers and addressing the root causes of exploitation.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateApr 21, 2014

Birthplace of the domesticated chili pepper identified in Mexico

An international team of researchers, led by a plant scientist at the University of California, Davis, reports that the domesticated chili pepper originated in central-east Mexico. The region, extending from southern Puebla and northern Oaxaca to southeastern Veracruz, was previously thought to be less suitable for the crop's origins.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2014