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Science News for December 15, 2014


Receptor may be key to treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A team of researchers found that inhibiting the intestinal farnesoid X receptor with drugs like tempol and antibiotics can prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice. This discovery highlights the complex role of gut microbes in human health and potential targets for treating metabolic disorders.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

Researchers generate tunable photon-pair spectrum using room-temperature quantum optics silicon chip

A team of researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has developed a silicon chip that can emit and control quantum light at room temperature. The device uses Spontaneous Optical Nonlinear Mixing to generate entangled photon pairs, which can be tuned over a wide range of Schmidt numbers for specific quantum optic properties.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2014

A novel tool to study life-threatening arrhythmias: A genetically engineered pig

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a genetically engineered pig model to study inherited arrhythmic syndrome, shedding light on the mechanisms of lethal arrhythmias. The model may lead to the development of better treatments for life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2014

UTMB study finds that Hispanic women less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer

A recent UTMB study found that Hispanic women in the US were significantly less likely to survive endometrial uterine cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. The study analyzed data from 69,764 women diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 and found that minority patients tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateDec 15, 2014

Climate policy pledges are an important step forward but fall short of 2°C

The study assesses major economies' greenhouse gas emissions under different scenarios. It finds that current pledges lead to earlier emission peaking and less warming than without these policies, but not sufficient for the 2°C target. Financial support of $100-150 billion/year by 2030 could achieve efficiency in reducing emissions.

If cells can't move ... cancer can't grow

Researchers at Centenary Institute used a super-resolution microscope to study the role of DPP9 in cell movement. They found that inhibiting this enzyme can slow down living cancer cells and prevent tumors from growing or spreading.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research·DateDec 15, 2014

Even expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes

Expectant dads experience prenatal hormone changes, with men showing significant declines in testosterone and estradiol levels. The study suggests that impending fatherhood may trigger hormonal shifts in partners, which could impact postpartum behavior and adjustment.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateDec 15, 2014

Squid supplies blueprint for printable thermoplastics

A team of Penn State researchers has developed a thermoplastic material from squid protein, which can be used in 3D printing and has tunable properties for medical or cosmetic applications. The semi-crystalline thermoplastic exhibits high tensile strength and is a wet adhesive.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 15, 2014

Female sexual arousal: Facilitating pleasure and reproduction

A new review critically examines the relationship between genital anatomy, sexual arousal, and brain stimulation to understand women's sexual pleasure. The study aims to stimulate more exacting research into human female sexual functions, particularly regarding procreation and recreation.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateDec 15, 2014

Potential new tool for cervical cancer detection and diagnosis

A team of researchers from Central South University in China have demonstrated that photoacoustic imaging can distinguish cancerous from normal tissue and evaluate the stage of cervical cancer with high accuracy. This technique is non-invasive, faster, cheaper, and more effective than conventional methods like colposcopy.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateDec 15, 2014

Evidence of Viking/Norse metalworking in Arctic Canada

Researchers have found evidence of Viking/Norse metalworking in Arctic Canada, dating back to the 11th century. The discovery includes a stone crucible with fragments of bronze and glass, which suggests that Indigenous peoples did not practice high-temperature metalworking.

SourceWiley·JournalGeoarchaeology·DateDec 15, 2014

Research links soil mineral surfaces to key atmospheric processes

Research by Indiana University scientists reveals that soil mineral surfaces determine nitrous acid release into the atmosphere, playing a pivotal role in smog formation and greenhouse gas lifetime. This finding could contribute to improved models for understanding and controlling air pollution, a significant public health concern.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Signaling mechanism could be target for survival, growth of tumor cells in brain cancer

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a cell signaling mechanism that plays a crucial role in brain cancer growth and may provide a new therapeutic target. Non-canonical epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is highly active in glioblastomas, making tumor cells more resistant to chemotherapy treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2014

Microbial 'signature' for sexual crimes

Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInvestigative Genetics·DateDec 15, 2014

Hazy road to Mecca

During the annual hajj pilgrimage, scientists detected high levels of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and benzene, in Mecca. The exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of heart failure, headaches, and other serious health issues, highlighting the need for improved regulations and reduced emissions.

Stunning zinc fireworks when egg meets sperm

A Northwestern University-led team uses cutting-edge technology to capture images of zinc sparks in egg cells, revealing a crucial role for zinc in regulating biochemical processes. The study's findings could improve in vitro fertilization methods by identifying high-quality fertilized eggs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2014

Tobacco cessation outreach to disadvantaged smokers

Researchers identify a proactive approach to help low-SES smokers quit smoking, with telephone-based motivational counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy increasing quit rates. The study found that community resources, such as physical activity and job counseling referrals, were crucial in promoting tobacco cessation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2014

Making sense through order

A study by Ting Qian and Richard Aslin shows that our brains are wired to detect patterns in data, even if they don't lead to correct conclusions. This tendency is built into cognitive processes, providing information on possibilities that might not have been considered otherwise.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Edmontosaurus regalis and the Danek Bonebed featured in special issue of CJES

This special issue of the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences presents new research on the systematics, biogeography, and palaeoecology of the Danek Bonebed, a rich source of Edmontosaurus specimens. The bonebed has produced over 800 catalogued specimens, contributing to our understanding of Late Cretaceous dinosaur communities.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Shame on us

Thomas Scheff's research aims to define basic emotions, particularly shame, using historical and linguistic analysis. He identifies two types of shame: overt and bypassed, which are often hidden or misnamed in modern societies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalQualitative Inquiry·DateDec 15, 2014

Occasional heroin use may worsen HIV infection

Research suggests that occasional heroin use among HIV-positive patients can lead to lower CD4 cell counts, indicating a weakened immune system. This preliminary study found that intermittent heroin users had lower CD4 counts compared to those who consistently abused the drug.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateDec 15, 2014

Switching to vehicles powered by electricity from renewables could save lives

A new study finds that driving electric vehicles powered by renewable energy can reduce air pollution-related deaths by up to 70%. The research also shows that switching to natural gas-powered electricity or vehicles yields significant health benefits. In contrast, vehicles running on corn ethanol or coal-based electricity would increa...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Non-gluten proteins identified as targets of immune response to wheat in celiac disease

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that the immune systems of patients with celiac disease react to specific types of non-gluten protein in wheat. A group of molecules known as serpins, along with four other types of wheat protein, are identified as novel non-gluten immunogenic proteins.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateDec 15, 2014

Long noncoding RNAs: A novel prognostic marker in older patients with acute leukemia

Researchers at Ohio State University found that patterns of molecules called long noncoding RNAs can predict response to chemotherapy and overall survival in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The study identified a group of 48 lncRNAs associated with survival, allowing for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Seeing the forest for the trees

A 50-year study on Australia's protected rainforests has found that the earliest life stages of individual trees are more critical to the overall diversity of the forest than later stages. The research, conducted by LSU ecologist Kyle Harms and his collaborators, used a dataset from Joseph Connell's long-term ecological research study.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2014

Rekindling marriage after combat deployment

A new study offers tailored approaches to help spouses reintegrate and rebuild their relationship after a partner's combat deployment. Strategies include emotional acceptance, effective communication, and maintaining trust.

SourceWiley·JournalResearch in Nursing & Health·DateDec 15, 2014

CCNY psychologist links burnout and depression

A study by City College of New York psychology Professor Irvin Schonfeld found a strong connection between burnout and depression in school teachers. 90% of the subjects identified as burned out met diagnostic criteria for depression, highlighting the overlap between the two conditions.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalInternational Journal of Stress Management·DateDec 15, 2014

Past global warming similar to today's

Researchers found that ancient global warming resembled modern climate shift, involving two pulses of carbon emissions. The Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, which occurred 56 million years ago, showed similar rates of carbon release to human fossil-fuel emissions today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 15, 2014

Ancient wisdom boosts sustainability of biotech cotton

A new study suggests that biotechnology and traditional agriculture can be compatible approaches toward sustainable agriculture. Combining computer modeling and field research, the international team found that diverse patchwork of crops in northern China slowed adaptation to genetically engineered cotton by a wide-ranging insect pest.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 15, 2014