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Science News for December 18, 2014


Hot flashes linked to increased risk of hip fracture

A large cohort study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats have lower bone mineral density and higher rates of hip fracture. Women with these symptoms are more likely to have issues with bone health than their peers, highlighting the need for healthy lifestyle habits to prevent osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2014

Oil palm -- a modeled crop

Researchers created an oil palm system model using APSIM framework to help growers maximize yields while reducing environmental harm. The model accounts for soil, climate, and management factors to evaluate water balance, nutrient balance, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·DateDec 18, 2014

Researchers ferret out a flu clue

Researchers have discovered a mutation in ferrets that shares similarities with humans, potentially leading to improved therapies for influenza and other diseases. This finding opens up a novel approach to tackling human diseases.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2014

Study finds Illinois is most critical hub in food distribution network

A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that Illinois plays a vital role in distributing over 400 million tons of food annually, with the state transporting more than 70 million tons. The study highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure national and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2014

Cell-associated HIV mucosal transmission: The neglected pathway

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2014

Core hospital care team members may surprise you

A study at Loyola University Health System found that social workers, dietitians, and physicians were the most central communicators in a hospital's clinical team. Effective clinical care teams show high degrees of shared cognition, whereas teams working in silos present barriers to optimal patient care.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateDec 18, 2014

Time management skills keep animals primed for survival

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

How llamas' unusual antibodies might help in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Researchers have found a combination of llama antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of circulating HIV viruses, offering a promising approach to developing an effective HIV vaccine. The study identified four broadly neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccination in llamas, which showed features similar to human antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 18, 2014

Rice study fuels hope for natural gas cars

Researchers at Rice University have identified 48 metal organic frameworks that outperform current materials in storing compressed natural gas. The discovery could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly natural gas cars with lighter, more compact tanks.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 18, 2014

High socioeconomic status increases discrimination, depression risk in black young adults

A study found that high socioeconomic status, particularly in highly educated families, increases the risk of depression and discrimination among black young adults. Despite parental education's protective effect on white youth, high SES can lead to increased perceptions of being discriminated against, cancelling out its benefits.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2014

Islet cell transplantation restores type 1 diabetics' blood sugar defense mechanisms

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have successfully restored type 1 diabetics' ability to recognize low blood sugar levels after receiving islet cell transplantation. The treatment has nearly abolished time spent in a hypoglycemic state and improved response to experimental insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

How does enzymatic pretreatment affect the nanostructure and reaction space of lignocellulosic biomass?

A study reveals enzymatic hydrolysis and drying significantly alter lignocellulosic biomass nanostructure, reducing pore volume by up to 80%. The accessible reaction space is also reduced, hindering hydrolysis. This work sheds light on the importance of physical features in defining hydrolysis rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateDec 18, 2014

Of bugs and brains

Researchers found highly conserved brain centers in insect species that share similarities with vertebrate learning centers, such as the hippocampus. The study suggests a common ancestral origin for these structures, possibly dating back 600 million years.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

The Lancet: Most commonly prescribed glaucoma drug reduces risk of vision loss by more than 50 percent over 2 years

A study published in The Lancet found that prostaglandin analogue eye drops can reduce the risk of vision loss in people with open angle glaucoma by over 50% over 2 years. The treatment showed significant benefits even after just 12 months, and more frequent testing can lead to faster data collection and improved drug development.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2014

Computer network rivals primate brain in object recognition

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that an artificial deep neural network performs as well as the primate brain at object recognition. This achievement could pave the way for significant advancements in artificial intelligence and our understanding of primate visual processing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

The Greenland Ice Sheet: Now in HD

Researchers at Ohio State University have created publicly available elevation maps of the Greenland Ice Sheet using high-resolution satellite images. The software, SETSM, allows for detailed tracking of the ice sheet's changes, including cracks that indicate accelerated melting.

Machine learning reveals unexpected genetic roots of cancers, autism and other disorders

Researchers at the University of Toronto developed a machine learning method to rank genetic mutations based on their likelihood of causing disease. The technique successfully predicted 94% of known genetic culprits behind diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and colorectal cancer, and identified novel genes in autism susceptibility.

Stunning zinc fireworks when egg meets sperm

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to capture images of the molecular fireworks that occur when an egg and sperm meet. The study, published in Nature Chemistry, provides unprecedented quantitative information on the role of zinc in regulating biochemical processes during fertilization.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014

What makes kids generous? Neuroscience has some answers

Research suggests that generosity in children requires a deliberate thought process, unlike automatic moral evaluation. Brain activity studies found that only later reappraisal of moral scenes predicts actual generosity in young children. This insight may help parents foster generosity in kids this holiday season.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014

Older kidney donors with hypertension may have good kidney health following donation

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that older kidney donors with hypertension had good kidney health after donation. After 6 months, hypertensive and non-hypertensive donors both maintained excellent blood pressure control and robust compensatory kidney responses.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 18, 2014

CNIO researchers treat heart attacks with new gene therapy based on telomerase enzyme

Researchers at CNIO have developed a gene therapy that reactivates the telomerase gene only in the heart of adult mice, resulting in increased survival rates and regeneration of cardiomyocytes. This study provides proof-of-concept for treating chronic and acute heart failure and opens new avenues for age-related diseases.

Self-reported daily exercise associated with lower blood pressure, glucose readings

A Kaiser Permanente study found that regular and irregular physical activity was associated with improved cardiometabolic health, including lower blood pressure and fasting glucose levels. The study examined data from over 622,000 adult members and suggested that exercise can play a key role in moderating blood sugar and blood pressure.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 18, 2014

Local enforcement of federal immigration laws affects immigrant Hispanics' healthcare

A North Carolina-based study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that local enforcement of federal immigration laws can have an adverse impact on the use of health care services among immigrant Hispanics. Rates of late and inadequate prenatal care increased significantly among Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispan...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 18, 2014

Protection of the mouse gut by mucus depends on microbes

Researchers found that gut microbiota affects mucus barrier properties in mice, with different microbial compositions leading to varying levels of protection against bacterial invasion. The study suggests that a well-developed inner mucus layer is crucial for overall health and highlights the importance of the gut microbiota composition.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 18, 2014

The fine-tuning of human color perception

Researchers analyzed 5,040 evolutionary paths of human color vision, finding that 4,008 trajectories are terminated prematurely due to nonfunctional pigments. The study's findings emphasize the importance of understanding molecular evolution and genetic engineering in decoding protein mutations' effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 18, 2014

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

The researchers found that sodium storage capacity of paper electrodes depends on the distance between individual layers, which can be tuned by heating it in argon or ammonia gas. They successfully demonstrated a flexible paper composed entirely of graphene oxide sheets that can charge and discharge with sodium-ions for more than 1,000...

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2014

How will climate change transform agriculture?

A new study by IIASA researchers finds that climate change impacts on crop yields could lead to a 18% decline in global caloric production or a 3% increase by 2050. The researchers identified likely needed adaptations and transformations for global agricultural systems, highlighting the importance of irrigation and regional connections.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2014

Choreography of an electron pair

Physicists have imaged and controlled the motion of two electrons in a helium atom using attosecond-timed laser pulses. By varying the interval between the ultraviolet and visible pulses, they created a movie of the electronic dance and even influenced its rhythm.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2014

Crows are smarter than you think

Researchers found that crows can spontaneously solve higher-order relational matching tasks, a feat previously only achieved by humans, apes, and monkeys. The study suggests that crows possess advanced cognitive abilities, challenging the notion of human exceptionalism in cognition.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 18, 2014