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Science News for February 24, 2014


Water is detected in a planet outside our solar system

A team of scientists at Penn State University has detected water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot-Jupiter exoplanet, tau Boötis b. This discovery could help researchers understand how many planets like Earth exist throughout the universe and provides new insights into the formation and evolution of exotic hot-Jupiter planets.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 24, 2014

On the road to Mottronics

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source have demonstrated the ability to control the conducting/insulating phases of ultra-thin films of Mott materials using epitaxial strain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient transistors and memories with higher energy efficiencies and faster switching ...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Feb. 24, 2014

Researchers found that PPAR-γ agonists can reverse emphysema development despite continuous exposure to cigarette smoke. Additionally, a compound enhancing glutamate uptake improved ALS symptoms and extended lifespan in mice. Increased autophagy also contributed to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 2014

JCI online ahead of print table of contents for Feb. 24, 2014

Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an anti-FGF23 antibody in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, finding improved renal phosphate reabsorption and increased serum phosphate levels. Additionally, studies on natural killer cells suggest that targeting specific ligands may enhance cancer therapies by protecting tum...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 2014

New risk gene illuminates Alzheimer's disease

A new gene has been isolated that plays a causal role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The gene affects amyloid-beta protein accumulation, leading to brain damage and disease progression. This breakthrough could lead to new avenues for therapeutic design and early detection methods.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Marine algae can sense the rainbow

A new study revealed that marine algae can detect a range of colors beyond red light, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This innovation has significant implications for understanding photosynthetic life and potentially improving food production by teaching crops to grow in various light conditions.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Creating animated characters outdoors

Researchers from Saarland University have developed a method to capture actors' movements and transfer them to virtual characters in near real-time. This technology allows for more efficient and user-friendly motion capturing, enabling the creation of animated characters outdoors without markers.

For older hypertension patients, an unwelcome tradeoff

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that blood pressure medication use is associated with a higher risk of serious fall injuries, similar to the impact of strokes and heart attacks. The study suggests that clinicians should weigh the potential harms and benefits of prescribing medications for older adults.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Toxic injection with elastic band

Tc toxin complexes, used by bacteria like Yersinia pestis and Photorhabdus luminescens, have been imaged with atomic detail. The complexes use an elastic band-like protein chain to penetrate cell membranes, depositing toxic enzymes. This mechanism has potential applications in medicine, including selectively targeting cancer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2014

Higher risks among perinatal women with bipolar disorder

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 24, 2014

Use of acetaminophen during pregnancy linked to ADHD in children, UCLA researchers say

Researchers at UCLA found a significant link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study, which examined data from over 64,000 mothers and their children, suggests that long-term acetaminophen use may disrupt fetal brain development an...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 24, 2014

Agencies often hindered in addressing health concerns from industrial animal production

Researchers found that state regulatory agencies struggle to address public health concerns from industrial food animal production due to narrow regulations, a lack of public health expertise, and limited resources. The study suggests that strengthening regulations and providing complementary expertise can help protect public health.

Tip to dieters: Beware of friends and late night cravings

A study published in the Springer journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that diet dieters give in to temptations 50% of the time, with alcohol being a stronger trigger than sugary snacks. Mobile phone applications and coping mechanisms can help support weight management programs.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 24, 2014

Watching how the brain works

Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

Costs vary widely for care of children with congenital heart defects across US hospitals

A new study led by Michigan Medicine researcher Sara Pasquali found that the cost of care for children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical repair varies as much as nine times across US hospitals. Hospitals with higher case volumes have lower costs, but also higher rates of post-operative complications and longer hospital ...

Better livestock diets to combat climate change and improve food security

A new study reveals that targeted livestock production systems can lead to a 23% reduction in emissions from land use change within two decades. This shift would make it more profitable for farmers to expand mixed systems with higher-quality feed, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

A paper diagnostic for cancer

A new paper diagnostic for cancer has been developed by MIT engineers, which can detect the disease in minutes using a urine sample. The technology relies on nanoparticles that interact with tumor proteins, releasing biomarkers that are easily detectable in urine.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2014

Researcher builds a better job performance review

A Kansas State University researcher has found that nobody likes negative feedback, even those trying to learn. Culbertson suggests focusing on constructive feedback, avoiding numerical ratings, and eliminating the 'sandwich' approach. This can help managers improve employee motivation, commitment, and performance.

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Personnel Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2014

Blocking autophagy with malaria drug may help overcome resistance to melanoma BRAF drugs

Researchers found that a new preclinical study pinpointed a molecular mechanism in autophagy, spurring a clinical trial for patients with resistant melanoma. Blocking autophagy with the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may enhance cancer cell death and improve outcomes for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 24, 2014

Nanotracer tester tells about wells

A Rice University lab has invented a tabletop device to evaluate the efficiency of oil and gas wells by analyzing nanoparticle movement. The device simulates the long path nanoparticles travel through deep rock formations, providing valuable information for producers.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science Processes & Impacts·DateFeb 24, 2014

Opioid abuse initiates specific protein interactions in neurons in brain's reward system

New research reveals that opioid use changes the activity of a specific protein needed for normal brain function, affecting both pain relief and tolerance. The study found that blocking this protein can reduce addiction-related behaviors, but increasing its activity lowers pain relief response and leads to faster morphine tolerance.

GM spuds beat blight

Scientists boosted potato resistance to late blight without deploying fungicides in a three-year GM research trial. The study found non-transgenic plants were 100% infected while GM plants remained fully resistant., The GM technology triggers the plant's natural defense mechanisms, enabling it to recognize and resist the pathogen.