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Science News for January 27, 2014


Study on DSM-5 shows effects on autism diagnosis and prevalence

A new study found that combining autism with social communication disorder (SCD) would decrease estimated prevalence under DSM-5 criteria. The researchers discovered that 83% of children diagnosed with autism under the DSM-IV would also receive the diagnosis under DSM-5, while 14% were diagnosed with SCD.

SourceAutism Speaks·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 27, 2014

Put a plastic bag in your tank

Researchers in India have developed a low-temperature process to convert LDPE into liquid fuel, releasing carbon-rich molecules that are similar to conventional petrochemical fuels. The process uses kaolin catalyst and can produce up to 700 grams of liquid fuel per kilogram of waste plastic.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Waste Management·DateJan 27, 2014

How did we get 4 limbs? Because we have a belly

Researchers propose that fins and limbs develop from the area surrounding the belly due to the interaction of ectodermal tissues with mesoderm layers. This model, published in Evolution & Development, suggests that epigenetic factors play a crucial role in shaping embryonic development and ultimately giving rise to paired appendages.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEvolution & Development·DateJan 27, 2014

U of Tennessee research finds link between alcohol use and domestic violence

Studies conducted by University of Tennessee researchers found a strong link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse in intimate partner relationships. In contrast, marijuana use was not associated with an increased risk of violence. The findings suggest that domestic violence prevent...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateJan 27, 2014

Expanding our view of vision

Researchers have noninvasively mapped human brain activity with unique accuracy, identifying both location and timing of brain processes. The study used a novel brain-scanning technique combining fMRI and MEG data to pinpoint when the brain recognizes objects and categorizes them.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 27, 2014

New method rescues DNA from contaminated Neandertal bones

A new statistical model has been developed to isolate ancient DNA from fossils contaminated with modern-day DNA. This method allows for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from Neandertal and anatomically modern human bones, enabling scientists to study these individuals in detail.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2014

Protecting the skin from sun exposure

Researchers have identified a specific protein involved in mediating the skin's response to UVR and found that the signal transduction cascade resembles a light-activated pathway in the eye. This new insight into the molecular pathway underlying UVR detection could lead to improved sun protection methods.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJan 27, 2014

A trigger for muscular diseases

Researchers found that increasing titin's stiffness can be a trigger for pathological changes in skeletal muscles. The team used a mouse model lacking nine titin Ig domains to investigate the effects of increased stiffness, revealing that this can lead to muscle atrophy and contractility changes.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJan 27, 2014

New method increases supply of embryonic stem cells

A new method allows for large-scale generation of high-quality human embryonic stem cells from excess IVF embryos, increasing the supply for potential therapies. This breakthrough method enables production of stem cells without destroying embryos, making it a significant step forward for stem cell research.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2014

Rare genetic variations may account for severe reaction to LABA drugs in some people

Researchers found that rare gene variants significantly increased the risk of hospital admission for severe asthma episodes and urgent outpatient visits among patients treated with long-acting beta agonists. Non-Hispanic whites with these variants were more than twice as likely to experience uncontrolled symptoms during LABA therapy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 27, 2014

300,000-year-old hearth found

A 300,000-year-old hearth discovered in the Qesem Cave provides conclusive evidence of repeated fire building over time, hinting at advanced social structure and intellectual capacity. The find suggests that early humans had a sophisticated understanding of space organization and social order.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 27, 2014

Critical protein discovered for healthy cell growth in mammals

Researchers at Penn State University have identified a critical protein required for the growth of cilia on cell surfaces. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases related to cilium development, such as polycystic kidney disease, blindness, and neurological disorders.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2014

Study casts doubt on theory that retired NFL players suffer CTE

A study by Loyola Medicine neuropsychologist Christopher Randolph challenges the widely-held theory that retired NFL players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite high rates of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study found little conclusive evidence to support CTE as a distinct disease.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateJan 27, 2014

Study identifies high level of 'food insecurity' among college students

A recent study found that 59% of college students at one Oregon university experienced food insecurity, with severe implications for their academic performance, physical and emotional health. The researchers attributed this issue to rising college costs, low-income and first-generation students, and changing demographic trends.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 27, 2014

App may signal cellphone dependency

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an app that measures cellphone use, revealing shocking statistics. The app, dubbed Menthal, analyzes user behavior over six weeks, showing average users activate their smartphones every 12 minutes, and problematic use can lead to addiction-like symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJan 27, 2014

Researchers tune in to protein pairs

Rice University scientists create method to quantify how mutations affect protein pairs' ability to transmit signals. The new metric helps understand crosstalk and specificity in two-component systems, essential for bioengineering applications.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2014

Swiss cheese crystal, or high-tech sponge?

Researchers at University at Buffalo have designed a new material called UBMOF-1, which can change the shape of its pores in response to ultraviolet light. This property makes it useful for applications like drug delivery and secure storage, where control over chemical compounds is crucial.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 27, 2014

Shadowy world of Britain's discount hitmen revealed in new study

A new study reveals the shadowy world of Britain's discount hitmen, with victims often murdered while walking their dogs or shopping in suburban neighborhoods. The study identifies four main types of contract killers, including novice, dilettante, journeyman, and master hitmen.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateJan 27, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 27, 2014

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors improved muscle insulin sensitivity and lowered fasting plasma glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the use of these inhibitors also resulted in an increase in endogenous glucose production and decreased insulin secretion.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 27, 2014

Genomics for judges: Educating Illinois judges on how genetic info impacts court decisions

The Genomics for Judges seminar, offered by the University of Illinois, aims to educate judges on how genetic information affects court decisions. The two-day course covers DNA sequencing, gene function, and genome analysis, preparing judges to deal with legal questions involving genomics in the courts today and in the future.