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Science News for June 9, 2014


Newly identified B-cell selection process adds to understanding of antibody diversity

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a new B-cell selection process that influences antibody survival independent of antigen-binding regions. This discovery adds a surprising dimension to the understanding of antibody repertoires and may help shape them to better fight disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Did violence shape our faces?

Researchers propose that human faces developed robust features to protect against facial injuries during hand-to-hand combat, challenging the long-held hypothesis that these traits arose from eating hard foods. The study's findings support the idea that violence played a significant role in shaping human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBiological Reviews·DateJun 9, 2014

Designing ion 'highway systems' for batteries

A Northwestern University team has developed a new understanding of plastics for battery applications by combining two traditional theories in materials science. This opens the door for a new class of batteries with improved safety and power efficiency. The researchers used block copolymers, which are self-assembling into nanostructure...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 9, 2014

'Jekyll and Hyde' protein linked to type 1 diabetes

A new study published in PNAS reveals how the GAD65 protein changes shape when activated, potentially linking it to type 1 diabetes. The research found that antibodies interact with the protein differently depending on its state, which may affect vaccine development for the disease.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Protein could put antibiotic-resistant bugs in handcuffs

Researchers at Duke University have identified a key protein that drives DNA copying in plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus bacteria. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may develop new ways to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant plasmids.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Antiviral therapy may prevent liver cancer in hepatitis B patients

A study of over 2,600 adults with hepatitis B found that antiviral therapy significantly reduced the occurrence of liver cancer (HCC) by 60%. The therapy was more effective than treatment in preventing HCC than untreated patients. Results suggest a potential new approach to preventing a common and deadly form of cancer.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 9, 2014

Exercise boosts diversity of gut bacteria

A study of professional rugby players found that exercise increased the diversity of gut microbiota, which was positively correlated with a favourable metabolic profile and immune system response. Higher dietary protein intake also played a role in this association.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJun 9, 2014

Most breast cancer patients may not be getting enough exercise

Breast cancer patients often do not meet national physical activity guidelines after diagnosis, with African-American women being less likely to do so. A study found that only 35% of survivors met guidelines post-diagnosis, with a significant decrease in activity six months after diagnosis.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJun 9, 2014

First atlas of Inuit Arctic trails launched

Researchers have mapped ancient Inuit trails using archival accounts, maps, and place names, providing a vital step in cultural preservation and understanding Inuit history. The 'pan-Inuit' world is being fragmented due to climate change, but the atlas shows the geographical extent and connectedness of Inuit occupancy.

New teaching approach touted for engineering education

Purdue researchers have developed a new approach to teach large numbers of engineering students, resulting in improved student performance and engagement. The Purdue Mechanics Freeform Classroom system allows students to interact online while accessing instructional videos and animations, reducing the number of students who receive a D...

Berkeley Lab researchers create nanoparticle thin films that self-assemble in 1 minute

Researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have devised a technique to form highly ordered thin films over macroscopic distances in one minute. The technique uses supramolecules based on block copolymers to create nanocomposites that self-assemble into hierarchically-structured thin films.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2014

With distance comes greater wisdom, research finds

A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 9, 2014

A new methodology developed to monitor traffic flow

A new methodology has been developed to monitor traffic flow by applying curve statistics to analyze traffic data, enabling the detection of changes in traffic patterns. The results reveal that holiday periods and shopping hours have a significant impact on traffic flow.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateJun 9, 2014

New study finds text messaging program benefits pregnant women

A new study found that a text messaging program, Text4baby, significantly improves health risk beliefs and behaviors in pregnant women. The pilot study recruited 943 pregnant women and found that exposure to the program reduced targeted health risks, including pre-natal care attitudes and alcohol use during pregnancy.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 9, 2014

Lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder may reach $2.4 million per patient, Penn study finds

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania estimates that lifetime costs for autism spectrum disorder can range from $1.4 million to $2.4 million per patient in the US and UK. The study found that costs are significantly higher for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with a lifetime cost of $2.4 million in the US.

Coral, human cells linked in death

A new study reveals that humans and corals have a shared biomechanical pathway responsible for triggering cellular self-destruction. This finding has important implications for understanding the early evolution of multicellular life, conservation of corals, and development of new drugs to fight diseases like cancer.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

Viewing plant cells in 3-D (no glasses required)

Biologists at MTSU have optimized FIB-SEM technology to image plant cell architecture, revealing previously unseen aspects of organelle organization and function. The technology provides high-resolution images of plant cells, allowing researchers to explore new questions and expand their understanding of plant development.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 9, 2014

Grain legume crops sustainable, nutritious

A recent study reveals that grain legume crops are a valuable source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and nickel. The research found that these crops can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily allowance for certain micronutrients per serving.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 9, 2014

Humanitarian liking on Facebook

Research finds six different liking practices associated with humanitarian causes, including socially responsible, emotional, and informational liking. Users believe likes support humanitarian causes and encourage others to do so, highlighting the role of Facebook in civic engagement.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Web Based Communities·DateJun 9, 2014

Earth's breathable atmosphere a result of continents taking control of the carbon cycle

A research group from the University of Exeter has discovered a possible mechanism behind Earth's rising oxygen concentration. The team suggests that as continents grew, chemical processes on land took over controlling CO2 levels, leading to increased phosphate availability in oceans and ultimately, oxygen production.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2014

NOAA scientists find mosquito control pesticide low risk to juvenile oysters, hard clams

A NOAA study found that four common mosquito control pesticides pose little risk to juvenile oysters and hard clams, but climate stressors such as hypoxia and acidification increase their toxicity. The research provides valuable data for shellfish mariculture operations and environmental resource agencies.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJun 9, 2014

Land quality and deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Research from Brown University suggests that the decline of suitable land for agriculture is a key factor in slowing deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study found that land with characteristics such as flat terrain and proximity to roads was initially converted to agriculture, but this type of land is becoming increasingly scarce.

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2014

Affordable housing linked to children's test scores

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that spending 30% of income on affordable housing is associated with improved cognitive development in children, while spending too little or too much has negative effects. Families who invested more in housing spent less on other essential items like books and educational outings.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Housing Economics·DateJun 9, 2014

Parent and child must get enough sleep to protect against child obesity

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that parental and child sleep are closely linked to decreased child obesity. The study found that adequate sleep is the only significant protective factor against childhood obesity, and that a parent's sleep can affect their child's likelihood of being overweight or obese.

Surgery prices are elusive

A US study found that prostate cancer surgery costs varied greatly among hospitals, with a 13-fold price difference. The study also highlighted the lack of transparency in hospital pricing, making it difficult for consumers to compare costs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalUrology·DateJun 9, 2014

JCI online ahead of print contents for June 9, 2014

A phase I clinical trial found that ex vivo cultured cord blood stem cells showed improved engraftment rates and earlier hematopoietic recovery in patients with hematological malignancies. The study also developed a murine model of Ewing's sarcoma, revealing tumor origins in embryonic osteochondrogenic progenitors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 9, 2014

55-year old dark side of the moon mystery solved

Astrophysicists at Penn State University have solved the Lunar Farside Highlands Problem, a long-standing mystery about the absence of maria on the far side of the moon. The researchers found that the difference in crustal thickness between the near and far sides is due to the moon's original formation process.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 9, 2014