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Science News for March 27, 2014


New guidance system could improve minimally invasive surgery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a computerized process that enhances image-based guidance in minimally invasive surgery, potentially replacing conventional tracking systems. The new system achieves high accuracy, often exceeding 2 millimeters, while using low-dose radiation, making it suitable for various procedures.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

A tale of 2 species

Researchers investigate why only 14 percent of woodrat hybrids have genetic signatures from both desert and Bryant's woodrats. Habitat differences and mating conflicts are found to be key factors limiting hybridization in closely-related species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEvolution·DateMar 27, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014

US clean-air efforts stay on target

A Rice University analysis of state implementation plans reveals that most urban areas have met the next benchmark for reducing airborne particulate matter. The study found that PM 2.5 concentrations declined by an average 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter in regions that filed SIPs to attain the standard by 2009.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateMar 27, 2014

Strictly yeast

Researchers have made a computer app to spot and decode the unique footprints in yeast DNA, revealing an intricately choreographed dance of ribosomal RNA genes. This discovery enables biologists to track evolutionary relationships between different species using these tiny changes.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalSystematic Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered

Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBiochemical Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Computing with slime

Researchers created logical circuits using living slime molds, which can process information and carry out Boolean logic operations. The slime mold-based system could potentially be used to build low-cost, biological computing devices and sensors.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateMar 27, 2014

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 27, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

New way to filter light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system that selectively filters light waves based on their direction of propagation. The technique, which uses a stack of ultrathin layers with precise thickness control, could improve efficiency in solar photovoltaics, detector systems for telescopes and microscopes, and display screens.

Study finds gaming augments players' social lives

A new study by North Carolina State University and other institutions found that online gaming supplements social behavior, rather than replacing it. Researchers observed thousands of gamers at public events and conducted in-depth surveys to conclude that gaming is a social activity that complements offline interactions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateMar 27, 2014

What psychosocial factors can help IVF patients?

A systematic review of 23 studies found that social support, mindfulness, and positive emotional outcomes are linked to better emotional adjustment in IVF patients. The study highlights the importance of coping strategies, personality traits, and social circumstances in predicting emotional outcomes during and after IVF treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalHuman Reproduction Update·DateMar 27, 2014

Record quantum entanglement of multiple dimensions

Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have achieved a groundbreaking quantum entanglement with a minimum of 103 dimensions using only two particles. This breakthrough enables the creation of highly complex states that can facilitate experimental development of quantum computers and enhance cryptography security.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2014

Cancer researchers find key protein link

Researchers found a previously unknown binding interface between Bcl-2 and NAF-1 proteins, which could be addressed by medication. The study's findings have implications for treating cancer and age-related diseases.

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

Students on field course bag new spider species

A team of biology students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Naturalis Biodiversity Center discovered a new spider species during their Tropical Biodiversity field course in Malaysian Borneo. The students created a makeshift taxonomy lab, wrote a joint publication, and sent it to a major taxonomic journal for review.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Democratizing data visualization

Researchers found that 69% of Exhibit sites use the JSON format for storing data, and users often exploit complex relationships among data beyond spreadsheet capabilities. The study suggests that spreadsheet designers should offer tools to make it easier for novice developers to organize their data in more sophisticated ways.

Big brown bat males call 'dibs' on food

Researchers discovered that male big brown bats use uniquely distinctive calls to signal they want a meal, while females primarily forage near family members. These social calls were previously unknown and have been found in over 96% of recorded instances.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 27, 2014

Instituting a culture of professionalism

Researchers analyzed data from a center for professionalism and peer support at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and found that employees continued to turn to the center for help, citing concerns about physician/scientist behavior. The interventions used were successful in creating substantive changes in behavior.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateMar 27, 2014

One gene, many tissues

The FANTOM project has published an exhaustive map of specificities in gene expression, revealing the first nucleotides of messenger RNA to identify where genes start synthesizing proteins. This study provides insights into how genes are regulated in different tissues, with implications for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's

Corporate layoff strategies are increasing workplace gender and racial inequality

Research from Tel Aviv University reveals that current downsizing policies are reducing managerial diversity and increasing racial and gender inequalities. The study found that companies using tenure or position as core criteria for downsizing minimized the share of white women in management positions by 25 percent.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 27, 2014

Stool samples provide marker for bowel disease

Researchers have developed a novel method to distinguish between different types of bowel disease using stool samples, with an overall accuracy of 76%. The technique uses volatile organic compounds emitted from the samples to provide a unique profile for each condition, offering a cheaper and quicker alternative to current methods.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateMar 27, 2014

Antidepressants during pregnancy linked to preterm birth

A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies on antidepressants in pregnancy found a strong association between their use and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that antidepressant medications may be contributing to the rising trend of preterm births, which can lead to significant health problems and costs.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2014

Despatch from the field

A new collaboration enables immediate access to taxonomic research and underlying data, reducing 'shelf life' from 21 years to weeks. The system facilitates data sharing and preservation, addressing 80% of scientific data loss within 10 years.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 27, 2014

Cause for exaggerated insulin response in subset of bariatric surgery patients identified

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that gastric bypass surgery leads to excessive post-meal insulin response in a subset of patients, characterized by altered islet cell function and reduced insulin clearance. This study sheds light on mechanisms of glucose metabolism alterations following gastric bypass surgery.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 27, 2014