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Science News for May 12, 2014


Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder

Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 12, 2014

No bioengineered gut bacteria, no glory

Rice University synthetic biologist Jeff Tabor is working on a three-year project to engineer probiotic bacteria that can detect disease signals in the gut and prevent diseases such as obesity and depression. The goal is to create an edible probiotic bacterium that can help protect sailors and marines from these health issues.

Kessler Foundation expert authors article on social enterprise business models

The article highlights the potential of social enterprise businesses in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The author, Elaine E. Katz, details two successful examples, Hudson Community Enterprises and Destination Desserts, which have generated revenue and provided market-driven pay rates for employees.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateMay 12, 2014

New research sets stage for noninvasive monitoring of HIV-induced peripheral neuropathy

Corneal nerve fiber assessment has great potential as a tool to diagnose and monitor peripheral neuropathy induced by HIV, say scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The study found that SIV-infected macaque model showed decreased corneal nerve fiber density and correlated with epidermal nerve fiber length.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 12, 2014

Which has a more efficient 'engine': A tuna or a whale?

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new metric to measure energy consumption efficiency in animals of different sizes. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the gray whale and skipjack tuna are almost equally efficient, with the whale's higher fuel consumption being an unavoidable consequence of physics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Researchers find new molecule to treat asthma

Researchers have discovered a synthetic molecule that inhibits T-cell signaling in the lungs, preventing asthma symptoms such as inflammation and airway constriction. The molecule shows promise for treating asthma, a chronic disease affecting over 25 million Americans.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Climate negotiation as a bargaining game

Researchers found that smaller groups of countries are more likely to reach consensus, while side agreements among smaller numbers of participants can actually promote the UN process. The study also highlights the importance of perceived individual threat in maintaining successful negotiations.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 12, 2014

Bullying may have long-term health consequences

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that bullied children experience chronic, systemic inflammation that persists into adulthood. In contrast, bullies may benefit from increased social status through bullying, which can protect against increases in inflammatory markers.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

All in the rotation

Berkeley lab researchers have discovered that the viral packaging motor rotates DNA in response to changing conditions, a crucial process for viral replication. This finding could lead to new strategies for combating viral infections and designing more effective drugs.

Endocrine disruptors impair human sperm function

A German-Danish team of researchers found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with human sperm function, changing swimming behavior and triggering digestive enzyme release. The study suggests these chemicals may contribute to widespread fertility problems in the Western world.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMay 12, 2014

Against the current with lava flows

Researchers found that lava flows, not water, carved the massive Noctis Labyrinthus and Valles Marineris canyons on Mars. The study suggests that there was less water on Mars than previously thought, making life on the planet less likely.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research·DateMay 12, 2014

'Shocking' Stanford video reveals the surprising truth about cell wall growth

Researchers used microfluidic devices to trap bacterial cells and bathe them in different solutions, revealing that cell walls grow regardless of external pressures. The study's findings challenge the prevailing wisdom on osmotic shock, which may lead to new strategies for fighting bacterial diseases.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2014

Pregnancy significantly increases risk of serious traffic crashes

A study published in CMAJ found that pregnant women are at a higher risk of serious traffic crashes during the second trimester, with a 42% increase in crashes compared to baseline. The researchers emphasize the importance of safe driving practices, such as avoiding excessive speed and minimizing distractions, to prevent accidents.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 12, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Intensive insulin provides survival

A landmark study shows that intensive insulin treatment significantly improves survival in patients with type 2 diabetes who have had a heart attack. The trial, which followed patients for up to 20 years, found that those who received intensified insulin treatment survived an average of 2.3 years longer than those on standard treatment.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMay 12, 2014

Respect for human rights is improving

A new measurement model reveals that human rights are actually improving, contrary to common claims. The model takes into account changes in data collection and categorization, showing more countries with better human rights records.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 12, 2014