Beetles that taste like mustard
Flea beetles sequester glucosinolates without triggering the plant's defense mechanism. They utilize the compounds for their own communication and defense against predators.
Science News Archive May 2014
Page 24 of 31
Fueling aviation with hardwoods
A multi-university team has developed a technology to transform lignocellulosic biomass into a jet fuel surrogate via catalytic chemistry. The proposed approach could potentially produce aviation fuels at a cost of $2.88 per gallon, making it a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-derived fuels.
'Rice theory' explains north-south China cultural differences, study shows
A new study reveals distinct northern and southern Chinese psychological cultures, with southern China's history of rice farming contributing to its interdependent nature. The 'rice theory' proposes that centuries of cooperative rice farming have led to a more collectivist culture in southern regions.
NASA sees system 91B lingering over southwestern India
System 91B, a tropical low pressure area, has been lingering over southwestern India since May 8. The storm's eastern quadrant remains over the region, while its western quadrant extends into the Northern Indian Ocean. Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 10-15 knots.
Monitor for sunburn risk goes on sale
A sunburn risk monitor, Smartsun, is now available for purchase online. The device, worn as a waterproof wristband, changes color in response to UV radiation levels, warning users of potential skin damage.
NASA sees system 90E moving toward southwestern Mexico
System 90E is a tropical low-pressure area located southwest of Zihuatenejo, Mexico, heading towards landfall in the region. The National Hurricane Center has given it a 20% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours.
Humans may benefit from new insights into polar bear's adaptation to high-fat diet
A genome comparison reveals polar bears' rapid evolution to cope with a high-fat diet, providing insight into fatty acid metabolism and cardiovascular function. The study's findings may offer tools to modulate human physiology and protect against the ill effects of high-fat diets.
Long-term childhood poverty contributes to young adult obesity rates
A new study from the University of Houston finds that childhood poverty contributes to higher obesity rates among young adult women, with repeated exposure during childhood increasing their risk. The study also highlights the importance of helping families escape poverty in improving their long-term health status.
Experimental antibody shows early promise for treatment of childhood tumor
A Phase I study of an experimental antibody produced at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found tumors shrank or disappeared in some patients with advanced neuroblastoma, and disease progression was temporarily halted in 15 children.
Better cognition seen with gene variant carried by 1 in 5
A gene variant linked to longevity may also improve learning and memory, according to a new study. Researchers found that individuals carrying the KL-VS variant of the KLOTHO gene performed better on cognitive tests.
Mummy-making wasps discovered in Ecuador
Twenty-four new species of Aleiodes wasps were discovered in the cloud forests of Ecuador, mummifying caterpillars in an unusual way. These small organisms have a significant impact on forest ecology by controlling plant-feeding caterpillar populations, helping to sustain biodiversity.
Chemotherapy timing is key to success
Researchers develop nanoparticles that release two chemotherapy drugs, erlotinib and doxorubicin, at staggered times to weaken tumor cells' defenses before delivering DNA-damage. This approach dramatically shrinks lung and breast tumors in mice, including aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells.
Researching an endangered relationship
New Jersey Institute of Technology researchers are investigating how climate change may disrupt the vital relationship between bees and plants, which could lead to poor crop pollination and lower yields. The study, supported by a $150,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, aims to understand how temperature changes may affect ...
Exploring the magnetism of a single atom
The team developed a method to measure the energy needed to change magnetic anisotropy in a single Cobalt atom, revealing its maximum magnetic anisotropy energy and longest spin lifetime. This breakthrough presents a single-atom model system that can be used as a future qubit for quantum computing.
Spurt of heart muscle cell division seen in mice well after birth
Scientists discovered a surge of heart muscle cell division in young mice, increasing cardiac muscle cells by 40% and suggesting thyroid hormone could aid in children's treatment, offering an alternative to focusing on stem cells.
NIST advanced manufacturing program awards grant to develop national roadmap for photonics
The University of Rochester's Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences will lead the development of a national roadmap for photonics manufacturing. The initiative aims to address critical gaps and strengthen the US's share in global photonics manufacturing, which has dropped to less than 10%.
Improving air quality in NYC would boost children's future earnings
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that reducing air pollution in NYC would increase children's IQs, leading to improved academic performance and future earnings. The estimated economic gain for each child could be as high as $215 million.
This FIB doesn't lie: New NIST microscope sees what others can't
Researchers at NIST have created a new type of FIB microscope that can image nonconductive materials and analyze chemical composition. The instrument uses lithium ions to produce lower-energy beams than traditional SEMs, enabling greater detail in nanostructure imaging.
Neurovance's EB-1020 SR for adult ADHD shows stimulant-like efficacy in Phase 2a trial
In a Phase 2a pilot study, Neurovance's EB-1020 SR demonstrated statistically significant improvement in ADHD symptoms and executive functioning deficits. The non-stimulant treatment showed promise as a potential alternative to stimulants for treating adult ADHD.
Recycling a patient's lost blood during surgery better than using banked blood
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that recycling a patient's lost blood during heart surgery results in healthier blood cells able to carry oxygen more effectively. Patients who received only their own recycled red blood cells had normal cell behavior, while those who received banked blood showed reduced flexibility and function.
GaitTrack app makes cellphone a medical monitor for heart and lung patients
Researchers developed GaitTrack app that uses eight motion parameters to analyze a person's walking pattern, providing valuable insights into cardiopulmonary, muscular, and neurological health. The app has shown promising results in monitoring chronic lung disease patients, predicting lung function with high accuracy.
Eating more fruits, vegetables may cut stroke risk worldwide
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found that eating more fruits and vegetables can lower stroke risk, with a 32% decrease for every 200g of fruit consumed daily and an 11% decrease for every 200g of vegetables consumed daily. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended to meet micronutrient and macronutrient requirements.
rAAV/ABAD-DP-6His attenuates oxidative stress induced injury of PC12 cells
The study found that rAAV/ABAD-DP-6His increases superoxide dismutase activity and decreases malondialdehyde content, reducing oxidative stress-induced injury in PC12 cells. The treatment also maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces apoptosis, indicating its neuroprotective effects.
Nonscreened patients with breast cancer need more treatment than screened patients
A retrospective chart review found that high-risk lesions were predominantly identified in screened patients, enabling the administration of chemoprevention and reducing the risk of subsequent breast cancer development. Supplemental screening MRI may also detect future mammographically occult malignancies in these patients.
NASA watching year's first tropical low headed for southwestern Mexico
A tropical low pressure area is developing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression within two days. The system is expected to move northeastward towards the southwestern coast of Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially strong thunderstorms.
Study suggests improved survivorship in the aftermath of the medieval Black Death
A study by Sharon DeWitte suggests that survival may have improved following the Black Death, with post-epidemic populations having a higher proportion of older adults and lower mortality risks. This could indicate enhanced survival and decreased mortality after the epidemic.
Geniposide protects hippocampal neurons via the non-classical estrogen signaling pathway
Research published in Neural Regeneration Research found that geniposide, a component of the Chinese herbal formula Tongluojiunao, protects hippocampal neurons from Aβ-mediated death via non-classical estrogen signaling pathway. This suggests a potential therapeutic application for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Overestimation of radiation exposure may keep women from critical screening
A study found that women significantly overestimated radiation exposure from a single mammogram compared to other benchmarks. To address this, medical staff should inform patients about the low dose of radiation associated with mammography and provide objective facts to ensure informed decisions.
Melting an entire iceberg with a hot poker: Spotting phase changes triggered by impurities
Researchers at University College London have identified a measurable quantity that labels distinct phases of quantum systems with boundary phase transitions. This discovery opens up new possibilities for studying phase transitions in quantum physics and may help determine new phases of matter.
First-ever study describes deep-sea animal communities around a sunken shipping container
A sunken shipping container off the California coast is home to unique and diverse deep-sea animal communities. Researchers discovered differences in animal populations compared to surrounding areas, including increased abundance of certain species like Neptunea snails and rockfish.
Statistical test increases power of genetic studies of complex disease
A new framework increases the ability to detect genetic associations and interactions by utilizing data from existing genomic studies. The approach improves performance over standard methods and identifies promising candidates for genetic interactions affecting various diseases.
Luminescent nanocrystal tags enable rapid detection of multiple pathogens in a single test
Researchers have successfully applied tunable luminescent nanocrystals to high-speed scanning technology, detecting multiple viruses within minutes. The technology enables screens that identify thousands of different target molecules simultaneously, saving time for future patients and potentially life-saving treatment.
A lab in your pocket
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed software to design lab-on-a-chip hardware, enabling the simultaneous testing of dozens of medical conditions with a single drop of blood. The technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing fast and accurate results miles from the nearest clinic.
Malaria severity not determined solely by parasite levels in blood
A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.
New order of marine creatures discovered among sea anemones
Researchers have identified a new order of marine creatures among sea anemones, revealing a giant species that is actually an imposter. The study, published in PLOS ONE, presents the first tree of life for sea anemones and reshapes scientists' understanding of these poorly understood animals.
UH Rainbow study finds rising incidence of acute pancreatitis in hospitalized children
A significant increase in acute pancreatitis cases was found in hospitalized children in the US, with a 51% rise from 2000 to 2009. Hospitalized children with AP had longer hospital stays and higher charges, with older children over 5 years of age more likely to develop the condition.
Scientists focus on role of ventilation in preventing tuberculosis transmission
Students in Cape Town spend almost 60% of their day in poorly ventilated classrooms, at risk of TB transmission. The researchers recommend increasing natural ventilation to reduce risks and lower CO2 concentrations.
Early depression, anger may taint love life even 20 years later, study shows
A University of Alberta study found that negative emotions experienced as young adults can persistently affect couple relationships well into middle age. Recognizing the importance of early mental health is crucial to future happiness and may help prevent social costs like divorce and domestic violence.
Greenland melting due equally to global warming, natural variations
Researchers at University of Washington estimate up to half of recent Greenland warming is caused by tropical Pacific climate variations rather than global warming. This finding highlights the complexity of regional climate changes and the need for more accurate long-range projections.
Phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass will decrease 6 percent and 11 percent due to climate change
Globally, phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass are projected to decrease by 6% and 11%, respectively, due to rising sea temperatures. This reduction in primary and secondary production will have a negative impact on fish biomass, particularly pelagic species.
The Lancet: Antipsychotic medication associated with reduced rate of violent crime
A study of over 80,000 patients found that antipsychotic medication reduced violent crime rates by 45%, while mood stabilisers lowered rates by 24%. The findings suggest that these medications can help prevent violence in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Kaiser Permanente study finds radiation best treatment for a rare skin cancer
A Kaiser Permanente study found that radiation treatment significantly reduced the risk of Merkel cell carcinoma recurrence, with no impact on survival rates. The study's results also showed associations between immunosuppression and advanced tumors, as well as lymph node evaluation, and worse survival outcomes.
New study sheds light on survivors of the Black Death
A new study by University of South Carolina anthropologist Sharon DeWitte provides insights into how the plague shaped population demographics and health for generations. The findings suggest that survivors of the Black Death experienced improvements in health and longevity, with many people living to ages of 70 or 80 years.
NASA telescopes coordinate best-ever flare observations
A record-breaking X-class flare was observed by four NASA spacecraft and one ground-based observatory on March 29, 2014. The coordinated efforts provided the most comprehensive data set ever collected, shedding light on the origins of solar eruptions and their effects on space weather near Earth.
New care approach eases depression among women
Women who received collaborative care for depression at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic showed significant reduction in symptoms, with more than half experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder as well. The approach, called Depression Attention for Women Now, improved patient engagement, treatment recommendations, and follow-up care.
A new tool to measure the speed of aging
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of aging, corresponding to future mortality, disability, and cognitive decline. The researchers analyzed data from over 50 studies worldwide, revealing significant differences in aging rates among various population groups.
Musical training increases blood flow in the brain
Research found that brief musical training can increase blood flow in the left hemisphere, similar to language processing. The study suggests a rapid change in cognitive mechanisms for music perception.
Clues about black hole formation
Researchers have detected circularly polarized light from a recently formed black hole, confirming a theoretical model. The discovery was made using the VLT telescope and is considered an extraordinary event due to its high degree of polarization.
Multidimensional frailty score helps predict postoperative outcomes in older adults
A multidimensional frailty score developed from the comprehensive geriatric assessment and other variables can predict longer hospital stays and increased risk of complications or death after surgery in elderly patients. The model supports surgical treatment for fit older patients at low risk of complications.
Study urges caution in stem cell clinical trials for heart attack patients
A new study challenges the use of stem cells in heart attack patients, finding that they do not regenerate damaged heart tissue at high enough rates. The study suggests that any potential benefit from injecting c-kit-positive cells into the hearts of patients may come from improving circulation rather than generating new cardiomyocytes.
Psilocybin inhibits the processing of negative emotions in the brain
Researchers found psilocybin inhibits amygdala activity, weakening negative stimuli processing and correlating with enhanced positive mood. This mechanism may lead to novel treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.
For slumbering diabetics, a way to detect low blood sugar and stop insulin delivery
Researchers developed a system that predicts and prevents dangerously low overnight blood sugars in patients with type-1 diabetes. The device, which couples a glucose sensor with an insulin pump, reduces cumulative time spent with low blood sugars during sleep by 81%.
Breast tomosynthesis after screening mammography reduces need for ultrasound, biopsies
A study found that breast tomosynthesis in diagnostic workup reduced use of ultrasound and biopsies, with higher positive predictive value for cancer compared to 2D mammography. The technology resulted in less need for additional imaging exams.
Argentina yields 3 new tarantula species
Three new species of tarantulas were discovered in northern Argentina, shedding light on the region's unique arachnid diversity. The newly identified species belong to the subfamily Theraphosinae and are named after local locations and cultural figures.
Brain noise found to nurture synapses
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that miniature neurotransmission regulates synapse development and contributes to the growth of synapses. The findings suggest that abnormalities in this process may contribute to neurodevelopmental diseases.
Vascular simulation research reveals new mechanism that switches in disease
Researchers have made an unexpected discovery about endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis, revealing a continuum of migratory states regulated by differential cell-cell adhesions. This new mechanism may contribute to disease progression, including cancer, where blood vessel formation is critical for tumor growth.
Native algae species to blame for 'rock snot' blooms in rivers worldwide
Recent 'rock snot' blooms are caused by native Didymosphenia geminata responding to changing conditions, not human introductions or new genetic strain. Climate change and environmental factors trigger the blooms.
Community doulas can be a big help for mother-baby relationships
Research at the University of Chicago found that community doulas significantly improved breastfeeding rates and infant development in young mothers from low-income African American families. The study showed that doulas who were similar to the mothers they supported had a more positive impact on their relationships with their babies.
Nanoscale heat flow predictions
Researchers developed a predictive theoretical model for heat flux in novel nanomaterials using atom-scale calculations. This could help optimize thermal budget of nanoelectronic devices and produce energy through thermoelectric effects.
Neural states affect learning
A study found that theta-band activity in the hippocampus is crucial for learning, with training in its absence facilitating learning. Uniform neural states also act as a context for learning.