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Science News for May 26, 2014


Melatonin makes old bones stronger

Researchers at McGill University discovered that melatonin supplements increase bone volume and density in elderly rats, making them stronger. This finding suggests that melatonin may be a useful tool in combating osteoporosis.

SourceMcGill University·JournalRejuvenation Research·DateMay 26, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Using thoughts to control airplanes

Scientists at TUM successfully demonstrated brain-controlled flight with high precision, exceeding requirements for a flying license test. They achieved this by using electroencephalography to convert brain waves into control commands, allowing pilots to control the plane without touching pedals or controls.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMay 26, 2014

Molecules do the triple twist

A team of scientists has successfully created a triple twisted Möbius annulene, a complex molecule with three twists but only one surface. This achievement demonstrates their expertise in manipulating molecular structures and has significant potential for future applications in molecular electronics and optoelectronics.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2014

A novel disease-preventing antioxidant pathway

Researchers discovered uric acid's role as a major intracellular antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress and its impact on cancer and aging. The p53-GLUT9 pathway is a mechanism to prevent ROS accumulation, which causes cell damage.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalOncogene·DateMay 26, 2014

Insights into genetics of cleft lip

Researchers have identified a specific DNA stretch controlling genes that determine face structure and those producing building materials. The region's regulatory elements affect gene Myc activity, leading to facial changes and increased susceptibility to environmental factors like smoking during pregnancy.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 26, 2014
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New perspectives to the design of molecular cages

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 26, 2014

The perception of discrimination is greater among younger immigrants

A study by the University of the Basque Country reveals that younger immigrant youth perceive discrimination as a major issue, while those from Latin America have a more optimistic view. The research highlights the importance of actively coping with discrimination in improving wellbeing and adaptation to the new social context.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Relations·DateMay 26, 2014

Hot flashes/night sweats solutions: Estrogen therapy vs. venlafaxine

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that low-dose estrogen therapy and low-dose non-hormonal venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release were both effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women. The treatment options showed similar efficacy, with a slight superiority of estrogen therapy.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2014

A mechanism of how biodiversity arises

A recent study by evolutionary biologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a mutation in a single gene during development can lead to different consequences, including changes in jaw shape and feeding strategies. This genetic variation predicts differences in feeding mechanics and alters skull structure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

Neurons can use local stores for communication needs

Researchers discovered that neurons can mobilize calcium from large dense core vesicles to facilitate the release of neuropeptides. This process enables fine-tuning of communication between neurons and other cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateMay 26, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Breakthrough shows how DNA is 'edited' to correct genetic diseases

Scientists have observed the process by which CRISPR enzymes bind and alter DNA structure, paving the way for correcting genetic diseases in humans. The study provides a vital piece of the puzzle for genome editing tools to be used in humans.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

Conflicting conclusions in 2 bronchiolitis studies; editorial explains why

Two studies on bronchiolitis treatments yield conflicting results, with one finding less improvement in infants after nebulized hypertonic saline treatment and the other showing decreased hospital admissions. The editorial dissects the contradictory evidence, suggesting chance or differences in study design may be to blame.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 26, 2014

Ebola vaccine success highlights dilemma of testing on captive chimps to save wild apes

A new Ebola vaccine has been successfully tested on captive chimpanzees, producing a robust immune response and showing safety. The researchers argue that this could be a turning point in saving endangered ape species from extinction, but the need for captive chimps testing raises ethical concerns about animal welfare.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

Outgrowing emotional egocentricity

Max Planck researchers identify supramarginal gyrus region crucial for children's ability to assess others' emotions, improving with age. The study reveals that adults can easily overcome egocentrism, whereas children between 6-13 tend to project their own emotions onto others.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateMay 26, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Implications of mandatory flu vaccinations for health-care workers

Vaccination rates among healthcare workers are less than 50%, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with public health. Mandatory flu vaccinations can benefit patient health, but must comply with employment law, provincial human rights codes, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 26, 2014

Sex-specific changes in cerebral blood flow begin at puberty, Penn study finds

Researchers found that cerebral blood flow levels decreased before puberty but diverged sharply after, with females experiencing increased flow and males decreasing further. This divergence may contribute to sex-specific differences in behavior and risk for psychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

New biodiversity study throws out controversial scientific theory

A new study has overturned the long-used 'Neutral Theory of Biodiversity' by revealing its flaw: it fails to capture the crucial role of abundant species. The research, covering a vast array of marine ecosystems worldwide, found that these dominant species deliver essential ecosystem services.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

NTU launches $30 million 3-D printing research center

NTU's new additive manufacturing centre will focus on developing next-generation 3D printers and platforms for various materials. The centre aims to collaborate with industry leaders, such as SLM Solutions, to drive innovation in the field of 3D printing.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateMay 26, 2014

Intermediaries increase corruption

A recent study published in Experimental Economics found that intermediaries significantly increase corruption, regardless of their level of involvement. The researchers designed a laboratory experiment to test the impact of intermediaries on corrupt behavior, and their results confirm this suspicion.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalExperimental Economics·DateMay 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fighting cancer with dietary changes

Researchers found that calorie restriction decreased microRNA production, which promotes the extracellular matrix and prevents cancer cells from spreading. The study aims to test whether calorie restriction can improve outcomes for women with breast cancer in a clinical trial.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateMay 26, 2014

Relaxation helps pack DNA into a virus

Researchers discovered that DNA relaxes to pack into virus heads at speeds determined by physics. The process counteracts the molecule's tendency to repel itself due to its negative charge.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014

From chaos to order: How ants optimize food search

Researchers found that individual ants' experiences contribute to their foraging success and lead to an optimization of the path. The collective behavior of ants forms a highly efficient complex network, applicable not only to animals with homes but also to human behavioral patterns.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Immunologists discover immune system precursor cells that fight infection

A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown form of lymphocyte that protects against intracellular infection, providing important insights into the human immune system. The discovery of these 'precursor cells' could lead to the development of new vaccination strategies to prevent intracellular infections.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCell·DateMay 26, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for May 27, 2014

The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) in nonpregnant high-risk adolescents and adults, as well as postnatal immunoprophylaxis to prevent maternal transmission. Studies have shown that these interventions can reduce mortality and hospital readmissions related to heart failure.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2014