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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 17


Page 17 of 31

Cancer's potential on-off switch

A team of researchers suggests that an epigenetic switch could control rapid growth and differentiation in cancer cells, leading to the development of various cancers. This switch is thought to be reversible, allowing cells to change their characteristics and differentiate into new cell types.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnticancer Research·DateMay 15, 2014

Where have all the mitochondria gone?

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute have discovered a new type of cellular vesicle that actively seeks out and destroys paternal mitochondria upon fertilization. This finding may help explain why only a quarter of IVF pregnancies carry to term, and could lead to a better understanding of mitochondrial turnover and male fertility.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 15, 2014

Stability lost as supernovae explode

A new model of supernovae represented as dynamical systems subject to a loss of stability sheds light on the phenomenon. This approach could be used to predict natural catastrophes before they happen.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 15, 2014

Marine scientists use JeDI to create world's first global jellyfish database

Researchers used JeDI to map jellyfish biomass in the upper 200m of the world's oceans, revealing that jellyfish are present throughout the globe, with greatest concentrations in mid-latitudes. The study highlights the importance of understanding jellyfish distribution and potential impacts on ecosystems and biogeochemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMay 15, 2014

KAIST made great improvements of nanogenerator power efficiency

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to increase the energy efficiency of piezoelectric nanogenerators, enabling the creation of self-powered flexible energy harvesters that can supply power to wearable and implantable electronic devices. The improved nanogenerators can harness energy from human movements and natural resour...

Penn Vet study reveals Salmonella's hideout strategy

A Penn Vet study reveals that Salmonella bacteria evade the immune system by exploiting metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle. The research identifies key genes involved in this evasion strategy and suggests that the immune system may recognize bacterial metabolites like citrate to trigger an inflammatory response.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 15, 2014

Protein sharpens salmonella needle for attack

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that a specific protein, EIIAGlc, is essential for Salmonella's ability to inject toxins into host cells and manipulate host processes. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing targeted treatments against life-threatening Salmonella infections.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 15, 2014

Negative stereotypes can cancel each other out on resumes

Research by Princeton University graduate student David Pedulla found that negative stereotypes of gay men and black men can counteract each other for gay black men in employment, leading to higher starting salaries. This challenges the idea that membership in multiple marginalized groups leads to more discrimination.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateMay 15, 2014

Significant differences in CVD risk factors between men and women with type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reveals significant disparities in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, between men and women with type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender differences in managing co-morbidities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 15, 2014

Quantum simulator gives clues about magnetism

A team of researchers using a quantum simulator discovered that ultracold atoms can switch from non-interacting to strongly interacting in just one millisecond. The study found that this rapid change is due to diffusion, which affects the magnetism of the atoms.

SourceCIFAR·JournalScience·DateMay 15, 2014

How octopuses don't tie themselves in knots

Researchers discovered that octopuses' suckers temporarily lose grip on their own skin due to a chemical produced by the skin, preventing them from getting tangled. This mechanism allows for flexible manipulation and may inspire bioinspired robot design.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 15, 2014

Manmade artificial shark skin boosts swimming

Harvard scientists produce the first realistic simulated shark skin, which reduces drag and increases swimming speed by 6.6% while decreasing energy expenditure by 5.9%. The artificial skin's performance is comparable to that of real shark skin, with improved drag reduction at slower flow speeds.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 14, 2014

Hitting a moving target

Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have discovered that a single site on the surface protein of HIV can be targeted by an AIDS vaccine, potentially neutralizing nearly all strains of the virus. The study suggests that this approach could lead to a highly effective vaccine that targets a specific site on the Env protein.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 14, 2014

Beer foam secrets tapped in new study

A new study from Cornell University has identified LTP1 as the key to perfect beer foam. The research found that the right amount and kind of barley lipid transfer protein No. 1 is essential for creating optimal foam.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateMay 14, 2014

Societies publish recommendations to guide minimally invasive valve therapy programs for patients

The document outlines criteria for healthcare providers and institutions to offer consistent and appropriate care to patients in transcatheter valve therapy. A multi-disciplinary team approach is emphasized, involving both surgeons and interventional cardiologists, to improve patient treatment and outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMay 14, 2014