Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 17, 2014


As temperatures rise, soil will relinquish less carbon to the atmosphere than predicted

A new computer model developed by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory predicts that warming temperatures will return less soil carbon to the atmosphere than previously thought. The model takes into account the complex interactions between soil microbes and their surroundings, which vary over time and place.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 17, 2014

Middle managers and hermit crabs

Research finds middle managers are less likely to share their ideas with superiors as organizational hierarchy increases, leading to a lack of control and evaluation apprehension. The study suggests that top management can adjust the idea funnel to promote or counterbalance employee behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateNov 17, 2014

State-of-the-art integrated imaging system allows mapping of brain cells responsible for memory

Researchers developed an advanced imaging system to identify cells storing memory in a tiny worm, offering a new way to investigate molecular substrates of memory. The study may lead to understanding how memory loss occurs in humans and potentially develop therapies for memory disorders.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Women's fertility linked to detox element in diet

Researchers have found that selenium and selenoproteins are at elevated levels in large, healthy ovarian follicles, playing a critical role as an antioxidant during follicle development. This discovery could lead to better understanding of how to optimize selenium levels to improve women's chances of conceiving.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMetallomics·DateNov 17, 2014

Study on hospital stays contributes to Hispanic Paradox

A new study by researchers from the University of North Texas found that Hispanics were hospitalized significantly fewer days during a 12-month period compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks, and were more likely to survive hospital stays. This discovery contributes to the Hispanic Mortality Paradox, where Hispanics tend to outlive ...

SourceUniversity of North Texas·JournalJournal of Latina/o Psychology·DateNov 17, 2014

Physicians prescribe less brand name drugs when EHR default settings show generics first

A study found that programming electronic health records to make generic drugs the default choice increases generic medication prescribing rates, leading to cost savings and reduced healthcare spending. The intervention was effective in both ambulatory clinics and did not require additional effort from physicians.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014

Subtle shifts in the Earth could forecast earthquakes, tsunamis

A University of South Florida-led team has discovered that subtle shifts in the earth's offshore plates can predict the size of future disasters. The researchers used high precision GPS to measure slight shifts on a fault line in Costa Rica, finding that slow slip events can release stress and strain before major earthquakes and tsunamis.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Symmetrical knees linked to Jamaican sprinting prowess

A Rutgers-led study measures symmetry in elite track and field athletes, finding that symmetrical knees are associated with better times. The researchers discovered that the knees of Jamaican sprinters were more symmetrical than those of non-sprinting Jamaicans, with the most symmetrical knees belonging to 100-meter specialists.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2014

Graphene/nanotube hybrid benefits flexible solar cells

Rice University scientists have developed a novel cathode for dye-sensitized solar cells using graphene/nanotube hybrids, improving efficiency and reducing costs. The new material has a huge surface area, allowing for more efficient electron transfer and better contact with the electrolyte.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateNov 17, 2014

Finding 'lost' languages in the brain

Researchers at McGill University found that infant experiences shape the unconscious brain, influencing adult development even after years of disuse. The study used functional MRI scans to compare brain activation patterns in girls with unilingual French-speaking families versus those adopted from Chinese-speaking families.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Spice up your memory

A study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adding one gram of turmeric to breakfast improved working memory in older adults with pre-diabetes. The spice's active compound, curcumin, has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia and improve cognitive function.

SourceMonash University·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 17, 2014

Family ties that bind: Having the right surname sets you up for life

A study by Gregory Clark and Neil Cummins found that social status is consistently passed down among families over multiple generations, even more strongly than height. The researchers tracked social mobility from 1170 to 2012 using rare English surnames and found little change in social mobility since pre-industrial times.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateNov 17, 2014

The dirty side of soap

Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Viruses impaired if their targets have diverse genes

A new study published in the British journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B suggests that increased genetic diversity can limit the spread and severity of viral infections in livestock and endangered species. Researchers found that viruses replicated more slowly and caused less severe disease when transmitted through genetically di...

Reprogramming cells, long term

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully reprogrammed adult cells into insulin-producing beta cells in mice, showing promise for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study's long-term findings suggest that the newly created cells remain functional over a period of approximately half the animal's normal lifespan.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

Adjusting Earth's thermostat, with caution

Researchers from Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences propose a controlled experiment to test the risks and benefits of solar radiation management, aiming to reduce uncertainty in climate engineering. The 'stratospheric perturbation experiment' would involve a tiny amount of material to measure key aspects of atmospheric ...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateNov 17, 2014

Antibiotics get a 'time-out'

A McGill University Health Centre study found that adopting structured antibiotic time-outs led to decreased antibiotic costs and a small decline in Clostridium difficile infections. The time-out program, which involved regular re-evaluation of treatment strategies, resulted in improved prescribing practices among physicians.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014

Heart muscle inflammation and swelling peak twice after heart attack

A new study by Mount Sinai Heart and CNIC in Spain reveals two waves of heart muscle inflammation after a heart attack, contradicting previous consensus. The researchers discovered the first wave occurs immediately after the attack and subsides, followed by a second wave that arises a week later.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 17, 2014

Fruit flies learn from others

Research shows that fruit fly females combine personal preferences with social information when choosing egg-laying sites. While most follow the group's cue, some females ignore social influence and stick to their own preference. This complex decision-making process is influenced by environment, genetics, and social context.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 17, 2014

Why lizards have bird breath

Scientists at the University of Utah have found that iguanas, not known for high-capacity aerobic fitness, have bird-like breathing patterns in their lungs. This discovery bolsters the case that unidirectional airflow evolved long before the first birds, suggesting a common ancestor among lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and dinosaurs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Novel basic science tip sheet

Researchers found that a diet rich in plant-based flavonoids can help regulate the body's immune system response to fine particles in polluted air, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, a low-cost vaccine targeting PCSK9 has been shown to safely lower bad cholesterol levels in animal studies.

Datasets used by policymakers, scientists for public health analyses inconsistent

Researchers found significant differences between two commercially available datasets used to analyze the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and food and alcohol establishments. The study highlights the need for accurate data to support policy decisions on issues like incentives for grocery stores in econom...

Where will big neuroscience take us?

Several countries have launched brain research projects with big budgets and ambitious goals, aiming to make groundbreaking discoveries and develop new treatments for diseases. The initiatives are expected to drive rapid progress in the field of neuroscience, with a focus on global collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.

Protecting forests alone would not halt land-use change emissions

A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that forest protection policies alone will not reduce CO2 emissions from land-use change. Implementing comprehensive conservation schemes covering all land types is crucial, as intensifying agriculture can generate higher yields to compensate for reduced land availability.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 17, 2014

Densovirus named top suspect in devastating sea star wasting disease

A genomic analysis of a newly discovered virus prevalent in symptomatic sea stars has linked Sea Star Associated Densovirus to the devastating wasting disease, potentially triggering an unprecedented ecological upheaval. The research lays the groundwork for understanding how the virus kills sea stars and what triggers outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Tiny fish provides giant insight into how organisms adapt to changing environment

Researchers identify genes and networks that enable tiny Atlantic killifish to alter their body form in response to environmental changes, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The study's findings have substantial implications for understanding molecular evolution and its applications in climate change, medicine, and regenerat...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2014

Climate capers of the past 600,000 years

The Lake Van drilling project provides a unique 600,000-year archive of climate fluctuations and natural hazards, including six cycles of warm and cold periods. The analysis reveals the region's high risk for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 17, 2014

Credit score can also describe health status

A new analysis from a long-term study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found a strong relationship between low credit scores and poor cardiovascular health. The study also suggests that personal attributes such as self-control, planning ahead, and perseverance can predict both better financial status and better health.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

With rewards, we remember more than we should

A new study at Brown University found that reward overcomes retrieval-induced forgetting, a phenomenon where practicing certain facts suppresses recall of others. Volunteers who earned rewards during practice had improved recall of unpracticed fish category facts.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

A noncoding RNA promotes pediatric bone cancer

A new study identifies Ewing sarcoma-associated transcript 1 (EWSAT1) as a critical target of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein, contributing to cancer cell growth and repression of key genes. This finding supports the notion that long noncoding RNAs can drive cancer development and highlights an important mediator in Ewing Sarcoma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 17, 2014

Infection-fighting B cells go with the flow

B cells use a unique migration strategy in the bone marrow that allows them to exit slowly and be passively swept out by blood flow. The researchers found that the absence of CXCR4 significantly slows down B cell movement, highlighting the importance of this protein in regulating immune cell egress.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014