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Science News for October 9, 2014


When judging art, men and women stand apart

A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that men tend to focus on an artist's background and authenticity when evaluating art, while women prioritize the artwork itself. This finding has implications for the $64 billion art market and other industries where creativity is involved.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateOct 9, 2014

Nanoparticles get a magnetic handle

Researchers at MIT have achieved a long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful fluorescent glow and be precisely manipulated into position within living cells using magnetic fields. The new technology could enable tracking the position of nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell, and manipulate th...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

Researchers find RNA molecules in urine and tissue that detect prostate cancer

A new study identifies a set of RNA molecules in urine and tissue samples that can detect prostate cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. These long noncoding RNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, offering a promising approach to reduce overtreatment and morbidity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 9, 2014

New advances in additive manufacturing using laser solid forming to produce metallic parts

Researchers have made significant advancements in additive manufacturing using laser solid forming (LSF) to produce high-performance metallic components. The LSF technique allows for the direct fabrication of metallic components with excellent mechanical properties similar to those produced by casting or forging.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateOct 9, 2014

Manipulating memory with light

Scientists at UC Davis used optogenetics to erase specific memories in mice, showing coordinated activity between the cerebral cortex and hippocampus during memory retrieval. The study confirms a long-standing idea about memory processing, providing new insights into how the brain functions.

Migrating animals' pee affects ocean chemistry

Researchers found that migrating animals release ammonia, which plays a significant role in shaping marine chemistry, particularly in low-oxygen zones. The study reveals that animal behavior on a large scale influences the ocean's chemistry, with implications for predicting ocean changes under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2014

Scientists discover a 'good' fat that fights diabetes

Researchers have discovered a new class of lipids in humans called fatty acid hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) that are linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar levels in diabetes. FAHFA levels are low in humans with a high risk for diabetes, suggesting potential therapeutic opportunities for metabolic disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2014

New technique yields fast results in drug, biomedical testing

A new technique called slug flow microextraction allows for the quick detection of drugs and monitoring of medical conditions using only a small sample of biological fluid. The method involves extracting target molecules from the sample and analyzing them with mass spectrometry, resulting in results in just minutes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 9, 2014

Advanced X-ray, neutron beam imaging reveal workings of powerful biochemical switch PKA

A University of Utah-led study used advanced imaging techniques to understand the inner workings of Protein Kinase A (PKA), a master switch regulating cellular functions. The research found that PKA changes shape with only one sensor, revealing new insights into its unique biological functions and potential targets for disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 9, 2014

'Superglue' for the atmosphere

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt found that dimethylamine can greatly enhance the formation of aerosol particles from sulfuric acid, creating 'neutral molecular cluster' formations. This process could influence Earth's climate by affecting cloud condensation nuclei and precipitation patterns.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2014

Drinking decaf coffee may be good for the liver

Researchers found that decaf coffee consumption was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes in a study of over 27,000 participants. The study suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateOct 9, 2014

Of bio-hairpins and polymer-spaghetti

The study reveals that biopolymer filaments undergo a transition from entangled spaghetti-like structures to aligned bow-shaped filaments when in flow, leading to dramatic shear-thinning behavior. This finding may aid the search for renewable alternatives and provide insights into biological processes such as cytoplasmic flow.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

Space-based methane maps find largest US signal in Southwest

A new study by the University of Michigan and NASA reveals that the Four Corners region in the US Southwest has the largest methane signal seen from space, with over half a teragram emitted annually. The research uses satellite data to identify the source of the emissions, which are likely caused by infrastructure and coalbed methane.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 9, 2014

Multiple neurodevelopmental disorders have a common molecular cause

A study reveals that distinct genetic mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders produce similar molecular effects, suggesting a one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach may be effective for conditions like seizures and ADHD. The research identifies shared molecular pathways involved in these diseases, providing new insights into their ca...

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 9, 2014