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Science News for September 15, 2014


Contaminated water in 2 states linked to faulty shale gas wells

A study by researchers from five universities found that contamination in drinking water wells in Pennsylvania and Texas stems from well-integrity problems such as poor casing and cementing. The analysis used noble gas and hydrocarbon tracers to identify the source of fugitive methane and determine if it is natural or not.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

WSU researchers find 'most famous wheat gene'

Researchers at Washington State University have found a key gene in wheat that can be used to transfer valuable traits from other plants, reducing crop losses and pesticide use. The discovery enables breeders to develop disease- and pest-resistant wheat varieties without the need for genetically modified organisms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

A heart-felt need for dairy food

A study of nearly 4000 Taiwanese found that increased dairy consumption lowered cardiovascular mortality and stroke risks. Moderate dairy intake, even in lactose intolerant individuals, is beneficial for overall health.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateSep 15, 2014

Scientists come closer to the industrial synthesis of a material harder than diamond

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a new method for synthesizing ultrahard fullerite, a material with hardness values ranging from 150 to 300 GPa, surpassing diamond. The breakthrough synthesis requires lower pressures and can be achieved at room temperature, enabling industrial-scale production.

Give progesterone a chance

Researchers suggest progesterone as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury due to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Studies demonstrate that progesterone preserves white matter integrity and improves locomotor function in animal models of spinal cord lesion.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateSep 15, 2014

One in five men reports violence toward intimate partners

A new study by the University of Michigan found that one in five men in the US report violence towards their spouses or partners, with warning signs including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and insomnia. The study suggests that male aggression can be identified through routine health care visits and could potentially be intervened upon.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

Gut bacteria tire out T cells

Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) experience recurrent bacterial infections due to exhausted T cells expressing inhibitory protein PD-1. Rejuvenating these cells through blocking PD-1 may offer protection against bacterial infections, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

Rice rolls 'neat' nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created strong conductive carbon threads using single-walled carbon nanotubes. By infusing the nanotubes with potassium and employing cage-like crown ethers, they were able to align the tubes and create a gel that could be extruded into fibers.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 15, 2014

Certain form of baldness at age 45 linked to higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

A large cohort analysis found a significant link between male pattern baldness and aggressive prostate cancer. Men with specific hair loss patterns at age 45 were at a 40% increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. The study supports earlier research suggesting a biological link between baldness and prostate cancer.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2014

Smithsonian scientists discover tropical tree microbiome in Panama

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a vast array of bacteria living on tropical tree leaves, including over 400 species found on a single tree. The discovery has significant implications for understanding forest health, disease resistance, and the impact of climate change.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Report urges individualized, cholesterol-targeted approach to heart disease and stroke

The report emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to treating cardiovascular disease, focusing on reducing cholesterol levels to specific targets based on a patient's unique health profile. This approach includes lifestyle changes, non-lipid risk factor management, and medication tailored to the patient's needs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·DateSep 15, 2014

The science behind swimming

Researchers discovered a simple scaling law that describes how the speed of an organism changes with its size, movement speed, and other factors. The study found that all animals, from tiny fish larvae to massive whales, can be described by one of two equations, indicating general principles at work.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 15, 2014

Care coordination can decrease health-care use by frequent users

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that care coordination strategies can significantly decrease hospital admissions and emergency department visits among older patients with chronic conditions. However, these approaches were less effective in reducing healthcare usage among individuals with mental illness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 15, 2014

Run, cheetah, run

Researchers at MIT have created a robotic cheetah that can run at high speeds using an algorithm inspired by the biomechanics of real cheetahs. The robot's legs are programmed to exert a certain amount of force in the split second during which it hits the ground, allowing it to maintain speed and stability.

Cellular protein may be key to longevity

Researchers have found that ATF4 levels are elevated in livers of mice exposed to interventions increasing longevity. The protein is shared across diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations extending lifespan.

SourceWiley·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 15, 2014

'Femme fatale' emerald ash borer decoy lures and kills males

Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

'Jaws' lived in Doncaster

Fossils of a shark egg case, horseshoe crabs and seed pods have been discovered in Doncaster, providing a window into a tropical water-logged forest teeming with life. The finds are believed to be rare and significant, offering insights into the geological history of Yorkshire.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGeological Journal·DateSep 15, 2014

Network measures predict neuropsychological outcome after brain injury

Researchers identified six hub regions as crucial for cognitive function and found that damage to these areas caused widespread cognitive impairments. In contrast, lesions to other locations resulted in significantly less impairment. This study's findings may improve diagnosis and prognosis for brain injury patients.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Pitt chemical biologist finds new halogenation enzyme

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new halogenation enzyme that can selectively replace inert C-H bonds with C-X bonds, enabling the creation of tailored molecules with improved pharmacological profiles. This breakthrough is expected to revolutionize the fields of pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 15, 2014

Cancer-fighting cocktail demonstrates promising results as treatment for advanced cervical cancer

A combination of chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and pemetrexed improved survival rates and response to advanced cervical cancer by 31% compared to standard alternative, while being less toxic to patients. Adding bevacizumab further increased patient survival, suggesting the cocktail may offer further benefits.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 15, 2014

How are hybridized species affecting wildlife?

Researchers found that hybridization can lead to increased genetic diversity in wild populations, but natural selection can ultimately remove adaptive advantages. The study suggests that hybridized populations may not be as affected by human-mediated hybridization with domesticated species.

SourceWiley·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateSep 15, 2014

UChicago study finds young women involve parent in abortion when anticipating support

A recent UChicago study found that pregnant teens will turn to supportive parents and adults in their lives for help making the abortion decision. The majority of young women involved a parent or guardian, driven by factors like close relationships, need for logistics assistance, and concerns about parental interference.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 15, 2014

Researchers control surface tension to manipulate liquid metals

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

To curb violent tendencies, start young

A 19-year study found that children who received early interventions for aggressive behavior had fewer convictions for violent crimes, lower rates of serious substance abuse, and fewer psychiatric problems. The program's positive effects held true across four different sites and among both males and females.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 15, 2014

Protein secrets of Ebola virus

A team of scientists at UVA has obtained the crystal structure of a key Ebola virus protein, revealing a novel tertiary fold that could lead to insights into viral assembly and antiviral drug design. The study's results may provide a potential target for the development of new treatments for Ebola hemorrhagic fever.

Does having daughters cause judges to rule for women's issues?

A recent study of 224 judges found that those with daughters vote more in favor of women's issues than their counterparts without daughters. The effect is most pronounced among Republican judges, suggesting personal experiences play a role in judicial decision-making.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateSep 15, 2014

T-bet tackles hepatitis

High levels of T-bet in CD8+ T cells are prevalent in individuals who successfully fight off hepatitis infections. The protein is linked to the production of antiviral molecules like interferon and the ability of CD8+ T cells to multiply in response to the virus.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 15, 2014

Early Earth less hellish than previously thought

New study suggests that early Earth's crust was cool enough for surface water to form during some periods, challenging the long-held idea of a hostile environment. The research compared zircon crystals from Iceland with those formed over 4 billion years ago and found similarities in their compositions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateSep 15, 2014

The quick and the dead among tropical reptiles

A Dartmouth-led study finds that tropical reptiles can adapt quickly to climate change through natural selection. Researchers measured the thermal physiology of brown anole lizards and found that those who ran fastest at warmer temperatures had a higher survival rate, suggesting they may be better equipped to cope with heat stress.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Study: Web-based training can reduce campus rape

A web-based training program, RealConsent, was found to reduce sexually violent behavior and increase the likelihood of male students intervening to prevent sexual assault. The study involved over 700 male undergraduate students, who showed improved behavior after completing the training.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 15, 2014

When rulers can't understand the ruled

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that unelected officials in Washington have limited understanding of the American public. The survey revealed significant differences between federal workers and the general population, including demographic disparities, education levels, and political affiliations.

Habitual Facebook users: Suckers for social media scams?

A study found that frequent Facebook use and inability to regulate social media consumption make individuals susceptible to phishing attacks. Social media phishing is used in various crimes, including home invasion, cyber bullying, and espionage, highlighting the need for understanding why people fall victim to such scams.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 15, 2014

'Squid skin' metamaterials project yields vivid color display

The Rice University lab has developed an RGB color display technology using aluminum nanorods, creating vivid red, blue and green hues comparable to high-definition LCD displays. The technology uses plasmonic aluminum nanorods in ordered arrays to produce dozens of colors, including rich tones.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Cardiorespiratory fitness can delay male, age-associated blood pressure hikes

A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels can delay the natural increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure with age. Men with high fitness levels experience a later onset of prehypertension, with systolic blood pressure increasing around age 54 and diastolic blood ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 15, 2014

Project to turn world on to DC power

A team of University of Pittsburgh professors is working on a project to transition the US power grid to direct current (DC) using a $800,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation. DC technology has the potential to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy, especially in low-income areas. The researchers aim to devel...