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Science News for September 18, 2014


Single dose of antidepressant changes the brain

Researchers discovered that a single dose of antidepressant can dramatically change the human brain's functional architecture within three hours. The study found increased connectivity in two specific brain regions, while reducing intrinsic connectivity elsewhere.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 18, 2014

Withdrawal from the evolutionary race

Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 18, 2014

A second look at glaucoma surgery

A study led by Queen's University professor Robert Campbell revealed that using anti-inflammatory medicines after common eye surgery isn't helpful or necessary. The research found that steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not affect the ability of laser treatment to lower eye pressure.

SourceQueen's University·JournalOphthalmology·DateSep 18, 2014

Video game could help anxious children

A new video game called MindLight is being tested to see if it can help youth cope with and conquer their anxiety. The game, designed for children aged 8-16, uses neurofeedback technology to measure the player's level of relaxation or anxiety, providing a safe space for kids to practice regulating their emotions.

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood worsens musculoskeletal pain outcomes after trauma

A multi-site research study found that individuals living in disadvantaged neighborhoods experience worse musculoskeletal pain outcomes over time after stressful events like car accidents. The study suggests that the environment plays a significant role in chronic pain development, with stress systems involved in pain worsening outcomes.

Hepatitis C virus proteins in space

Two researchers from the Technical University of Munich have won an International Space Station Research Competition to study the structure of Hepatitis C virus proteins in microgravity. The project aims to identify new targets for medications and could lead to breakthroughs in treating the disease, which is prevalent in Egypt.

Evolution of responses to (un)fairness

A review article examines how humans and non-human species respond to unfairness, revealing that reactions are driven by cooperation and social reciprocity. The study suggests that fairness is not the primary motivator, but rather maintaining good relations through reward division.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

Nuclear spins control current in plastic LED

Physicists at the University of Utah have developed a method to control electrical current in a cheap, plastic LED using nuclear spins. They achieved this at room temperature without strong magnetic fields, bringing the study closer to practical machines that work spintronically.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2014

How pneumonia bacteria can compromise heart health

Researchers discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae, the cause of most cases of bacterial pneumonia, can invade the heart and cause death of heart muscle cells. The study found that the pneumolysin toxin is responsible for this damage, and that an experimental vaccine formulation protected mice against cardiac invasion and heart damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 18, 2014

Stem cells use 'first aid kits' to repair damage

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that stem cells 'communicate' with damaged cells by transferring molecules via fluid-filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells modify the damaging immune response. This novel mechanism enables stem-cell-based therapies to work more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2014

Pupil size shows reliability of decisions

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that pupil size can predict the reliability of decisions. Researchers measured pupil size before participants made decisions and found that larger pupils were associated with poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 18, 2014

Tree rings and arroyos

Researchers use tree rings to date arroyo sedimentary beds and combine data with aerial imagery and LiDAR to reconstruct the history of these arroyos. The study reveals that arroyos are unstable features that shift between broad floodplains and incised channels, and that upstream progression is limited to specific locations.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateSep 18, 2014

Dogs can be pessimists too

Research from the University of Sydney measures positive and negative emotional states in dogs objectively, revealing that while most dogs are optimistic, some display pessimistic tendencies. Pessimistic dogs tend to be more stressed by failures and less willing to take risks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2014

Melanoma risk found to have genetic determinant

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has established a link between longer telomeres and increased melanoma risk. The research team identified seven genetic variations associated with telomere length and found that those with the longest telomeres are at a 30% increased risk of developing melanoma.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 18, 2014