CWRU awarded $3.9 million for innovative HIV research
Researchers will investigate gut leakage in HIV patients, leading to systemic inflammation and organ damage. They aim to determine if gut repair improves overall health.
Science News Archive 2015 - Page 367
Browse by Month - 2015
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Coral snake venom reveals a unique route to lethality
Researchers discovered that coral snake venom's toxins permanently activate crucial nerve cell proteins, preventing reset and causing deadly seizures. The toxins target GABA(A) receptors, making them 100 times tighter than known compounds, leading to permanent opening of the receptor's pore.
Many would rather buy generic clothes than stand out with designer brands
A study from the University of Missouri found that people with high sensitivity to social approval avoid clothing with large logos, even if it's a prestigious brand. Instead, they prefer smaller logos from lower-profile brands.
On quantum scales, there are many second laws of thermodynamics
Researchers have discovered a family of 'second laws' that govern the behavior of systems at very small scales, leading to counterintuitive phenomena and constraints on disorder. These new laws complement the traditional second law of thermodynamics, which describes the universe's growing state of disorder.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2015
Previously unknown genomic regions found in African American families with breast cancer
African American women are at higher risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer due to unique genetic mutations. The study found novel genomic segments shared among family members with breast cancer, supporting the hypothesis that specific genes may be unique to this population.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP gets an infrared look at Typhoon Higos
Typhoon Higos strengthened under NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite observation, with powerful thunderstorms circling its center. The storm is expected to intensify before weakening due to increased vertical wind shear.
A new opportunity to treat drug-resistant leukemia discovered
A study published in Nature identified axitinib as a promising drug candidate for treating drug-resistant leukemia. The researchers used a novel screening method and partnered with Pfizer to define the mechanism of action, providing new insights into blocking cancer-causing kinases.
Research shows benefits of silicon carbide for sensors in harsh environments
Research from Griffith University demonstrates silicon carbide's superiority as a semiconductor for high-performance sensors in various industries, including mining and aerospace. The compound's unique electronic structure provides mechanical strength, chemical inertness, thermal durability, and electrical stability.
Swimming reptiles make their mark in the Early Triassic
In the Early Triassic period, a prolonged period of delayed ecological recovery led to the widespread production and preservation of vertebrate swim tracks. This was due to minimal sediment mixing in stressful environments, which created firm-ground substrates ideal for recording subaqueous trace fossils.
NSU researchers discover DNA repair is high in heart, nonexistent in brain
Researchers discovered that organs have varying DNA repair capabilities, with the heart exhibiting the highest capacity, followed by other tissues. The brain showed no ability to repair damaged DNA, leading scientists to suggest that this may be linked to memory loss and dementia.
Novel 'smart' insulin automatically adjusts blood sugar in diabetic mouse model
Researchers have developed a long-lasting, glucose-responsive insulin derivative called Ins-PBA-F, which self-activates when blood sugar levels rise. Tests on mouse models show that one injection works for up to 14 hours, automatically lowering blood sugar levels.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2015
Study finds no reason for cancer survivors to be excluded in advanced stage lung cancer trials
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with a prior cancer diagnosis have similar clinical outcomes to those without a history of cancer. The researchers studied over 102,000 patients and found that these patients had better overall survival and lung cancer-specific survival rates.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 9, 2015
Electrochromic polymers create broad color palette for sunglasses, windows
Electrochromic polymers offer a broad range of colors, including four shades of brown, for use in sunglasses, window tinting, and other applications. The materials can be easily switched on and off using low-voltage electrical current.
Drug detectives
A new screening method uses lipid bilayer properties to predict toxicity, identifying probable cytotoxic drugs at an early stage in development. The Gramicidin-Based Fluorescence Assay (GBFA) tracks changes in protein function as a way of monitoring lipid bilayer alterations.
Bacteria's hidden traffic control
Researchers have mapped nearly every protein in a bacterial cell for its entire cell cycle, discovering a large number of distinct patterns with subtle spatial and temporal differences. This approach has implications for understanding how bacteria coordinate the timing and location of subcellular processes.
'Virtual virus' unfolds the flu on a CPU
Scientists at the University of Oxford have built a complete model of the outer envelope of an influenza A virion using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. The simulation reveals various characteristics about the membrane components, including the separation of spike proteins and their interactions with host cells. This res...
Promising peptide for TBI, heart attack and stroke
Researchers at Ben Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a promising peptide called humanin that can counteract cell death caused by hypoxia. The peptide's derivatives were tested on neuronal cells and showed successful results, potentially leading to new treatments for necrosis-related diseases.
Forcing wounds to close
Researchers at National University of Singapore discover that cells exert directional forces to close gaps in protective epithelial barriers, even when underlying layers are damaged. This 'tug-of-war' mechanism drives mechanical forces responsible for gap closure.
Genetic code cracked for worldwide dog and human parasite
The University of Melbourne-led study cracks the genetic code of T. canis, revealing its molecular biology and providing valuable insights into combating deadly outbreaks. The findings will aid future research on other related parasites, improving global health outcomes.
What's next in diets: Chili peppers?
A team of researchers at the University of Wyoming found that adding capsaicin from chili peppers to a diet can stimulate energy metabolism and burn stored fat, potentially preventing obesity. The study used mice on high-fat diets and found that dietary capsaicin increased metabolic activity and energy expenditure.
Anorexia nervosa
A study led by Dr. Howard Steiger found that individuals with anorexia nervosa exhibit disorder-relevant alterations in DNA methylation, affecting emotional reactions, physiological functions, and behaviors. Early treatment is crucial to prevent chronicity of the illness.
SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateFeb 7, 2015
The battle for iron
Scientists at EMBL and Heidelberg University Clinic have discovered a new way to starve pathogens of iron, using the immune system's TLR2 and TLR6 molecules. This finding offers an alternative approach to treatments for anaemia of chronic disease, which affects chronically ill patients.
Scandals not bad for business in the long term, study finds
A study of corporate scandals found that corrective measures led to improved operating performance, often outstripping rivals. Share prices plummeted short-term but recovered within three years.
After hospital discharge, deadly heart risks can remain for up to a year
A new Yale University study found that patients are at risk of rehospitalization or death within a year after being discharged from the hospital, with risks remaining high even after several months. The researchers tracked 3 million Medicare patients and discovered specific risks vary by discharge diagnosis and outcomes over time.
Astronomers breathe new life into venerable instrument
A team of astronomers successfully restored the Half-wave Spectropolarimeter (HPOL) instrument, allowing it to conduct measurements with improved performance. The upgraded HPOL is now fully operational at the University of Toledo's Ritter Observatory and enables researchers to study variable or transient objects more effectively.
New method for minimally invasive tissue ablation surgery
A new method for minimally invasive tissue ablation surgery combines electrolysis with reversible electroporation, increasing the effectiveness of the procedure. The technique allows for faster treatment and greater control over the target area, potentially leading to safer and more effective cancer treatment.
Lifting the veil on a dark galaxy
Astronomers validate earlier prediction of dark-matter dominated dwarf galaxy's location by discovering young Cepheid variables in the Norma constellation. The discovery sheds light on the nature of dark matter and confirms Newton's theory of gravity.
Methane seepage from the Arctic seabed occurring for millions of years
A team of scientists has found evidence of methane seepage from the Arctic seabed dating back 2.7 million years, tied to tectonic plate movement and potentially influenced by past temperature fluctuations. The study suggests that the release of methane gas hydrates in this region may have contributed to climate change.
How to forecast extreme snowfall in Spain
A team of researchers analyzed a significant cold snap in March 2011, which led to unexpected intense snowfalls. By examining the episode, scientists improved short-term predictions and developed a better understanding of how to predict similar events in the future.
Cow immune system inspires potential new therapies
Researchers fuse human hormones with cow antibodies to create long-lasting treatment options for hormone deficiencies and other diseases. The new therapy shows promise in reducing the frequency of injections needed for conditions like Turner syndrome and low birth weight.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2015
A picture is worth 1,000 words, but how many emotions?
A new approach uses progressively trained deep convolutional neural networks to analyze sentiments in images. The method outperforms existing techniques on Twitter image sentiment analysis, even exceeding text-based sentiment classification on the same messages. This technology could inform economists and predict election outcomes.
Consumer preferences and the power of scarcity
Research finds that scarcity makes consumers choose their favorite item more, while abundance leads to varied selections. This effect can be manipulated through psychological arousal, influencing decision-making in various contexts.
Aerial monitors shed light on reed die-back around Central Europe's largest lake
Researchers from the University of Leicester and Hungarian Academy of Sciences develop a way to map 'reed die-back' using satellite and aircraft monitoring systems. They found several indices related to the ecological status of reed plants, which can be mapped from specific wavelengths of radiation.
Drug combinations a good approach for infectious fungus, research shows
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that only a few strains of Candida albicans became resistant to combination therapy, and that resistance came at a cost to the fungus. The resistant strains grew poorly in stress conditions and were vulnerable to immune cells.
Researchers reveal how hearing evolved
Studies on lungfish and salamander hearing shed light on the evolution of aerial hearing in early terrestrial vertebrates, suggesting they could have detected airborne sound without a tympanic middle ear. The research provides insight into the development of hearing 250-350 million years ago.
UC Davis researchers identify new compound that takes aim at neuropathic pain
A new compound named 8-Gly carb has been discovered by UC Davis researchers to potentiate the inhibition of nitrous oxide production, implicated in chronic pain syndromes. The findings offer an important avenue for developing drugs to prevent neuropathic pain without interfering with recovery.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateFeb 6, 2015
Researchers discover critical molecule in fight against lung infection
Researchers at Montana State University have discovered a critical molecule, IL-1a, that plays a crucial role in recruiting white blood cells to fight lung infections. The molecule helps prevent mold from invading lung tissue and growing, potentially reducing the death rate associated with Aspergillus fumigatus.
E-cigarette vapors, flavorings, trigger lung cell stress
A new study by the University of Rochester finds that e-cigarettes emit toxic substances harmful to lung cells, including heavy metals and nanoparticles. Flavored e-juices like cinnamon also cause more stress on lung tissue.
Poor access to primary care results in poorer health for deaf people
A study found Deaf adults have high risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, with many undiagnosed or untreated conditions. Poor communication and lack of interpreters exacerbate the issue, leading to missed diagnoses and ineffective treatment.
Diabetes interventions should be localized, WashU study finds
Research from WashU suggests that poverty and inactivity are linked to diabetes prevalence, but only in certain areas. Localized approaches can target the most common predictors of diabetes in each region.
Fewer viral relics may be due to a less bloody evolutionary history
Research found that humans have fewer endogenous retroviruses than other animals, likely due to reduced blood contact. This decrease could be attributed to human evolution using tools instead of biting during conflicts.
Video game technology helps measure upper extremity movement
Researchers developed a video game to measure upper extremity movement in patients with muscular dystrophy, highly correlating scores with daily activities and mobility. The game, using Kinect technology, measures patient performance and can be used across sites internationally.
Study finds minimal ethnic differences in health among older insured diabetes patients
A study of 115,538 older patients with diabetes found that geriatric conditions were more common than diabetic complications, but their prevalence varied little by ethnicity. The research suggests that culturally competent care is essential for addressing disparities in this population.
New tools to breed cereal crops that survive flooding
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have developed new breeding techniques to enhance flood tolerance in barley and other crops. They identified the mechanism used by plants to sense low oxygen levels and reduced yield loss in water-logged conditions, leading to improved crop resilience.
We're all going to die; DNA strands on the end of our chromosomes hint when
Research finds a connection between telomere mutations and lung disease, with shorter telomeres indicating a greater chance for bone marrow failure, liver disease, skin disease, and other conditions. The study also highlights the importance of telomere research in understanding lung disease and its potential impact on future generations.
NOAA's DSCOVR: Offering a new view of the solar wind
The NOAA DSCOVR satellite is launching to study the solar wind and forecast space weather at Earth. It will measure the movement of positively-charged particles, negatively-charged electrons, and magnetic fields to determine what heats the solar wind.
NASA scientist advances methane sounder to measure another greenhouse gas
A NASA scientist is developing a new laser instrument sensitive to methane, another potent greenhouse gas. The Methane Sounder will provide high-resolution, accurate, and around-the-clock global measurements, which could help understand current trends and mitigate its effects.
Reactivation of HBV can be prevented, treated during immunosuppressive drug therapy
New American Gastroenterological Association guidelines provide guidance on managing HBV reactivation in patients undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The guidelines recommend screening for HBV in patients at moderate or high risk, and consider prophylaxis with anti-hepatitis B therapeutics.
UT Dallas scientists target smartphone technology to improve hearing devices
Researchers aim to enhance speech signals and classify background noise using powerful smartphone processors and machine learning algorithms. The project has the potential to create a wide collection of smartphone apps for use with hearing aid devices.
Mosquitoes ramp up immune defenses after sucking blood, Penn vet researcher finds
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mosquitoes increase production of immune system proteins called leucine-rich repeat immune proteins (LRIMs) after feeding on blood, which helps fight off parasites that may be present in the blood.
Why 'baking powder' increases efficiency of plastic solar cells
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have discovered that a co-solvent added during production increases the efficiency of plastic solar cells, comparable to the role of baking powder in dough mixture. The new understanding will enable more effective development of plastic solar cells.
Reining in the yeast tree of life
A new methodology called Lasso has been developed to find an evolutionary tree even when some comparisons are missing. The NCYC team evaluated Lasso on their datasets and found it outperformed alternative approaches.
Building a town house from bio-based plastics
The book explores the potential of 3D printing with biomaterials to minimize our carbon footprint and create sustainable products. A remarkable example is the printing of an entire town house from bio-based plastics, which reduces the material's carbon footprint by more than 60%.
Revealing the workings of a master switch for plant growth
Researchers at RIKEN have identified a key mechanism in which brassinosteroids, expensive plant hormones, control plant height and growth. The study reveals that BIL1, a master switch regulating 3,000 genes, interacts with BSS1 to regulate brassinosteroid signaling.
Unseen volcanoes may play role in Earth's long-term climate
Research finds cyclical variations in Earth's tilt and orbit coincide with 100,000-year changes in Earth's orbit and climate. Volcanic activity at mid-ocean ridges may release carbon dioxide, contributing to climatic shifts.
Drilling reveals fault rock architecture in New Zealand's central alpine fault
Researchers document fault rocks surrounding New Zealand's active Alpine Fault, recording slip rates and influencing earthquake processes. The study provides insights into the complex fault rock sequence resulting from past earthquakes, with potential applications for realistic ground shaking predictions.
In a crisis, the bigger your social network, the better
Researchers found that communities with stronger social connections were better equipped to manage crises like the megadrought in the Southwest. This finding has implications for modern crisis management research.
Dartmouth study highlights brain cells' role in navigating environment
A Dartmouth study reveals that grid cells in the entorhinal cortex play a crucial role in generating the signal for spatial navigation. The findings contribute to our understanding of how we update our spatial perception as we move through our environment, which is essential for navigating and survival.
Direct measurement of key molecule will increase accuracy of combustion models
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories directly measure hydroperoxyalkyl radicals, a class of reactive molecules controlling early stages of combustion. This breakthrough improves the fidelity of models used by engine manufacturers to create cleaner and more efficient cars and trucks.
Researchers produce first map of New York City subway system microbes
Researchers create first comprehensive map of NYC subway system microbes, finding mostly harmless bacteria, but also detecting disease-causing and treatment-resistant strains. The study provides baseline data for city-wide disease surveillance and bioterrorism threat mitigation.