Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 1, 2015


Mice sing like songbirds to woo mates

Researchers analyzed mouse songs using a new statistical tool, finding that males sing more complex songs when they smell a female's urine but don't see her. The songs' dynamics are influenced by social contexts and can be used to study vocal communication and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateApr 1, 2015

A multi-faceted poison

Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry-based process to detect the toxic bacteria's emetic toxin, cereulide. The new method identified 18 variants of cereulide and is being evaluated for its reliability in detecting contaminated products.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 1, 2015

Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

A new unpowered ankle exoskeleton developed by Carnegie Mellon and North Carolina State researchers reduces the metabolic cost of walking by approximately 7%, equivalent to taking off a 10-pound backpack. The device uses a mechanical clutch to offload energy-consuming calf muscle forces, allowing individuals with mobility issues to wal...

Accountancy ambitions

Research suggests that accounting profession's negative stereotypes provide professional stability and exclusivity. The study uses 'commedia dell'arte' to analyze the role of stock characters in shaping career choices and perceptions of accountants. The authors argue that maintaining these stereotypes is beneficial for the profession.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Accounting·DateApr 1, 2015

ERS and ATS publish statement on the current state and future directions of COPD research

The ERS and ATS published a statement on the current state and future directions of COPD research, identifying key gaps in knowledge and recommending areas for future investigation. The statement highlights the importance of patient-centered outcomes and the need for high-quality surrogate outcomes to improve COPD diagnosis and treatment.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 1, 2015

Quantum teleportation on a chip

Researchers at the University of Bristol have successfully integrated quantum teleportation circuits onto a photonic chip, overcoming scalability limitations. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-high-speed quantum computers and strengthens communication security.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 1, 2015

Wayne State study of brain networks shows differences in children with OCD

A new Wayne State University study demonstrates altered communication between brain centers in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The research found that the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex exerts exaggerated brain network effects in OCD, suggesting a putative scientific framework for understanding the disorder.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 1, 2015

Complete camel skeleton unearthed in Austria

Archaeologists uncovered a complete camel skeleton in Tulln, Austria, dating back to the 17th century, shedding light on camel use in Central Europe. The hybrid camel, with a dromedary mother and Bactrian father, was likely used for military transportation, not food.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 1, 2015

Migrating immune cells promote nerve cell demise in the brain

Researchers found that inflammatory cells from the bloodstream play a key role in neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. CD95L-bearing immune cells cause damage to neurons, and blocking this molecule can prevent neurodegeneration in mice. This suggests that early treatment with drugs targeting CD95L might mitigate Parkinson's symptoms.

Texting too tempting for college students even when inappropriate

A recent study by Penn State psychologists found that college students often disregard social norms when texting, with many admitting to sending texts during funerals, in the shower, or while having sex. The researchers suggest that breaking with these norms is too tempting for most students, who prioritize checking their texts over pr...

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Social Science Journal·DateApr 1, 2015

Poses of power are less powerful than we thought

A recent study by University of Zurich researchers found that power poses, commonly believed to boost confidence and influence hormones, have no impact on actual behavior. However, the study did show that power poses can affect one's perception of power, leading to increased self-confidence.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 1, 2015

Simpler antibiotic treatments could help millions of infants who lack access to hospitals

Researchers found that simpler antibiotic regimens are as safe and effective as standard treatments, allowing more infants with severe infections to receive life-saving treatment at home. The study demonstrated that outpatient treatments with fewer injections can produce similar results to the traditional course of twice daily injections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateApr 1, 2015

Lifting families out of poverty -- with dignity

A new study by Jennifer Sykes and colleagues found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program bolsters recipients' self-respect by emphasizing their role as working parents and providers. The EITC has lifted approximately 7 million people out of poverty every year, about half of those children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 1, 2015

Broad Institute-MIT team identifies highly efficient new cas9 for in vivo genome editing

A Broad Institute-MIT team has identified a highly efficient new Cas9 nuclease that overcomes the primary challenge to in vivo genome editing, expanding therapeutic and experimental applications of CRISPR. The new tool is expected to improve scientists' ability to screen for gene mutations and understand gene function using animal models.

A CNIO team succeeds in doubling the life span of mice suffering from premature aging

A CNIO team has developed a method to rescue premature aging in mice by increasing the body's capacity to produce DNA building blocks. By introducing a mutation that boosts nucleotide production, the researchers doubled the lifespan of ATR-mutant mice from 24 weeks to 50 weeks, also alleviating symptoms of Seckel syndrome.

Locking up an oncogenic transcription

A new molecule designed to specifically target a cancer-causing transcription factor has shown potential to extend survival in some leukemia patients. The small molecule, AI-10-49, inhibits the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by sequestering an oncogenic mutant, leaving normal transcription factor activity intact.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2015

AAO-HNSF updated clinical practice guideline: Adult sinusitis

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has updated its clinical practice guideline for adult sinusitis. The new guideline emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, including deciding whether to use antibiotics for acute bacterial sinusitis. Key recommendations ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateApr 1, 2015

Cancer's relentless evolution

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells exhibit high genetic diversity, driven by convergent evolution and mutation rates, leading to increased treatment resistance. Researchers are exploring a new paradigm that leverages cancer's evolveability to develop more effective treatments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 1, 2015

Adults who struggle to follow heart medication regimens should focus on behavior change

A University of Missouri researcher found that behavioral interventions for patients are more effective than those targeting healthcare providers in improving medication adherence. The study analyzed 29 interventions and concluded that patient-centered approaches can help identify the root causes of non-adherence.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateApr 1, 2015

Ebola planning created need for unprecedented preparedness in hospitals

Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology detail the challenges of caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in hospitals. Key findings include staffing shortages, delays in patient care, and anxiety among staff and patients due to high-profile cases.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 1, 2015

Negotiating: Careful choice of words increases chances of success

A recent study by Leuphana University and Saarland University found that using wording that emphasizes the benefits of a proposal can lead to better outcomes. Researchers investigated this effect in eight studies involving over 650 subjects and discovered that parties who focus on their own gains are less willing to make concessions. B...

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 1, 2015

The Lancet and The Lancet Global Health: Babies with clinically suspected serious infections can be safely and effectively treated outside hospital

Newborns and young infants with severe bacterial infections can be effectively treated outside hospital with simplified antibiotic regimens, reducing deaths and improving adherence. The Lancet study found that treatment failures were low in all three trials, and the risk of death was similar to infants who received hospital care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2015

Cancer prevention efforts in the US a mixed bag

The American Cancer Society's new report highlights disparities in cancer prevention and early detection efforts, including underutilized screening for colorectal and cervical cancers. Meanwhile, tobacco use remains a major cause of preventable disease and premature death, with wide variation by education and race/ethnicity.

Depression often co-occurs with joint diseases

A study of 14,348 Swiss individuals found that those with depressive symptoms have a higher risk of developing physical diseases, especially arthrosis and arthritis. The researchers suggest that lack of interest in physical activity or inflammatory processes may be key factors in this association.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateApr 1, 2015