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Science News for April 23, 2015


How experience may lead to misperception

A new study by neuroscientists at the Bernstein Center Munich found that previous experience plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of physical quantities. The researchers developed a Bayesian model that integrates two classic theories and explains how prior knowledge affects judgment, leading to systematic estimation biases.

SourceBernstein Coordination Site (BCOS)·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

Zeroing in on a silent killer

Using a sophisticated X-ray analysis, scientists revealed the molecular structure of the angiotensin receptor AT1R, an important regulator of blood pressure in humans. This discovery provides new insights into the mode of action and facilitates the development of new drugs with fewer side effects.

Scientists use nanoscale building blocks and DNA 'glue' to shape 3-D superlattices

Researchers developed a method to fabricate structured composite materials using directional bindings of shaped particles for predictable assembly. The approach uses linker molecules made of complementary strands of DNA to control the arrangement of particles, achieving long-range order in large-scale assemblies and clusters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Picture this: Graphene brings 3-D holograms clearer and closer

Researchers at Griffith University and their international consortium have made significant progress in creating wide-angle and full-color 3D images using graphene. The sub-wavelength feature size allows for static holographic 3D images with a wide viewing angle, revolutionizing capabilities across various optical and electronic devices.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Boiling down viscous flow

A new simplified model predicts patterns that form from honey-like fluids, influenced by the ratio between fluid speed on impact and conveyor belt speed. The team's findings match previous experimental results and may be used to optimize manufacturing processes for nonwoven materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

A focus on flight

Researchers found that birds adopt only two stereotyped postures to navigate through cluttered environments at high speed. These postures allow birds to minimize energy loss and maximize robustness during flight. The study's findings may offer new insights into programming drones and UAVs to avoid obstacles.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2015

A silver lining

The study demonstrates the use of DNA nanotechnology to position arrays of hundreds of identical silver clusters with tunable fluorescent properties. This approach enables controlled assembly of photonic arrays, opening up new possibilities for sensing and imaging applications.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease shown to affect the development of coronary artery calcification

A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...

How does the brain keep track of time?

Researchers found that rats' behavior changed according to waiting times, mimicking human actions. The neural basis was linked to the striatum, where neurons encoded time as a position within an interval, not absolute units.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Genome editing in mitochondria prevents inheritance of diseases

Researchers successfully use gene-editing technology to prevent mutated mitochondrial DNA from being passed down to offspring in mice, offering a potential cure for maternally inherited genetic disorders. The approach involves injecting mRNA into mother's oocytes or early embryos and could be easily implemented in IVF clinics worldwide.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 23, 2015

Bold crickets have a shorter life

Researchers found that bold field crickets suffer from higher mortality rates compared to shy individuals, likely due to increased predation. This study, published in Behavioral Ecology, highlights the importance of considering individual personality traits when studying animal survival and ecology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 23, 2015

Reducing school bus pollution improves children's health

A study by the University of Michigan found that cleaner school bus fuels can improve children's health, particularly those with asthma, by reducing inflammation and airborne particles. The research suggests a potential 14 million fewer absences from school annually if all vehicles were altered to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

Classroom acoustics for architects

The Acoustical Society of America has published a free online booklet to aid architects in understanding and meeting the national classroom acoustics standard, ANSI/ASA S12.60. The booklet provides practical guidance on topics such as room acoustics, reverberation time, and sound transmission class, to help architects create classrooms...

Researchers add a new wrinkle to cell culture

Brown University researchers developed new textured surfaces using graphene to better mimic the complex surroundings in which cells grow. The wrinkled surfaces influenced cell growth, with cells being elongated and aligned along the wrinkles, resembling a biologically relevant phenotype.

SourceBrown University·JournalCarbon·DateApr 23, 2015

Can a parent's concerns predict autism?

Researchers discovered that parents of children at high risk for autism spectrum disorder reported more early concerns, particularly sensory and motor issues starting at six months. Early parental concerns can be predictive of autism diagnosis, highlighting the importance of talking to parents and taking their concerns seriously.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 23, 2015

Study on simulated stroke wins major neurology award

A study by Loyola University Medical Center resident neurologists found that simulation-based education significantly improved the knowledge, skills, and confidence of first-year neurology residents treating stroke patients in the emergency department. The study resulted in a 16.1% improvement on a multiple-choice test about treating s...

The past, present and future of pancreatic cancer research and treatment

Despite recent advances in understanding pancreatic cancer biology, researchers have made little progress in finding effective treatments. However, a new review suggests that immunotherapy combined with other treatments may significantly increase patient survival rates, and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Reviews Clinical Oncology·DateApr 23, 2015

The Achilles' heel of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers identify a time window when moderately resistant bacteria are sensitive to antibiotics, allowing for optimal treatment design. A new approach may help reintroduce antibiotics that were previously disregarded due to treatment failure concerns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Improving accuracy in genome editing

A team of scientists, led by Harvard University's David Liu, has developed an engineered form of the genome-editing protein Cas9 that can be turned on with a small drug-like molecule. This approach achieves up to 25-fold higher specificity in genome editing than the standard form of Cas9.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Finding new life for first-line antibiotics

Researchers have identified a single, simple metric to guide antibiotic dosing that could bring first-line antibiotics back into the fight against drug-resistant pathogens. A computer simulation revealed that a regimen based on a pathogen's recovery time could eliminate an otherwise resistant strain of bacteria.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Major depression leaves a metabolic mark

Researchers discovered a metabolic signature associated with major depression, including changes in mitochondrial DNA and telomere length. The findings suggest that depression may be linked to the body's response to environmental stressors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2015

Fat finding

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a long non-coding RNA that regulates brown fat development in mice. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat obesity.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Going with the flow?

Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 23, 2015

Fat signals control energy levels in the brain

The study found that a key enzyme produced by fat tissue regulates brain function and energy levels, suggesting an optimal amount of body fat for maximizing health and longevity. Mice with low NAMPT in fat tissue had impaired energy levels and physical activity, while those with high NAMPT exhibited increased physical activity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 23, 2015

Heat still on despite warming slowdown

A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 23, 2015

Thawing permafrost feeds climate change

A recent study found that thawing permafrost in Siberia is releasing ancient carbon into the atmosphere, which is then consumed by microbes and released as carbon dioxide. This process accelerates global warming and creates a runaway effect. Scientists are now studying the impact of this phenomenon on climate change.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2015

Long-term therapy with ETV or TDF demonstrates positive 5-year survival in patients with chronic HBV

A large cohort study found that long-term use of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF) results in excellent 5-year survival for Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with a significant proportion of deaths coming from liver-unrelated causes. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma plays a major role in mortality.

Looking to fossils to predict tooth evolution in rodents

A new study uses fossil data to predict that most rodent species will evolve continuously growing molar teeth over the next 50 million years. The researchers found evidence that many species possess the potential for acquiring dental stem cells, which are required for continuous tooth growth.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2015

Exploring treatment options for women with fibroids

Women with uterine fibroids have several treatment options, including medical and interventional therapies. Alternative treatment options include tranexamic acid, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, hysteroscopic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and more.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 23, 2015

The creation of Shangri-La

Researchers used a new computer model to simulate the formation of high-lying valleys in the southeastern Tibetan plateau. They found that these valleys developed in place, not as remnants of former lowlands, and were shaped by river disruption due to tectonic movement.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2015