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Science News for August 27, 2015


Choosing to end it all

Research by Dr. Fabrice Jollant found that high-risk decision-making among parents of individuals who committed suicide may contribute to their vulnerability. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation techniques can help improve decision-making skills, reducing the risk of suicide.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateAug 27, 2015

Cervical pessary doesn't reduce rate of preterm birth or neonatal complications in twin gestatations

A large international randomized clinical trial found that cervical pessary insertion did not reduce spontaneous preterm births or neonatal complications in women with twins. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 1,180 twin pregnancies and showed no significant differences between groups.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 27, 2015

New strategy improves detection of genetic mutations in hereditary colorectal cancer

A new testing method developed to accurately detect PMS2 gene mutations has been shown to improve diagnosis and support genetic counseling and medical management for individuals with Lynch syndrome. The approach combines targeted capture next-generation sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and long-range PCR fo...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015

Fishermen discards could increase prevalence of turtle disease in Turks and Caicos

Research finds that fishermen in Turks and Caicos Islands are increasing the local prevalence of a disease affecting turtle populations worldwide by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that this practice has the opposite effect of cul...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 27, 2015

Data backs limits on deep-sea fishing by depth

Researchers found a clear transition in catches at depths of 600 to 800 meters, with significant increases in biodiversity and discarded biomass. The study suggests that a depth limit at around 600 meters could have specific conservation benefits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2015

Interrupting sitting with walking breaks improves children's blood sugar

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Getting a picture of the molecules in a cell in just minutes

Researchers at RIKEN and Hiroshima University create technique to analyze metabolites, hormones, nutrients, and lipids in individual cells using nanospray tip and mass spectrometer. This breakthrough could speed up understanding of molecular distribution in time and space, transforming agricultural science.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 27, 2015

How the mind sharpens the senses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that mental focussing can improve tactile acuity by 17 percent after a four-day Zen-retreat. This improvement is comparable to those achieved through intense long-term training or physical stimulation, challenging the current understanding of neuroplasticity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

A CNIO team finds the way to generate potentially safer stem cells in the laboratory

A CNIO team has identified the origin of damage to induced pluripotent stem cells and developed strategies to reduce it, resulting in cells with less damage to their genome. This breakthrough improves the safety of iPS cells for use in biomedicine, potentially treating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Pigments, organelles persist in fossil feathers

Researchers have found evidence that melanosomes, which produce melanin pigment, are preserved in the fossil record of Anchiornis huxleyi, a bird-like dinosaur. The study uses electron microscopy and chemical analysis to demonstrate that the microbodies are indeed melanosomes, not microbes.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Successful boron-doping of graphene nanoribbon

Researchers at the University of Basel have synthesized boron-doped graphene nanoribbons with controlled band gaps, enabling the development of highly sensitive gas sensors for nitrogen oxides. The material's chemical properties were characterized using atomic force microscopy, revealing high selectivity towards adsorption.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

Probiotics show no impact preventing gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant bugs

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 27, 2015

Survey finds many physicians overestimate their ability to assess patients' risk of Ebola

A survey of primary care physicians found significant variation in how doctors make decisions in situations of uncertainty, with those least likely to encounter Ebola patients being most likely to choose overly intense management. The results highlight the need for additional resources and responsible reporting by news media.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 27, 2015

New theory leads to radiationless revolution

Physicists have developed a radical new theory that confines electromagnetic energy without leaking away, with potential applications in explaining dark matter and combating energy losses. The theory contradicts fundamental principles of electrodynamics but could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computers and laser technology.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

Is neuroticism fueled by overthinking?

A new theory proposes that neuroticism is driven by high activity in the brain's self-generated thought centers, which can lead to both creative breakthroughs and negative emotions. The study suggests that overthinking may be a key factor in experiencing intense negative emotions even when there is no apparent threat.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 27, 2015

Modified bacteria become a multicellular circuit

Rice University scientists have created a multicellular bacterial circuit that allows bacteria to cooperate and control protein expression. This breakthrough enables the development of biological computers that can be programmed through diet, with potential applications in treating diseases and manipulating the gut microbiome.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2015

Short bouts of activity may offset lack of sustained exercise in kids

Researchers found that brief intervals of exercise during sedentary periods can lower children's blood glucose and insulin levels, and may protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study suggests that even short activity breaks can help overcome negative effects on the body.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

CanDL database shines light on clinically important cancer gene mutations

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center have designed an online database called CanDL to help molecular pathologists identify key cancer gene mutations. The freely accessible database includes information on 60 genes, 334 distinct variants and 169 unique matching literature references across multiple cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateAug 27, 2015