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Science News for December 18, 2015


NASA study: Examination of Earth's recent history key to predicting global temperatures

A new NASA study finds that accurately accounting for climate drivers like aerosols and land use changes is crucial for predicting future global temperatures. The research calculated the temperature impact of each variable based on historical observations, revealing their complexity and correcting earlier underestimations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 18, 2015

Nanodevices at one-hundredth the cost

Researchers at MIT's Microsystems Technologies Laboratories show promise in building microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using affordable and high-quality desktop fabrication devices. This allows for production of useful MEMS at significantly lower costs without compromising quality, enabling new markets and applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateDec 18, 2015

Architecture of mTOR protein complex solved

Researchers have elucidated the structure of mTORC1, a crucial protein complex involved in cellular signaling and disease regulation. The study reveals detailed interactions between partner proteins, shedding light on the mechanism of rapamycin-induced changes, which affects substrate specificity and pharmaceutical effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2015

Inflammation can fan the flames of depression

Researchers at Rice University and Ohio State University found that chronic inflammation is linked to depression, with concentrations of inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 elevated by up to 50% in patients. Activities like yoga, meditation, NSAIDS, and exercise can help treat depression caused by chronic inflammation.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 2015

POSTECH team creates a more durable protein hydrogel based on elastic silk-like protein

Researchers created a mechanically durable hydrogel using an elastic silk-like protein called aneroin, which has improved mechanical properties compared to collagen and silkworm silk. The aneroin hydrogel provided an adequate environment for cell growth, proliferating mammalian cells with healthy morphology.

Multiplying teeth

Researchers have successfully multiplied teeth in mice by splitting tooth germ cells and implanting them into the jaw. This discovery could lead to new treatments for people born with missing teeth or who lose teeth due to accidents or disease.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2015

Review: PTSD resources lacking for nonveterans

A new study finds that treatment resources for non-veterans with PTSD are much less cohesive and helpful than those available to veterans. The review of research literature highlights the need for better guidance on treating PTSD in specific vulnerable subpopulations, such as victims of sexual assault and natural disasters.

SourceBrown University·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 2015

Uncovering potentially 'concerning' variation in cancer screening follow-ups

A recent study involving one million patients found that follow-up times for abnormal screening exams were shorter for breast cancer than for colorectal and cervical cancers. The study characterized cancer screening practice variation across seven centers and noted the potential barriers to timely follow-up, including patient inconveni...

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 18, 2015

Coastal marshes more resilient to sea-level rise than previously believed

A new study by Duke University researchers found that coastal marshes can adapt to rising sea levels through increased plant productivity and soil generation, reducing the extent of marsh loss. The 'CO2 fertilization effect' allows marshes to trap more sediment and create organic soil, which helps them keep pace with sea-level rise.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2015

Bacterium carrying a cloned Bt-gene could help millions infected with roundworms

A team of researchers has successfully inserted the gene for Bt into a harmless bacterium, which can be used to deliver the protein to people afflicted with roundworms through dairy products or probiotics. This could provide an inexpensive treatment option for millions of people worldwide infected with intestinal nematodes and roundworms.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 18, 2015