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Science News for December 7, 2015


New $4.4 million research project targets obesity

A new $4.4 million research project aims to improve diagnosis and therapies for obesity-related health problems, including coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, type-2 diabetes, and degenerative joint disease. The project will utilize big data analytics and genomics to gain insights into the causes of obesity.

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere has altered photosynthesis of plants over the 20th century

Researchers at Umeå University discovered that increased CO2 levels shifted photosynthetic metabolism in plants towards photosynthesis, contributing to global vegetation's ability to dampen climate change. The study used historic plant samples to quantify the impact of atmospheric CO2 levels on plant metabolism.

SourceUmea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Cancer study identifies genes that stop onset of leukemia

A recent study by University of Edinburgh researchers has identified two molecules, Hif-1alpha and Hif-2alpha, that work together to prevent the development of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in an aggressive type of blood cancer. The findings suggest that therapies designed to block these molecules may have no impact or worsen the disease.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 7, 2015

Suspect cells not guilty after all in late-stage lupus

Virginia Tech researchers have discovered that plasmacytoid dendritic cells do not contribute to late-stage lupus in mice, contradicting years of previous research. The study's findings suggest that pDCs are only involved in the initiation of lupus, rather than its progression.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 7, 2015

Reform model not yet helping people with mental illness

A recent study found that a reform model aimed at improving coordinated care for individuals with mental health diagnoses has yet to deliver desired results. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract, which began in 2009, was designed to encourage high-value care and improve quality coordination, but its ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 7, 2015

Breaking bread with colleagues boosts productivity

A recent study by Cornell University found that firefighter platoons who eat meals together have better group job performance compared to those who dine solo. This phenomenon is attributed to the social bonding and intimacy that comes with sharing meals, which spills over into improved work performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalHuman Performance·DateDec 7, 2015

Invasive ants threaten native Australian butterfly

Research on invasive yellow crazy ants found they are more likely to attack native cruiser butterfly caterpillars than green tree ants. The study suggests a potential eradication program could mitigate ecological damage, but federal support is uncertain without state and local backing.

SourceWiley·JournalBiotropica·DateDec 7, 2015

New massive dataset of bacterial proteins

Scientists from Switzerland and the Netherlands have identified over 2,300 bacterial proteins in 22 different growth conditions, representing half of the bacterial genes. The dataset provides insight into protein function, expression levels, and post-translational adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 7, 2015

Acetaminophen provides no benefits against the flu

A new randomized clinical trial found that acetaminophen does not provide benefits in fighting the flu or reducing symptoms. The trial involved adults with confirmed influenza infections, who were treated with paracetamol or placebo for five days.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateDec 7, 2015

Greenland glaciers retreating at record pace

A new study shows that Greenland's glaciers are retreating twice as fast as in the past 9,500 years, highlighting their acute temperature sensitivity. The sediment cores from a glacier-fed lake provide the first continuous observation of glacier change in southeastern Greenland.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalClimate of the Past·DateDec 7, 2015

Reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the big toe

A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that both prefabricated foot orthoses and rocker-sole shoes alleviate big toe joint pain, with orthoses potentially being the better option due to reduced discomfort and impaired balance. Additionally, these interventions also affect peak pressure under other toes and midfoot.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateDec 7, 2015

Screenbased activities can't replace personal interactions

A new article published in Acta Paediatrica stresses the importance of direct interactions with family members for infants' cognitive and language development. The research suggests that screen-based activities like iPads or DVDs may actually hinder language skills, leading to potential delays.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateDec 7, 2015

What makes Tom Hanks look like Tom Hanks?

University of Washington researchers have developed a technology to capture the 'persona' of a well-photographed person like Tom Hanks from vast numbers of Internet images. The digital model can be animated to deliver speeches that the real actor never performed, and even transfer expressions and mannerisms onto another person's face.

Most men with erectile dysfunction are satisfied with penile prostheses

A study of 47 men with erectile dysfunction found that 79% were satisfied with the outcome of penile prosthesis surgery. The benefits included improved sexual function, enhanced male identity, and relationship improvements. Most men reported positive emotions, self-esteem, confidence, and increased desire after receiving the implant.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateDec 7, 2015

Cities support a greater number of threatened species than non-urban areas

A recent study from Australia found that urban environments contain disproportionately more threatened protected species in a given area than non-urban environments. Cities consistently supported a greater number of protected species than other areas, showcasing the importance of cities in tackling biodiversity loss.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateDec 7, 2015

Nanotube letters spell progress

The Rice researchers used experiments and simulations to study the stiffness of joined nanotubes and found that some types are tougher than others, with all having potential uses in macroscale structures. The team discovered that the X's were the stiffest and most able to bounce back to nearly their original shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 2015

Sperm crane their neck to turn right

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that sperm tails rotate in a counter-clockwise motion to move through fluids. Approximately 50% of observed sperm moved to the right by distorting their bodies to counteract the left-turning force, suggesting two distinct physiologically subpopulations

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Closing a malware security loophole

A new antivirus add-on can scan across computer networks and trap malicious activity missed by system firewalls, offering improved protection against malware. The system adds little computing overhead and can block malware before it causes harm or spreads to other machines.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateDec 7, 2015

Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change

Researchers found that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans, paving the way for non-invasive therapeutic strategies. The study suggests exercise plays a crucial role in brain health and recovery, particularly for individuals with conditions like amblyopia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

How our brains overrule our senses

A new study identifies brain processes in mice that may help explain how weak sensory inputs are interpreted differently in the same brain. Activity in higher-level perception areas of the brain is shaped by lower-level sensory input, adding a cellular layer to our understanding of perception.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 2015

Skin cells play 'dice games'

Recent research reveals that all dividing human skin cells have the potential to switch between two modes of cell division, one for maintenance and another for wound repair. This finding explains how skin grafts work and may lead to new treatments for wound healing and cancer.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

Catching cellular impacts of bubbles and jets

Cavitation bubbles, formed by ultrasonic pressure waves, can cause severe damage to nearby cells. Duke researchers used high-speed cameras to study the effects of these powerful little bubbles on individual cells, finding that membranes can withstand higher strains than previously thought and reseal allowing target cells to fully recover.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Unexpected wood source for Chaco Canyon great houses

Researchers discovered that ancient Puebloans used trees from the Zuni and Chuska Mountains to build massive structures in Chaco Canyon. The switch to Chuska Mountain trees coincides with significant cultural developments in Chacoan culture, including changes in masonry style and construction volume.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Discovery puts designer dopamine neurons within reach

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a method to convert skin cells into functional dopamine neurons by manipulating the expression of p53 and Tet1 enzymes. This breakthrough enables the efficient generation of patient-specific neurons that can be transplanted into the brain to repair faulty dopamine neurons.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2015

Could hippos be meat eaters?

Researchers found that hippos consume meat, challenging their dietary status as herbivores, and increasing their susceptibility to anthrax outbreaks. This behavior may be linked to the unique characteristics of antelope carcasses infected with anthrax.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateDec 7, 2015

A new genus of plant bug, plus 4 new species from Australia

Entomologists from the University of California, Riverside, discovered a new genus of plant bug, Restiophylus, and four new species from Australia. The new species are closely associated with Australian restiid clade (Poales). Detailed information on the insects is provided in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateDec 7, 2015

How fresh is your maple syrup?

Trees draw on stored carbon reserves when springtime sap begins to flow, integrating sugars from multiple growing seasons. This finding suggests that maple syrup production depends on long-term nutrient storage rather than just the last season.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 7, 2015

Study links Facebook connections, alcohol use in college-aged females

A study by the University of Georgia found a correlation between certain patterns of connections on Facebook and drug and alcohol use among female students. Students with a history of childhood physical abuse were more likely to be part of densely interconnected groups, associated with higher risk for alcohol use. In contrast, those wi...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 7, 2015

New clues for battling botulism

Researchers deciphered the atomic-scale structure of a botulism toxin-bound protein, revealing how it stays intact in acidic conditions and disassembles in neutral pH environments. This knowledge may help develop new vaccines or treatments targeting the deadly neurotoxin.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2015