Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 32

Sweet and sticky: Bacteria use sugars to bind to human cells

Researchers at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria interact with human cells, revealing high-affinity biomolecular interactions between glycans that were previously thought to be weak or non-existent. This finding opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and drugs to block infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

A well-preserved skeleton reveals the ecology and evolution of early carnivorous mammals

A nearly complete skeleton of a well-preserved early carnivorous mammal, Galecyon, has shed light on the ecology and evolutionary relationships of hyaenodontids. The fossil, dating back to the Eocene Epoch, suggests that these ancient animals were adaptable ground-dwelling creatures, unlike their tree-climbing or runner relatives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateDec 14, 2015

Age of blueschist is not an indicator of the date of emergence of plate tectonics

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the appearance of blueschist, a blue-violet rock, is connected to long-term changes in the composition of the oceanic crust. This discovery challenges theories on the emergence of plate tectonics, which previously dated back to the Neoproterozoic era or even earlier.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 14, 2015

Study uncovers hard-to-detect cancer mutations

New research reveals that current genome analysis approaches miss detecting complex cancer mutations in well-known genes that could be targeted by existing drugs. The developed software tool, Pindel-C, identifies a large number of such events in critical cancer genes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 14, 2015

Experts discover new gait pattern among top Russian officials

A team of researchers has identified a unique gait pattern among top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The experts link this 'gunslinger's gait' to military or intelligence training, specifically KGB instruction on keeping the weapon close to the chest while walking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2015

Precise method underlies sloppy madness of dog slurping

Dogs drink by accelerating their tongues to create a water column, whereas cats use steady inertia. Researchers used photography and laboratory simulations to study dog lapping, finding that dogs' sloppy-looking actions are high-speed movements optimizing fluid acquisition.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

Nanoscale one-way-street for light

Researchers at TU Wien developed a nanoscale device that allows light to propagate in only one direction, breaking the symmetry of traditional optics. By coupling alkali atoms to ultrathin glass fibers, they achieved high transmission rates for light traveling in one direction while blocking it in the other.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 14, 2015

Suicide gene therapy kills prostate tumor cells

Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital developed a suicide gene therapy that combines radiation treatment with a genetically modified virus to target and destroy cancer cells. The treatment shows high five-year overall survival rates of 97% and 94%, improving upon historical studies by 5-20%.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateDec 12, 2015

Scientists in Barcelona discover a potential treatment for cirrhosis

A study published in Gastroenterology reveals that the inhibition of CPEB4 protein can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels associated with cirrhosis. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of this disease, which is responsible for a high rate of hospital admissions and use of health resources.

Postpartum family planning services should be a top reproductive health priority

A new study finds that counseling before discharge from maternity units can impact subsequent contraceptive use, while integrating family planning into immunization services is justified. Relaxing strict LAM conditions may also be an effective postpartum contraceptive method, highlighting the need for a continuum of reproductive health...

SourcePopulation Council Journals·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateDec 11, 2015

Preventing diabetes at the office

A workplace intervention program significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and led to greater weight loss compared to a control group. Participants who attended more group discussion sessions and monitored their food and physical activity lost more weight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 11, 2015

Study finds there is less knowledge about global species diversity than previously assumed

Researchers conducted a long-term study on biodiversity in subtropical forests of China, finding that there might be an under- or overestimation of global biodiversity by up to 50% when only a few taxa are sampled. The study used traditional methods combined with DNA analysis to determine species numbers, revealing that larger areas an...