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Science News for February 11, 2015


Oyster disease thrives in nightly dead zones

A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2015

Better how-to videos

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed a new system called Crowdy that recruits viewers to create subgoal labels for educational videos. The system improves video annotations by leveraging crowdsourcing, reducing costs to $1 per minute, and enhancing learner retention and satisfaction.

New study 'game-changer' for stroke treatment worldwide

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a dramatic improvement in restoring blood flow to the brain after adding stent thrombectomy to standard clot-dissolving therapy. The new treatment restores blood flow to 89% of patients, with 71% returning to independent living.

SourceMelbourne Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Wikipedia use -- nothing to be ashamed about

A study by Monash University found that while seven in eight students use Wikipedia, it's not considered the most useful education resource. Academics and universities should integrate Wikipedia into teaching and learning to support students' scholarship.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of Higher Education Policy and Management·DateFeb 11, 2015

Diabetes drug spurs host defense

Researchers found that pioglitazone enhances ROS production in white blood cells, killing difficult-to-treat pathogens. This finding demonstrates a relevant contribution to host defense in mouse and cellular models of chronic granulomatous disease.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Revolutionary new probe zooms in on cancer cells

Researchers at McGill University developed a powerful new intraoperative probe for detecting cancer cells in real time during surgery. The Raman spectroscopy probe has a greater than 92% accuracy in identifying invasive brain cancers, and its use may improve patient outcomes by reducing cancer recurrence and extending survival times.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Researchers find new therapy benefits stroke patients

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that endovascular treatment can dramatically improve patient outcomes after an acute ischemic stroke, increasing positive outcomes from 30% to 55%. The treatment resulted in a 50% reduction in deaths and restored blood flow to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Plant extract fights brain tumor

A novel, non-invasive treatment strategy for Cushing Disease has been discovered using silibinin from milk thistle seeds. The active compound binds to heat shock protein 90, allowing glucocorticoid receptor molecules to dissolve and restore normal ACTH production.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Novel high-power microwave generator

A new study by scientists from Bangladesh explores the viability of a novel structure for generating high-power microwaves, offering an alternative to traditional approaches. The proposed semi-circular slow wave structure is capable of producing high-power microwaves via ultra-high-frequency radio waves.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 11, 2015

Improving end-of-life care: Lessons from 40 years of work

After 40 years of work, experts conclude that securing individual rights, improving caregiving relationships, and reforming healthcare systems are crucial to advancing end-of-life care. Strategies include training clinicians in communication skills, designing systemic improvements, and enacting financing reforms.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Mutation detection in human in vitro fertilized embryos using whole-genome sequencing

Researchers used a new whole-genome sequencing method to detect potential disease-causing mutations in human IVF embryos, detecting 82% of single base de novo mutations. The technique, which uses DNA barcodes and advanced sequencing technology, can help identify the cause of congenital disorders such as intellectual disability and autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 11, 2015

How does evolution work?

Researchers investigate plant molecular structures for climate adaptation, discovering novel pathways subject to natural selection. The project sheds light on convergent evolution and potential applications in ecology and agriculture.

'Drink less' campaigns should focus on why and how

A new study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology found that university students who focused on the benefits of abstaining from alcohol reduced their overall drinking levels. Participants who imagined strategies for non-drinking also reported fewer binge drinking episodes and more favorable perceptions of non-drinkers.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Apes prefer the glass half full

A Duke University study found that chimpanzees and bonobos prefer the glass half full when presented with a choice between two snacks. The apes were more likely to choose fruit over nuts when framed as a prize rather than a penalty, regardless of equal average payoffs.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 11, 2015

Feeling ducky

Researchers have identified ducks as an ideal model organism to study the cellular mechanisms of mechanosensation, a complex process involving sensory neurons. The study reveals that ducks have highly specialized trigeminal ganglion neurons that are capable of converting force into excitation more efficiently than other birds and mammals.

Birth of a star quartet

An international team of astrophysicists has witnessed the formation of a quadruple star system, consisting of a young star and three gas clouds that will develop into stars in 40,000 years. The system is unstable and prone to interference due to its multiple members.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2015

Does illness make people lonely?

A Concordia University study found that chronic illness is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, even in people with long-term partners. The research suggests that self-protective strategies can reduce stress and prevent feelings of loneliness.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2015

What makes the feather soar

Research reveals that the variety and adaptability of interlocking protein building blocks make up the feather's success. Birds have dozens of smaller variations within each type of brick, represented by the many differing copy numbers in their gene.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Better batteries inspired by lowly snail shells

Researchers at UMBC isolated a peptide that binds strongly to lithium manganese nickel oxide, improving the potential power and stability of electrode materials. The peptides can latch onto nanoscale components, forming a bridge between conductive components and maintaining a connection through multiple charging cycles.

Transcriptomics identifies genes and signaling pathways that may regulate neurodegeneration

A recent study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine identified over 4,000 genes with altered expression in dying neurons, including those involved in cell death, survival regulation, and oxidative phosphorylation. This breakthrough opens doors to future research on novel players regulating neuronal survival and death.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 11, 2015

Exercise ball used in delivery process decreases labor time, reduces number of C-sections

A new study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that using an exercise ball during labor with an epidural can significantly reduce the need for C-sections and shorten labor time. Women who used the peanut-shaped ball were half as likely to undergo a cesarean surgery and delivered babies faster than those without.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal Education·DateFeb 11, 2015

In-flight blood transfusions increase survival rates and improve trauma patient outcomes

A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons confirms the effectiveness of pre-trauma center blood transfusions in increasing one-day survival rates and reducing shock among air-lifted trauma patients. The UPMC protocol involves giving guidelines on when to administer transfusions, resulting in improved outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 11, 2015