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Science News for February 12, 2015


Dogs know that smile on your face

Researchers found that dogs could distinguish between emotional expressions in humans, even with unfamiliar faces. The dogs' discriminatory abilities were tested in four types of trials, including novel faces and previously trained faces.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Screen name matters in the online dating game

Choosing a screen name with a letter starting in the top half of the alphabet can maximise online dating success. A 70:30 ratio of who you are and what you're looking for is also key, while humour, physical fitness, and genuine profiles can increase likability. Men and women have different preferences when it comes to names and traits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2015

NSF@AAAS

NSF staff and scientists present findings on gender in STEM policy, practice and research, as well as graduate science education and broader impacts of research. The session includes discussions on reducing the gender gap, innovative pathways to science careers and strategies for effective broader impacts work.

The neural basis of 'being in the mood'

A study in female mice reveals the brain region where hormonal state and social interaction are integrated, providing insights into human attraction and rejection behaviors. The researchers found that neurons dedicated to socio-sexual behavior were active only when females were receptive to males.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Here's looking at you

Researchers found that dogs can discriminate between happy and angry human faces, even when only showing the eye region. Dogs trained to choose happy faces mastered the task faster than those trained to choose angry faces, suggesting they use stored memories to recognize emotions.

Curious monkeys share our thirst for knowledge

Researchers found that rhesus macaques were willing to give up a significant portion of a potential prize to quickly find out if they selected the winning option in a game of chance. The study suggests that the brain's Orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing curiosity and evaluating rewards.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 12, 2015

Data-storage for eternity

Researchers have developed a new method to store large volumes of data using DNA and silica, which can potentially survive for over a million years. The technique uses an algorithm to correct errors and encases the information-bearing segments of DNA in silica, providing a robust storage solution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 12, 2015

Light in the Moebius strip

Scientists generate Moebius strip from laser light to process materials and manipulate microparticles, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology. The optical tool could also be used to guide nanoparticles on complex paths using optical tweezers.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

JMD publishes article on laboratory perspective of incidental findings reporting

The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics published a Special Article on laboratory perspective of incidental findings reporting, highlighting the need for increased understanding and transparency of complex genomic testing. The AMP Incidental Findings Working Group recommends laboratories establish clear policies for delivering ancillary i...

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateFeb 12, 2015

Ebola has lessons for local health departments' role in health crises

A recent article highlights the importance of local health departments' roles in responding to global health security threats posed by infectious diseases. Key findings include the need for dedicated staff to interpret federal guidance, form partnerships with healthcare coalitions, and communicate accurate risk information. The Ebola e...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateFeb 12, 2015

Under pressure

Researchers found that receiving cells respond to pressure on their membranes by stiffening their skeletons to prevent movement away from the attacking cell. This process allows for close proximity of cell membranes, enabling fusion to occur.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 12, 2015

Remoras don't suck

Researchers studied remoras' ability to attach to surfaces securely yet release easily, finding a complex mechanism involving lamellar spinules and uniquely-structured blood vessels. This discovery could inspire designs for tags or bandages that don't harm hosts.

NIH Ebola study in macaques provides timeframes for post-mortem viral stability

A recent NIH study found that Ebola virus can remain infectious in a body for at least seven days after death, with viral RNA detectable for up to 10 weeks. The research highlights the importance of safe handling practices and suggests oral swabbing as a reliable alternative for obtaining diagnostic samples.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 12, 2015

A*STAR develops systems to identify treatment targets for cancer and rare diseases

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed an expert system called OncoIMPACT that combines cancer omics data with machine learning models to predict treatment targets. The system has been applied to over a thousand cancers, including melanomas and ovarian cancers, and shows promise for personalized medicine.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 12, 2015

Harm and response

A comprehensive study reveals that plants respond uniquely to different insects, activating specific genes to defend against attacks. The research shows that plants can distinguish between closely related insect species, leading to targeted defense responses.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateFeb 12, 2015

The company you keep

Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology report that Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT) plays a key role in CD8 T cell exhaustion, leading to impaired immune responses. The study identifies NFAT as a molecular hub that orchestrates T cell activation and exhaustion.

Study: Global rainfall satellites require massive overhaul

A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2015

An aggressive form of HIV uncovered in Cuba

Researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology have identified a recombinant form of HIV that targets the anchor point CXCR4 early after infection, shortening the healthy phase and triggering rapid progression to AIDS. The study found abnormally high doses of the virus and defensive molecule RANTES in i...

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 12, 2015

Genomic profiling for cancer of unknown primary site

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that at least one clinically relevant genomic alteration was present in most samples tested, suggesting a potential for personalized therapy. The research analyzed 200 cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) samples and identified 169 specimens with potentially targetable genomic alterations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 12, 2015

How the Eastern tiger swallowtail got 'scary'

The Eastern tiger swallowtail's genome has been sequenced, revealing mutations in proteins responsible for its unique circadian rhythm and stinky substance used to scare off predators. This breakthrough opens the door for more insect genome sequencing projects at an affordable price.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Study recommends closing the high seas to fishing

A recent study led by Simon Fraser University biologist Isabelle Côté suggests that closing the high seas to fishing would have little impact on global fish catches. Most fish stocks are already shared between the high seas and exclusive economic zones, reducing the financial implications of such a closure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015

Better catalysts, made-to-order

University of Utah scientists develop computational model to predict catalyst performance, allowing for the design of more efficient and selective catalysts. The model uses big data analysis to identify structural features that correlate with reaction selectivity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Penn Medicine: Brain activity can predict increased fat intake following sleep deprivation

A new study found that sleep-deprived individuals consume more fat and less carbohydrates, while displaying increased connectivity in the salience network, which is linked to emotional responses and bodily sensations. This unique approach examines changes in brain activity's impact on eating behavior following sleep deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2015