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Science News for January 15, 2015


Moffitt researchers develop novel approach to visualize, measure protein complexes in tumors

Researchers developed a new technique called proximity ligation assays (PLA) to analyze protein complexes in cancer specimens, which may aid in patient treatment decisions. By focusing on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), they discovered that patients with high amounts of EGFR protein complexes had a better prognosis when tr...

Doctors who use health information technology are 'slightly' more likely to get patient data, reports Medical Care

A study published in Medical Care found that healthcare professionals who use health information technology are only slightly more likely to receive the necessary patient data for coordinated care. Despite this, many physicians still rely on non-electronic means to access patient information, highlighting ongoing challenges with health...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 15, 2015

The secret of empathy

A new study published in Current Biology found that stress caused by being around strangers limits empathy, but playing games together can increase it. Researchers discovered that spending just 15 minutes playing Rock Band with a stranger can move them from an 'stranger zone' to an 'empathy zone'.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Training the next generation of power engineers

The College of Engineering & Computer Science educates students on complex power engineering topics through modernized courses and hands-on experiments. Students learn to work as a team and develop essential skills in open-minded lifelong learning, making them attractive candidates for the smart grid workforce.

For sea turtles, there's no place like magnetic home

Researchers found that sea turtles imprint on the unique magnetic field of their natal beach as hatchlings and then use this information to return as adults. The study suggests that tiny magnetic particles in the turtles' brains respond to the Earth's field, providing a basis for their magnetic sense.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Huge 3-D displays without 3-D glasses

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new 3D display system that uses laser beams to create 3D effects without the need for special glasses. The system can display hundreds of images simultaneously, creating a realistic 3D effect similar to walking around an object.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 15, 2015

New study reveals crippling financial burden of leprosy

A new study reveals that households affected by leprosy face significant financial burdens due to loss of earnings and treatment costs. The study found that patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, a complication of leprosy, incurred losses equivalent to almost a third of their income.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 15, 2015

A fatty acid used to decode weight control

Researchers found that a fatty acid called myristoleic acid can help decode weight control by analyzing the lipidome, gene expression, and phenotype of obese women. This comprehensive insight may improve obesity management by understanding how adipose tissue responds to calorie restriction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Closing your eyes boosts memory recall, new study finds

Researchers from the University of Surrey discovered that closing eyes enhances memory recall in witnesses, while building rapport also increases accuracy. In two experiments, participants showed improved performance when recalling details after closing their eyes, regardless of whether rapport was built beforehand.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·DateJan 15, 2015

Healthy diet associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in minority women

A healthy diet is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among women in all racial and ethnic groups, but has an even greater benefit for Asian, Hispanic, and black women. The study found that healthy diets can prevent 5.3 cases of diabetes per 1,000 white women per year, compared to 8.0 cases per 1,000 minority women per year.

New planetary dashboard shows 'Great Acceleration' in human activity since 1950

A new planetary dashboard reveals that human activity has become a prime driver of change on Earth since 1950, with indicators showing significant changes in greenhouse gas levels, ocean acidification, and biodiversity deterioration. This research supports the proposal that Earth has entered a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene.

SourceInternational Geosphere-Biosphere Programme·JournalThe Anthropocene Review·DateJan 15, 2015

Humans at risk from planetary-scale activities

Researchers warn of planetary-scale risks from human activities, citing four processes that have exceeded safe conditions and two that pose serious threats to future human wellbeing. The team's findings indicate that the Earth is entering a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene, where the global economic system drives change.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalThe Anthropocene Review·DateJan 15, 2015

Damaged DNA amplified

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to amplify gene samples containing damaged DNA adducts, which are common in cancer. This breakthrough could enable the analysis of molecular mechanisms involved in cancer initiation and risk factors.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 15, 2015

Shining a light on quantum dots measurement

A team of researchers at Syracuse University developed a multilevel computational approach to simulate the formation and behavior of protein coronas on quantum dots. This breakthrough enables more accurate measurements in various biological applications, such as tumor cell imaging and biomolecule detection.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateJan 15, 2015

Tool helps measure patients' readiness to make decisions about starting dialysis

A new algorithm is a useful tool for measuring chronic kidney disease patients' readiness to make decisions about initiating dialysis. Patients with knowledge and fewer lifestyle barriers to home dialysis are more likely to be ready to make decisions, while clinicians who explain treatment options can increase readiness.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 15, 2015

Improved interface for a quantum internet

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have improved an interface for a quantum internet by harnessing superradiant states, which enhance the creation of single photons. This breakthrough enables faster information transfer and more robust storage, paving the way for future quantum computing applications.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2015

Two or one splashing? It's different!

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully observed the interaction of exactly two atoms in a light cage, contradicting the assumption that two atoms would behave differently from a single atom. The experiment reveals that backaction suppresses high light waves, limiting the emergence of photons.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2015

Did the Anthropocene begin with the nuclear age?

Scientists propose the Anthropocene began with the nuclear age on July 16, 1945. Human-made changes, such as artificial radionuclides and increased carbon emissions, altered the Earth system, leading to a 'Great Acceleration'. The start date marks the historic turning point when humans accessed an enormous new energy source.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalQuaternary International·DateJan 15, 2015

Discovery of CLPB gene associated with a new pediatric mitochondrial syndrome

Researchers at Children's Mercy Hospital identified the CLPB gene associated with a new pediatric mitochondrial syndrome, characterized by cataracts, psychomotor regression, epilepsy, and death in early childhood. The discovery demonstrates the importance of basic research into human CPLB gene function and paves the way for diagnosing ...

SourceChildren's Mercy Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 15, 2015

Estimating the best time of year for malaria interventions in Africa

Researchers estimate best times for mass drug treatment and house spraying to combat malaria, finding optimal seasons to target mass drug administration during the low season and house spraying just before the high season. The study's findings can help optimize combination of existing interventions and inform novel control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

Discovery of new signaling intermediates provides clues to novel therapies in pancreatitis

Researchers have discovered a new signaling intermediate, leukotriene B4, which is synthesized and released by pancreatic acinar cells. This finding provides a potential target for the development of novel therapies for pancreatitis, a common disorder that complicates many ailments.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 15, 2015

Facebook sharing can boost involvement with news and information

Researchers found that users who share news on social media sites, especially those who engage with friends, are more involved with the content. Users who ask questions or seek opinions from friends show increased involvement, suggesting that developers should encourage discussions about shared content.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJan 15, 2015

Eczema woes not just skin deep

Adults with eczema are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the emotional toll of the disease. Physicians need to address these lifestyle risks alongside skin treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 15, 2015

Is lower stress the secret to finding empathy?

A study published in Current Biology found that stress hormones block empathy, while a game of Rock Band increased emotional contagion of pain in both mice and human strangers. Researchers discovered that biochemical changes related to stress prevented emotional contagion in animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Good things come to those who wait?

A study published in Current Biology found a causal link between serotonin neuron activation and patient behavior in mice, contradicting the notion that increased serotonin leads to reward. Researchers used optogenetics to activate serotonin neurons, observing longer waiting durations in mice with stronger activation.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

Gold nanoparticles show promise for early detection of heart attacks

Researchers at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering have developed a new colloidal gold test strip that demonstrates high detection sensitivity for cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) detection. The new strip uses microplasma-generated gold nanoparticles, attracting more antibodies and resulting in significantly higher detection sensitivity.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPlasma Processes and Polymers·DateJan 15, 2015

Breakthrough lights up metamaterials

A City College of New York led-team successfully demonstrated enhancing light emission and capturing light from metamaterials with light emitting nanocrystals. The breakthrough could lead to practical applications in ultrafast LEDs, nanoscale lasers, and efficient single photon sources.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalOptica·DateJan 15, 2015