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Science News for January 29, 2015


Complex environments push 'brain' evolution

Neuroscientists studied animats with complex neural networks that evolved to master video games of varying difficulty. The research found that in more complex environments, the animats developed intricate neural connections and increased their ability to integrate information, supporting the theory of Integrated Information Theory (IIT).

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Study on dopamine neurons could instruct research into mobility and neurological disorders

Researchers from the University of Leicester used electrophysiology to capture electrical signals from dopamine neurons in the forebrain, revealing that these cells are active when fish swim. The study suggests that dopamine plays a key role in regulating excitability of spinal networks and may contribute to motor side effects of dopam...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Infants create new knowledge while sleeping

Research found that infant brain activity changes during sleep, forming categories and transferring learned names to similar objects. Infants who slept showed better categorization skills than those who stayed awake, suggesting a significant impact of sleep on memory consolidation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2015

Mercury levels in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increasing

A new study led by the University of Michigan found that mercury concentrations in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increased at a rate of 3.8% per year from 1998 to 2008, likely due to rising atmospheric mercury levels. This increase is consistent with global trends and highlights the need for stricter policies to reduce mercury emissions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJan 29, 2015

Invasive species in the Great Lakes by 2063

The Great Lakes are vulnerable to future invasions due to the lack of effective regulations. Scientists predict new waves of invaders and identify key species that could arrive in the next 50 years, posing threats to native biodiversity and the multibillion-dollar fishery.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Great Lakes Research·DateJan 29, 2015

Growing functioning brain tissue in 3-D

Scientists at RIKEN have successfully induced human embryonic stem cells to self-organize into a three-dimensional structure resembling the cerebellum. The resulting neurons demonstrated proper responses to currents and inhibition, indicating functional development. This breakthrough could lead to modeling of cerebellar diseases like s...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 29, 2015

Privacy challenges

MIT researchers report that just four pieces of information are enough to identify 90% of people in a data set. Adding coarse-grained price information reduces the number of data points needed to reach 94%. The study highlights the risks of re-identification and encourages socially beneficial uses of big data.

Which health messages work?

Research reveals that negative health messages are more effective for highly involved and detail-oriented audiences, while positive messages are better for those with uncertain outcomes. For the general public, positive messages with clear action steps are more effective.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalNutrition Reviews·DateJan 29, 2015

Identified the mechanism that controls localization of protein Rac1 in the cell nucleus

Researchers at CNIC identified the molecular mechanism regulating transport of Rac1 between nucleus and cytoplasm. Sustained presence of Rac1 in nucleus promotes nuclear deformation to facilitate cell migration through confined spaces. The study provides potential targets for future therapies.

New research shows our seas are in trouble

A new study by the University of Sheffield has found that 20-25% of well-known sea species are threatened with extinction. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive assessments of marine species, which currently have been completed for only three percent of cases.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Who's going to win? The answer could change by the hour

A study published in Current Biology found that athletes' performance peaks at different times of day based on their natural sleep patterns. The researchers used a novel test to characterize over 120 athletes' circadian phenotypes and discovered a significant variation in individual performance throughout the day.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 29, 2015

Baleen whales hear through their bones

Researchers at San Diego State University used computer simulations to discover that fin whale skulls can capture low-frequency energy and direct it to the ear bones. This bone conduction method is up to 10 times more sensitive than pressure mechanisms for hearing, solving a long-standing mystery about baleen whales' acoustic properties.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2015

Common pesticide may increase risk of ADHD

A commonly used pesticide may increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and pregnant women. According to a new Rutgers study, exposure to pyrethroid pesticides like deltamethrin can lead to dysfunctional dopamine signaling, hyperactivity, and other ADHD-like symptoms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 29, 2015

CNIO researchers broaden the catalogue of biological chimeras for the study of the genome

Scientists have made the largest ever catalogue of biological chimeras available to the public domain. The new database comprises over 29,000 small RNA molecules that originate from different genomic regions, which could reveal useful markers for clinical oncology practice and novel drug targets for cancer treatment.

Why is a dolphin not a cat?

A study comparing genome sequences of 29 mammals reveals how evolution repurposes shared genes for unique traits. The research provides insights into the 'mammalian radiation,' a period of rapid morphological evolution that occurred after the asteroid impact that caused the dinosaurs' extinction.

Novel eye-tracking technology detects concussions and head injury severity

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed a novel eye-tracking device to diagnose concussion severity, tracking pupils for over 200 seconds while watching a music video. The study found that trauma patients with normal CT scans were slightly worse at 1-2 weeks after injury and recovered about one month later.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 29, 2015

HIV testing yields diagnoses in Kenya but few seek care

A study published in The Lancet HIV reports that an HIV testing campaign in Kenya's Bunyala subcounty yielded over 1,300 new diagnoses, with only 15% of newly diagnosed individuals seeking care. Home-based counseling and testing provided a diagnosis to nearly 40% of people living with HIV who otherwise would not have sought testing.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateJan 29, 2015

Can Lean Management improve hospitals?

A new study from Monash University and RMIT investigated the application of Lean Six Sigma in a hospital emergency department. The researchers found that introducing these methods can help streamline processes, improve costs, and enhance patient discharge processes.

$2.2 million grant enables IUPUI to study depression-cardiovascular disease link in HIV patients

Researchers will investigate how depression affects cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected adults and test whether antidepressants or psychotherapy can reduce the risk of heart attacks. A randomized controlled trial will also examine whether depression treatment can effectively lower cardiovascular disease risk in HIV patients.

Testing for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements is cost-effective in NSCLC

A study found that multiplexed genetic screening for EGFR and ALK gene rearrangements followed by molecularly-guided treatment is cost-effective compared to standard chemotherapy. The approach offers better outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years gained and life-years, making it a valuable option for patients with NSCLC.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 29, 2015

More than one-third of kids in England are overweight/obese

A 20-year study found that over one-third of children in England are overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity among younger children appears to have stabilized, but this is not cause for complacency. The study's findings highlight the need for effective public health strategies and policies to address childhood obesity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJan 29, 2015

Picking up on the smell of evolution

Scientists studied the fly species Scaptomyza flava to understand its transition from a non-plant diet to herbivory. They found that genetic and neurological processes underlying behaviors were drastically remodeled, enabling the flies to seek out healthy plants and lay eggs on them.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2015

She thinks friends, he thinks sex

A recent study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that both men and women tend to misinterpret each other's social signals. Women reported being misinterpreted as sexually interested approximately 3.5 times a year, while men reported being misinterpreted less often. The results suggest that these miscommunicati...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateJan 29, 2015

Why do zebras have stripes?

A UCLA study finds that regulating body temperature is a crucial factor in zebra striping, controlling zebras' body temperature and protecting them from diseases carried by biting flies. The research provides the first evidence of thermoregulation as the main reason for stripes and patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 29, 2015

Crucial protective role observed for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury

Researchers observed a crucial protective role for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury, with oral FXR-agonist INT-747 normalizing dysfunctional intestinal FXR-signaling and changing in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and bacterial translocation. The study suggests potential new therapeutic avenues for liver disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 29, 2015

Walking on ice takes more than brains

A cluster of neurons in the spinal cord, known as RORα neurons, integrates sensory information from light touch sensors to control muscle movements. This 'mini-brain' helps regulate balance and prevents falls by making subtle adjustments to foot position.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 29, 2015

Building trustworthy big data algorithms

A new algorithm, TopicMapping, has been developed to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of big data text analysis. By using a network approach, the algorithm separates unstructured text into topics with high accuracy and reproducibility. The results show that existing algorithms, such as LDA, are not reliable for complex datasets.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 29, 2015

Home is a safe haven for female deer

Researchers tracked female black-tailed deer's movements and found their home ranges were very small, averaging 0.74 square kilometers, with core areas of just 0.08 km². This site familiarity helps them survive by knowing the best foraging spots and avoiding risky territories.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateJan 29, 2015