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Science News for July 13, 2015


New cell division mechanism discovered

A team of Canadian and British researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the cell division mechanism, finding that chromosomes emit signals to influence microtubule action. This signaling pathway is crucial for the segregation of chromosomes during cytokinesis, a critical step in cell division.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2015

Cancer survivors may face unique challenges when trying to adopt

A new study found that cancer survivors may face limited options for adoption due to agency policies, but a training program for oncology healthcare providers can provide valuable information. Cancer survivors often turn to adoption due to infertility caused by cancer treatments, but the process is long and costly.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 13, 2015

Nutrients turn on key tumor signaling molecule, fueling resistance to cancer therapy, Ludwig Cancer Research study shows

Researchers found that glucose and acetate can activate key tumor signaling molecule mTORC2, allowing tumors to resist targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors. This discovery provides a potential window into treating glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with limited treatment options.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Heat buckyballs to help environment

Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in developing tunable carbon-capture materials by heating buckyballs to alter their properties. This process enables the creation of materials that can selectively capture carbon dioxide from various sources, including industrial flue gases and natural-gas wells.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJul 13, 2015

The quantum physics of artificial light harvesting

A team of researchers developed an artificial model system to study quantum effects in light harvesting, revealing a delicate interplay between molecular vibrations and electrons. The resulting theoretical model explains experiments perfectly, shedding light on the physical mechanisms necessary for energy-efficient photovoltaic cells.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

Eating wild, foraged mushrooms can result in liver failure or death as misidentification is common

A case study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the risks of eating wild mushrooms, with a woman requiring a liver transplant after consuming misidentified Aminata bisporigera. The authors emphasize the importance of proper identification and caution against premature discharge from hospital or emergency department.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 13, 2015

An elusive molecule -- finally revealed

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered ethylenedione, a diradical molecule that was previously thought to be elusive. The discovery has significant implications for understanding radical molecular species, industrial processes, and potentially even atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 13, 2015

VIB-KU Leuven-ULB researchers uncover genetic alterations in development of skin cancer

Scientists have identified key genetic mutations leading to skin cancer progression, similar to those found in human cancers. By analyzing genetic abnormalities in premalignant and fully malignant tumors, researchers found that larger chromosomal copy number alterations were responsible for tumor formation, rather than point mutations.

Study offers new method of identifying sweet corn hybrids for increased yield and profit

Researchers have developed a new method to compare and identify processing sweet corn hybrids with improved crowding stress tolerance (CST), enabling growers to maximize yields and profits. The approach involves growing hybrids at higher plant populations than usual, allowing for more efficient comparison of CST among different hybrids.

Teaching reflection to doctors to improve physician-patient interactions

A study at Tufts University trained medical residents to reflect on their interactions with patients, revealing three key themes: interdependence of physician-patient communication, subtleties of patient behavior, and images of growth and awareness. These reflections improved physicians' ability to respond empathetically to patients.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 13, 2015

Lung simulation could improve respiratory treatment

University of Michigan researchers created a computer model that predicts the flow of liquid medication in human lungs, providing new insight into treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. The model suggests using a less concentrated version of the medication and optimizing its delivery based on individual patient characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Male black widow spiders destroy female's web to deter rivals

In a surprising display of courtship behavior, male black widow spiders destroy large sections of the female's web and wrap it up in their own silk. This home-wrecking behavior makes the web less attractive to rival males, potentially protecting the female from harassment and allowing her to focus on parenting.

SourceElsevier·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJul 13, 2015

Troubleshooting the gene targeting process

Researchers have developed a predictive software that can identify the most effective ways to target genes with CRISPR-Cas9. The software hierarchically ranks guide RNA effectiveness based on experimental data from human genomes, speeding up the gene-editing process and improving accuracy.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 13, 2015

Fat fish illuminate human obesity

A study led by Harvard Medical School geneticists reveals that blind cavefish have mutations in the MC4R gene, which is also mutated in certain obese people. The findings provide insights into how vertebrates evolved different metabolisms and could inform the search for genes influencing human metabolism and obesity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Study of IRB members' industry relationships finds improvement, but some issues persist

A follow-up study of IRB members' industry relationships found improvements in disclosure and management, but persistent problems such as voting on protocols with conflicts of interest. The study also showed a decrease in problematic relationships, with increases in disclosed payments for attending meetings and conferences.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2015

'Biosimilars' for children with IBD need more research, ESPGHAN expert panel states

The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommends that children with inflammatory bowel disease should not be switched to biosimilar products without long-term studies. Post-marketing surveillance programs are also essential to confirm efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of new biosimilars.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·DateJul 13, 2015

Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors

A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

Is upward mobility bad for your health?

Youth from low-income families who achieve success academically and socially may experience a physical toll on their health. High levels of self-control, which facilitates success, are associated with faster cellular aging and poorer health outcomes in adulthood.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Stem cells provide lasting pain relief in mice

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that stem cells from bone marrow can alleviate neuropathic pain in mice by increasing levels of the anti-inflammatory protein TGF-β1. The treatment remained effective for several weeks, outlasting traditional painkillers and offering new hope for chronic pain conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2015

Lynchpin molecule for the spread of cancer found

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered DNA-PKcs as a central regulator of metastatic processes in prostate cancer. The kinase modulates signaling networks that turn on metastatic processes, and its levels can predict poor outcomes in patients. A potential drug inhibitor, CC-115, is currently being tested in clinical trials.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 13, 2015

Scientists gain new insights into 'antenna' of human cells

Researchers have identified a group of genes implicated in common inherited diseases, known as ciliopathies, which can be diagnosed more quickly and could lead to new treatments for patients. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, found that defects in cilia, microscopic 'antennae' on cells, are responsible for the disorders.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 13, 2015

Gene fuels age-related obesity and diabetes

A gene mutation called ankyrin-B has been found to cause cells to absorb glucose faster, leading to fat storage and type 2 diabetes. The mutations are common among certain populations, including African Americans and Caucasians, and may provide a genetic link to modern diet-related diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2015