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Science News for June 3, 2015


Eukaryotes: A new timetable of evolution

The discovery of microfossils in rocks dating back 1.5 billion years has confirmed the existence of eukaryotes, shedding light on their evolution and origins. The analysis of steroid molecules revealed no signs of contamination, contradicting previous findings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2015

A smelling bee?

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 3, 2015

Pregnant pipefish fathers are not super dads

Researchers found that pregnant pipefish males supply relatively low oxygen levels to their embryos, averaging 51% in well-oxygenated water and as low as 32% in poorly oxygenated conditions. Despite this, the fathers' care allows the young to survive and thrive, with a focus on nutrient supplementation and waste removal.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 3, 2015

How to cut a vortex into slices

Physicists from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop theory for creating artificial turbulence in microchannels using superhydrophobic surfaces. The approach enables efficient mixing and separation of liquids, promising applications in chemistry and biomedical research.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 3, 2015

The early bird catches the sperm

A study published in Functional Ecology found that late-rising songbirds are more susceptible to being cuckolded, meaning they raise offspring fathered by other males. This suggests a potential role for sexual selection in shaping circadian traits in wild vertebrates.

SourceWiley·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 3, 2015

In search of memory storage

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum recreated memory formation in the hippocampus using computer simulations, challenging the existing model. They found that the CA1 region plays a key role in completing memories, while the CA3 region is not as crucial as previously thought.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 3, 2015

This week from AGU: Gulf of Mexico erosion, Grand Canyon sandbars, rainfall fluctuations

A new study in Geophysical Research Letters warns of increased coastal erosion and flooding risks in the Gulf of Mexico due to rising waves. Meanwhile, annual floods in the Grand Canyon are rebuilding sandbars, while scientists analyze historic rainfall data from Padua, Italy, revealing long-term oscillations and extreme weather patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 3, 2015

UMass amherst avian ecologists combine bird survey data to ID vulnerable boreal species

Researchers combined local bird survey data from 16 point counts in Northeast and Midwest forests, revealing significant declines in populations of four ecological indicator species. The study highlights the need for more formal monitoring in rare habitats and suggests that some species may be increasing in certain regions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 3, 2015

Montreal researchers develop ultra-tough fiber that imitates the structure of spider silk

Montreal researchers have created a polymer fibre with remarkable strength and elasticity, similar to spider silk. The fibre is made using a unique manufacturing process that mimics the natural structure of spider silk, making it suitable for various applications such as aircraft engine casings, surgical devices, and bulletproof clothing.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 3, 2015

New treatment for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers have discovered a new treatment approach targeting tiny blood and lymphatic vessels inside the kidneys, which improves renal function and slows disease progression in mice. This innovative therapy may offer hope for patients with polycystic kidney disease, particularly those with rare forms of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 3, 2015

Cyberbullying less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment, study finds

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that cyberbullying was less emotionally harmful to kids than traditional in-person harassment. The study analyzed data from telephone interviews with 791 American youth ages 10-20, who reported an average of 311 harassment incidents in the prior year.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateJun 3, 2015

Visualizing the 'matrix'

A team developed a graphical representation of nuclear spin matrices for coupled spins in arbitrary quantum states, enabling better control and utilization of quantum phenomena. The 'SpinDrops' app provides intuitive access to the fascinating world of quantum control theory.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJun 3, 2015

Scientist at LIMR leads study demonstrating drug-induced tissue regeneration

A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.

SourceMain Line Health, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 3, 2015

Trouble in the tide pools

A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015

Fond memories make fragrances a favorite

A study published in Springer's Chemosensory Perception journal found that fragrance preferences are driven by personal emotional memories. The researchers discovered that odor-evoked memories elicit potent emotional responses, influencing customers' likes and ratings.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateJun 3, 2015

Is everybody laughing when racially charged comedy is viewed with multiple-race audiences?

A recent study by Omotayo Banjo found that black audiences are more comfortable watching black-oriented entertainment television with other black peers than with white counterparts. Black participants reported more positive excitement, attitudes, and absorption when viewing the program with all-black audiences. In contrast, white viewe...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateJun 3, 2015

Research points to future test for ALS

Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a possible way to predict if an individual is genetically prone to ALS by analyzing DNA repeats in the C9orf72 gene. The study found that a certain number of repeats, when modified with methyl groups, can cause the disease.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJun 3, 2015

3-D printing goes high speed and high volume

The University of Sheffield's new machine will build parts up to three times larger and 100 times faster than current machines, enabling serious production of volumes over one million. This technology, called high-speed sintering (HSS), selectively fuses polymer powder layer by layer using infra-red-absorbing ink.

Long-term memory formation

A team of NYU researchers discovered that two growth factor families, TrkB and TGFβr-II, play distinct roles in creating long-term memories by exerting their actions in different parts of the brain. At different times, these molecules swap roles to facilitate memory formation.

SourceNew York University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 3, 2015

Frogs face virus risk in garden ponds

Researchers found that exotic fish can amplify viral levels in garden ponds, while chemicals like slug pellets weaken frog immune systems. Simple precautions, such as reducing chemical use and not stocking non-native species, can help reduce the spread of the devastating ranavirosis disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015

Pluto's moons seen in highest detail yet

A new study published in Nature provides the first detailed look at Pluto's five known moons, revealing fascinating details about their orbits and rotational patterns. The research found that three of the smaller moons, Nix, Styx, and Hydra, are locked together in resonance, making their orbits more regular and predictable.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2015

Cytoskeletons shaking hands

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that cytoplasmic intermediate filaments interact with specific contractile actin filament structures called arcs, which transport intermediate filaments towards the nucleus. Disruption of these interactions leads to defects in cell morphogenesis and shape abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 3, 2015