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Science News for June 8, 2015


Making organic molecules in hydrothermal vents in the absence of life

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered that methane formation occurs independently of venting process and is produced on geological time scales deep beneath seafloor. Abiotic compound formate is formed during vent circulation process, providing evidence for purely chemical processes in origin of life.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

Controller in the cell

Researchers identify a new autophagy receptor, FAM134B, which ensures proper breakdown and disposal of dysfunctional endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in FAM134B cause rare hereditary disease HSAN II, highlighting the importance of autophagy in cellular quality control.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2015

Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, Penn biologists show

Researchers found that genetic mutations accepted by evolution are contingent upon previous mutations, making predictions of long-term evolution challenging. The study also revealed that mutations become entrenched and increasingly difficult to revert over time, supporting the idea that evolution is unpredictable and irreversible.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

New microscope technique could speed identification of deadly bacteria

Researchers have developed a new microscope technique using holographic images and machine-learning software to identify bacterial species at the single bacterium level. The approach has shown high accuracy in distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, promising to reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 8, 2015

New composite material as CO2 sensor

Scientists have developed a new type of sensor using a composite material that interacts with CO2 molecules, changing its conductivity depending on the concentration. The sensor can measure CO2 concentrations over a wide range without requiring high temperatures or energy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 8, 2015

The health effects of homophobia

A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS·DateJun 8, 2015

Antibiotic use can be cut dramatically for abdominal infections, major trial shows

Researchers have found that administering antibiotics for only four days is as effective as treatments spanning eight days for complicated abdominal infections. This breakthrough suggests that doctors can provide treatment that is both effective and conservative in its antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 8, 2015

What do walnuts smell like?

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFood Research International·DateJun 8, 2015

Putting 2 and 2 together

The new cobalt-catalyzed [2π+2π] reaction overcomes limitations of other transition metal catalyzed methods, producing cyclobutane compounds with potentially beneficial properties. The research team used redox active bis(imino)pyridine ligands to pass electrons to and from the metal, leading to a detailed understanding of the mechanism.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2015

The shape of a perfect fire

A study by Adrian Bejan at Duke University reveals that the ideal fire shape is roughly as tall as it is wide, facilitating efficient air and heat flow. This design enables humans to migrate and spread across the globe, a direct prediction of the Constructal Law.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015

Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS

Researchers identified a cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS by increasing levels of protein hUPF1, which successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. Treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2015

Important new research on early palliative care for advanced cancer patients published

A new research published in Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that early palliative care intervention results in significant cost reductions for patients with advanced cancer. The study found that an intervention within six days reduced costs by 14% and an intervention within two days led to a 24% reduction in hospital stay costs.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 8, 2015

Turning paper industry waste into chemicals

KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 2015

Constant weathering

Researchers found minimal variation in weathering rates of silicate rocks between glacial and interglacial periods, contradicting expectations. The study used a geochemical technique to analyze beryllium isotopes in marine sediments, revealing stable runoff and weathering fluxes into the oceans.

Modern housing reduces malaria risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 90 studies found residents of modern homes were 47% less likely to be infected with malaria than those living in traditional houses. Modern housing features, such as closed eaves, ceilings, screened doors and windows, can block mosquitoes from entering homes and prevent transmission of the disease.

Data scientists find connections between birth month and health

The study found a significant association between birth month and disease risk, with people born in May having the lowest risk of disease and those born in October having the highest. The researchers identified nine types of heart disease that correlated with seasonal effects, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 8, 2015

Crossing a critical threshold in optical communications

Scientists from Lehigh University, Japan and Canada demonstrate the 'world's first fully functioning single crystal waveguide in glass' for all-optical data transmission. The breakthrough enables compact and multifunctional photonic integrated circuits with high density of components and opportunities for new technologies.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015

Most detailed view ever of star formation in the distant universe

Astronomers have captured the most detailed view of star formation in a distant galaxy using ALMA's Long Baseline Campaign. The observations reveal giant versions of the Orion Nebula producing thousands of new stars, with clumps of star formation visible down to 200 light-years.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 8, 2015

Stroke patients recover arm use with virtual reality

A clinical pilot study found that using virtual reality to enhance movement and increase confidence in the affected limb significantly improves spontaneous use of the paralyzed arm. This suggests an alternative focus on increasing patient confidence may be critical for full recovery.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateJun 8, 2015

New approach for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified FKBP10 as a potential new target molecule for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease. Analysis of patient data revealed elevated levels of the protein in IPF patients, which may lead to a new therapeutic approach.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 8, 2015

Global health studies in June Health Affairs

A study published in the June issue of Health Affairs found that PEPFAR funding was associated with a 13% increase in male employment in ten sub-Saharan African countries. The authors suggest that these findings could inform future aid allocation decisions, potentially generating significant economic benefits.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 8, 2015

Whole genome sequencing found to rapidly enhance infection control

Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 8, 2015

Martian glass -- window into possible past life

Researchers from Brown University have detected deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars, suggesting that it could preserve signs of life. The study found large glass deposits in several ancient yet well-preserved craters, including Hargraves near Nili Fossae trough.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeology·DateJun 8, 2015

New joint military-civilian database provides insights on health care outcomes, utilization, and cost

The Person-Event Data Environment (PDE) database captures financial, health, medical and other data for every soldier from entry to separation. The database includes information on soldiers' military experience, contractors and dependents, representing a heterogeneous population with various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Boosting gut bacteria defense system may lead to better treatments for bloodstream infections

A study published in Nature Medicine found that enhancing a specific immune response can kill infection-causing fungi, such as Candida albicans, which causes life-threatening bloodstream infections. The researchers discovered that stimulating the transcription factor HIF-1α with L-mimosine led to increased production of natural antibio...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 8, 2015

Massey researchers identify patients at risk for stem cell transplant complications

Massey researchers have identified three patterns of lymphocyte recovery following stem cell transplantation that are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The study found Group B patients experienced the best clinical outcomes, while Groups A and C had poorer survival rates. The discovery builds on previous research into th...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateJun 8, 2015