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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 31


Page 31 of 36

Research offers a new approach to improving HIV vaccines

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a protein called polyglutamine-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) that recognizes HIV and initiates an immune response. The study suggests that designing a drug mimicking the PQBP1-HIV interface could create an effective vaccine environment, potentially preventing infection.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2015

Social networking against cancer

Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateJun 4, 2015

Planarian regeneration model discovered by artificial intelligence

Researchers at Tufts University developed an algorithm that used evolutionary computation to predict the results of published laboratory experiments on planarian regeneration. The approach identified a comprehensive regulatory network that correctly predicted all 16 key experiments, shedding light on the mechanisms behind head-tail pat...

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 4, 2015

New website can identify birds using photos

The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.

DNA which only females have

Researchers at Uppsala University mapped the genetic structure and evolution of the W chromosome in birds, finding that it does not contain genes leading to female development. The W chromosome instead serves as a buffer for females with one copy of the X chromosome, allowing certain genes to work.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2015

Black women often cope with infertility alone

A recent study by the University of Michigan found that African-American women are equally likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, yet they often cope with it alone due to social stigma. The study reveals that these women face discrimination in medical settings and feel a negative impact on their self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateJun 4, 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