Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 16, 2015


New possibilities for the treatment of breast cancer arise, with the help of mathematics

A Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics-led trial demonstrates the potential of mathematical modelisation and experimentation in treating breast cancer. By combining clinical and experimental oncology with modelisation, researchers identified mechanisms that enable tumour cells to shape monocyte activities for their advantage.

SourceSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 16, 2015

Finger lengths may indicate risk of schizophrenia in males

Research suggests a link between finger length ratios and schizophrenia in males, with those having shorter index fingers indicating high testosterone exposure. The 2D:4D ratio has been found to be an effective predictor of schizophrenia, showing significant differences between patient and control groups.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 16, 2015

Scientists discover gecko secret

A research team at James Cook University discovered how geckos manage to stay clean in dusty environments by using tiny hair-like spines that trap water droplets and release energy. This process has important implications for human applications, including the development of marine-based electronics and superhydrophobic clothing.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInterface·DateMar 16, 2015

Die-hard college sports fans defy expectations

A new Duke University study finds that die-hard college sports fans are rare, making up only about 2% of published obituaries of adults. These ardent fans were more likely to be white, mainline Protestants, and participate in coaching, but not linked to a college's academic reputation.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMar 16, 2015

Genetics: No evidence of role in racial mortality gap

A new study by McGill University researchers found that genetic data from African and European populations did not explain the racial mortality gap in cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle, education, and socio-economic factors are now considered more promising avenues for understanding racial health disparities. The study suggests that fu...

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 16, 2015

Predicting prostate cancer

Researchers developed a nanotechnology-based method to assess prostate cancer risk, enabling doctors to identify aggressive forms of the disease and tailor treatment recommendations. The study's findings suggest that this approach may improve patient outcomes by minimizing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2015

How do students use video in higher education?

A new SAGE white paper reveals that 68% of students watch videos in their classes, with 79% using them to enhance learning. The most compelling videos feature charismatic speakers, and preferred lengths range from 5-20 minutes, depending on the topic.

SourceSAGE·DateMar 16, 2015

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers collaborate to develop revolutionary 3-D printing technology

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have developed CLIP, a 3D printing technology that manipulates light and oxygen to fuse objects in liquid media. This method allows for the creation of commercially viable objects with feature sizes below 20 microns, making it possible to produce parts 25-100 times faster than traditional technologies.

Can watching porn make you better in bed?

A new study published in Sexual Medicine found that men who watch more pornography are more aroused when viewing erotic stimuli. The researchers analyzed data from 280 male volunteers and concluded that there is no relationship between porn consumption and erectile dysfunction.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSexual Medicine·DateMar 16, 2015

Moral decisions can be manipulated by eye tracking

Researchers used remote eye-trackers to monitor participants' gaze while thinking about complex moral questions. The results showed that participants' moral decisions were systematically biased towards the target alternative, with a 58% success rate for choosing the randomly selected option.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Baboon friends swap gut germs

A new study in baboons reveals that social relationships play a role in shaping an individual's gut microbial makeup. The researchers found that baboons who groomed each other more frequently shared more similar sets of gut microbes, suggesting that physical contact may be a key factor in allowing people to swap gut germs.

Maps predict strength of structures

Rice researchers Rouzbeh Shahsavari and Navid Sakhavand have created universal maps that predict the properties of natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites. The maps are dimensionless and can be applied to materials built with nanoscale blocks as well as brick walls, or bigger.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015

Designing a better way to study stomach flu

A team of researchers is working on a five-year program to create a bioreactor that more closely simulates the complex tissues and dynamic movements of the intestinal track. This project aims to deliver a simple, easy-to-use and relatively inexpensive system for infectious disease labs.

Scientists make surprising finding in stroke research

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered that inflammation in the brain causes and worsens damage after a stroke, contradicting previous theories. The study found that inflammasomes such as NLRP3 are not involved in brain injury caused by stroke, but rather NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes contribute to this damage.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

For some kids, Easter egg hunts can lead to skin problems

Children and adults allergic to nickel can develop rashes after contact with it, including nickel-rich foods like peanuts, oats, and processed cheese. Easter egg hunts can exacerbate these reactions, especially in children who binge on chocolate during the holiday

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2015

How does prison time affect relationships?

Mothers connected to recently incarcerated men experience lower overall relationship quality, supportiveness, and physical abuse. Current paternal incarceration is positively associated with some indicators of relationship quality.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 16, 2015

Ben-Gurion U. researchers develop groundbreaking approach to evaluate sleep disorders

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a non-contact breathing sound analysis algorithm to reliably estimate whole-night sleep evaluation for detection of sleep quality, snoring severity, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The new approach shows promising results in distinguishing between sleep and wake segments with high accuracy.

New targets for rabies prevention and treatment

Scientists have discovered 63 genes linked to rabies sensitivity, with potential applications in prevention and treatment. The study's novel screening method can be used to uncover host-based genes involved in various infections and responses to drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 16, 2015

A breakfast of champions for diabetics

A new study suggests that eating a high-caloric breakfast and a more modest dinner can significantly reduce post-meal glucose surges and improve glycemic control in type-2 diabetics. By consuming a larger meal at breakfast and a smaller meal at dinner, participants experienced lower blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity.

Persuasive power: Members of Congress can sway the public

A study by Ohio State University found that constituents who participated in online town halls with their representatives were more likely to agree with the legislator on important policy issues. These constituents also showed higher levels of trust and approval for their elected official, as well as increased voting intention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Biodiversity-protected areas in Indonesia ineffective in preventing deforestation: NUS-led study

A NUS-led study found that protected areas in Indonesia are ineffective in slowing down deforestation, instead suggesting the implementation of road monitoring, logging control, and alternative livelihoods to support conservation. The research highlights the need for more effective measures to tackle deforestation in the country.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMar 16, 2015

Genetically manipulating plants can reduce their water needs

Researchers have developed genetic tools to pre-adapt crops to future drier climates, improving water efficiency and reducing the need for irrigation. By altering plant stomata, crop yields can be maintained or increased with less water, supporting regions facing water scarcity.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 16, 2015

Symmetry matters in graphene growth

The study found that geometric relationships between graphene and the substrate determine island shapes, with triangular surfaces leading to more irregular structures. Understanding this process can help design grain boundaries with specific properties, useful for electronics applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2015

Colorful life-form catalog will help discern if we're alone

A team of international scientists has created a colorful catalog of reflection signatures from various Earth life forms to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life. The database features 137 diverse life forms, including extremophiles from extreme environments, which can help astronomers spot potential biosignatures on exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Targets identified for developing therapies for IBMPFD

A new study has identified protein modification needed to treat IBMPFD, a rare and deadly genetic disorder. The researchers found that changing the p47 protein could lead to proper cellular functions in cells with mutated p97, opening the door for potential treatments or prevention.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Universal public drug plan could save money for Canada

A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing a universal public drug plan could reduce Canada's spending on prescription drugs by $7.3 billion per year, while employers and unions could save an additional $8.2 billion. This cost savings is attributed to economies of scale in price negotiation...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2015

Losing weight substantially reduces atrial fibrillation

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

New remote control for molecular motors

Physicists remotely control magnetic molecules spinning like tops using circularly polarised magnetic field changes. Theoretical findings by Iosif Davidovich Tokman and Vera Il'nichna Pozdnyakova may lead to designing rotating magnetic molecule rotors for powering molecular motors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 16, 2015

Thinking of your life as a novel

Middle-aged adults who show sustained concern for others are more likely to construe their lives as stories of personal redemption. Redemption narratives sustain hope that sacrifices today may produce future dividends, helping generative adults persevere in promoting the well-being of future generations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 16, 2015

A new method for making perovskite solar cells

A new method for making perovskite solar cells has been developed by researchers at Brown University, which involves a room-temperature solvent bath to create perovskite crystals. The technique produces high-quality crystalline films with precise control over thickness across large areas.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 16, 2015

A more tolerant America?

A recent study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans are increasingly tolerant of people with different views and lifestyles, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, atheists, and have differing political beliefs. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey, also found a decrease in toleranc...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 16, 2015

Insulin pumps need greater safety review

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes call for a comprehensive safety overhaul of insulin pumps, including greater access to data from manufacturers and funding for independent clinical trials. This is crucial for healthcare teams to educate patients on preventing errors with these devices.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 16, 2015

Spherical nucleic acids set stage for new paradigm in drug development

Researchers have developed spherical nucleic acids that can selectively trigger the immune response, potentially treating a range of diseases including psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. SNAs are nontoxic, potent, and efficiently deliver nucleic acids into cells via the endosome.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Omics methods: Towards a better prediction of the effects of substances at very low doses

Scientists use advanced omics technologies to analyze the effects of substances on human cells, revealing potential health risks at very low concentrations. The study identifies changes in protein patterns and metabolism at non-toxic levels, which could inform the development of new risk assessment methods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 16, 2015

Jailbreaking yeast could amp up wine's health benefits, reduce morning-after headaches

University of Illinois scientists have engineered a 'jailbreaking' yeast that increases wine's health benefits and reduces toxic byproducts. The new technology allows for precise metabolic engineering, enabling the addition of bioactive compounds from other foods and improving malolactic fermentation.

Investigators find window of vulnerability for STIs to infect female reproductive tract

A study published in Nature Reviews Immunology reveals a 'window of vulnerability' for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to infect the female reproductive tract. The researchers found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle create an optimal environment for implantation, which also increases susceptibility to STIs.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMar 16, 2015