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Science News for May 1, 2015


Inanimate beads behave in lifelike ways

Scientists have created microbe-sized beads that can sense their environment and move upstream through purely physical means. The beads meet two essential requirements of life: metabolism and mobility. This discovery is an important step toward developing biomimetic microsystems that can respond to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2015

How to reset a diseased cell

Scientists at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine demonstrate ability to reprogram large parts of a cell's signaling network by manipulating key hub in communication networks. This approach shows potential to slow or reverse disease progression, including cancer driven by abnormal cell signaling.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015

Lymphatic pump treatment enhances antibiotic effectiveness for treating pneumonia

A new study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that lymphatic pump treatment (LPT) significantly improves treatment outcomes for pneumonia when combined with antibiotics. LPT removes bacteria from the lungs and enhances the efficacy of antibiotics, leading to a 60% success rate among infected rats.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateMay 1, 2015

The future is now: Reining in procrastination

Researchers found that thinking of the future as now can motivate individuals to accomplish their goals. By considering deadlines in days instead of months or years, people are more likely to start working on their objectives. This shift in time metrics reduces procrastination and increases willingness to save for long-term goals.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 1, 2015

Ocean fronts improve climate and fishery production, study finds

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean fronts increase total ecosystem biomass and fisheries production. By incorporating front dynamics into current climate models, researchers found that these regions can aggregate food and resources, leading to higher productivity in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015

Lousy sockeye are lousy competitors

Fraser River sockeye salmon infected with sea lice are less successful at consuming food than their lightly infected counterparts, according to a recent study. The research suggests that sea lice may indirectly affect the survival of juvenile sockeye through reduced foraging success.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015

Study finds guidance improves food safety practices at school, community gardens

Researchers developed guidelines for managing food safety risks in school and community gardens. A pilot study shows that the guidelines lead to significant improvements in handwashing, water supply safety, and hazard assessment. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of simple yet crucial measures in reducing foodborne illness risk.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFood Protection Trends·DateMay 1, 2015

Low-allergen soybean could have high impact

Researchers have developed a new variety of low-allergenic soybean that lacks key allergenic and anti-nutritional proteins, making it suitable for use in infant formulas, livestock feed, and aquaculture. The 'Triple Null' soybean has the potential to reduce processing costs and make animal feed production more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPlant Breeding·DateMay 1, 2015