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Science News for May 19, 2015


Stuttering linked to rhythm perception deficiency

Researchers at Michigan State University found that children who stutter have difficulty perceiving a beat in music-like rhythms, which may account for their halting speech patterns. This study has implications for treating stuttering and suggests that improving beat perception in children could lead to improved fluency in speech.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBrain and Language·DateMay 19, 2015

The life and death of beta cells

In a study published in ETH Zurich, researchers discovered that the microRNA-200 family triggers the death of beta cells, leading to type 2 diabetes. By blocking miR-200 production, scientists can guarantee the survival of these vital cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments for diabetes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

New risk factor for pregnancies

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women born preterm have a significantly higher risk of giving birth to preterm children. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 Quebec women born preterm and compared it to women born at term, revealing a 13% difference in preterm delivery rates.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 19, 2015

Study finds high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in US

A study published in JAMA Network found that nearly 35 percent of all U.S. adults and 50 percent of those 60 years or older had metabolic syndrome in 2011-2012. The condition is characterized by a combination of health conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and poor lipid profiles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 19, 2015

Text messages can help boost teen birth control compliance

Sending periodic text messages to teens can improve birth control adherence. The study found that 87% of patients with personalized daily texts showed up for their first injection, compared to 56% without texts. Text messaging also helped increase adherence to a tight treatment schedule and regularly taking prescription medications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 19, 2015

For spider monkeys, social grooming comes with a cost

A study found that physical contact during social grooming increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites in brown spider monkeys. The researchers analyzed data from 12 individual monkeys and found a strong correlation between grooming interactions and parasite infections, particularly with roundworms Strongyloides and Trichostrongylus.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMay 19, 2015

In study, skipping meals is linked to abdominal weight gain

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that skipping meals can lead to insulin resistance and increased abdominal fat gain in mice. Mice on restricted diets who fasted for extended periods developed metabolic issues, including inflammation and plumper fat cells, compared to those who ate regularly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 19, 2015

Nature inspires first artificial molecular pump

Researchers at Northwestern University develop first artificial molecular pump, mirroring the pumping mechanism of life-sustaining proteins in living cells. The tiny machine can force molecules to move against their natural flow, storing energy for potential use in molecular machines and artificial muscles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 19, 2015

Chameleon proteins make individual cells visible

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new microscopy technique that enables selective visualization of individual cells within complex tissue. Using 'chameleon proteins' like Dendra 2, they can highlight single cells or groups of molecules with one color while keeping other cells visible in another color.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 19, 2015

New techniques for reprogramming stem cells target neurological disease models

Emerging model systems of reprogrammed human neurons will drive discovery of new patient-specific therapies, accelerating research on understanding neuronal activity, brain development, and neurological diseases. The article discusses recent technological advances, current challenges, and future clinical applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateMay 19, 2015

Tunable liquid metal antennas

North Carolina State University researchers develop tunable liquid metal antenna controlled by voltage, allowing for dynamic changes in operating frequency and radiation pattern. This innovation enables miniaturization and adaptation to correct near-field loading problems, making it highly desirable for mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 19, 2015

Bloom preservation

Research by Jamshidi et al. found that combining salicylic acid, malic acid, and urea can extend cut gerbera blooms' vase life from a week to over two weeks. These compounds prevent bacterial contamination and sustain enzyme activity in the stems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation·DateMay 19, 2015

Nerve cells use each other as maps

Researchers found that nerve cells act as barriers or guides to position themselves correctly, creating a map for other cells to follow. This study uncovers an exciting new mechanism for how nerve cells position themselves in the first place, with important implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2015

Ancient snakes -- a new hiss-tory

Researchers from Yale University have reconstructed the ancestral snake's body plan, revealing a nocturnal, stealth-hunting predator with complete ankles and toes. The study sheds light on the origin of snakes, which originated around 128.5 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period.

SourceYale University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 19, 2015

Fresh milk, off the grid

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to preserve milk using short pulsed electric fields, which can kill bacteria and extend shelf life. The technology is energy-efficient and does not require constant electricity supply, making it suitable for use in developing countries.

UK population is becoming overweight and obese at younger ages

A study of over 56,000 people born in Britain from 1946 to 2001 found that most of the rise in BMI has been due to increases at the upper end of the distribution, with childhood obesity more prevalent among younger generations. The age at which adults enter the overweight range decreased over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Credit cards a valuable option for farmers' markets

A study by Washington State University found that farmers' market customers prefer having local vendors and high-quality produce over electronic payment options. The survey showed that running out of cash limits purchases, but offering alternative payment methods can benefit both vendors and customers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateMay 19, 2015

Seashell strength inspires stress tests

Researchers at Rice University and Indian Institute of Science model seashells' ability to withstand pressure, discovering evolutionary optimization allows fractures to appear only where they're least likely to hurt the animal inside. The team found complex shapes make shells nearly twice as good at bearing loads than nacre alone.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 19, 2015

Researchers pin down enzyme role in muscle 'aging'

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that an enzyme called 11β-HSD1 is increased in muscles of older women, leading to reduced grip strength and insulin resistance. The researchers believe inhibiting this enzyme could hold the key to preventing or reversing muscle wasting associated with aging.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2015

Large urban hospitals disadvantaged by medicare/medicaid patient satisfaction rating system

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that large urban hospitals in densely populated regions of Washington DC, New York State, California, Maryland, and New Jersey have lower patient satisfaction scores due to demographic bias. The authors propose an adjustment formula to mitigate this bias, which, when applied to New York Stat...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Tracking the trends in youth self-harm visitation rates to Alberta's emergency rooms

A University of Alberta study found that youth from families receiving government subsidies and First Nations children accounted for disproportionately high rates of self-harming behavior at Alberta's emergency rooms. The study suggests that social determinants, such as living conditions, play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Widespread diabetes screening in India is predicted to be ineffective

A new study suggests that widespread diabetes screening in India using current methods could lead to massive waste of resources and unnecessary testing. The researchers estimate that only between 26 million and 37 million out of 567 million eligible individuals would meet the international diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015