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Science News for October 21, 2015


Glowing fingerprints to fight crime

A CSIRO scientist has developed a novel fingerprint detection method that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to reveal latent prints on surfaces. This technique enables faster and more precise analysis, reducing the need for heat and vacuum treatment in laboratories.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2015

Penn researchers examine effects of federal recommendations on cartilage repair studies in large animal models

A team of Penn researchers analyzed 114 large animal studies on cartilage repair to determine adherence to federal guidelines. They found that most studies did not follow the guidelines, particularly when evaluating study outcomes, and suggested that a standardized reporting structure be implemented to improve translation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Nano power grids between bacteria

Researchers have found nano-wire connections between thermophilic AOM consortia, enabling energy transfer between archaea and sulphate reducers. These direct power wires facilitate the growth of sulphate reducers, providing insight into the anaerobic oxidation of methane.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2015

New care approach to liver operations speeds patient recovery

Patients undergoing oncologic liver operations who participated in an enhanced recovery program returned sooner to their normal life function and adjuvant cancer therapies than patients who were treated with a traditional approach. The study found that 75% of enhanced recovery patients achieved their baseline functional status within 3...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 21, 2015

Dead men punching

Researchers used cadaver arms in experiments supporting the idea that human hands evolved for both manual dexterity and fistfighting. They found humans can safely strike with 55% more force with a fully buttressed fist than with an unbuttressed fist.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 21, 2015

Nanoscale diamond 'racetrack' becomes breakthrough Raman laser

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new class of Raman laser using nanoscale diamond resonator, enabling wider wavelength range and potential for improved telecommunications. The device works by converting one frequency of laser light to another, opening up possibilities for broadband data communications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 21, 2015

Rice news release: Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo

Researchers at Rice University have created a novel, solid-state catalyst that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, promising lower-cost alternatives to expensive platinum catalysts. The catalyst, made from nitrogen-doped graphene and cobalt atoms, shows high efficiency and durability in generating clean energy.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2015

Genomic study sheds light on protective effects of malaria vaccine candidate

A genomic study has uncovered key biological insights into the protective effects of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine candidate. The research found that genetic variation in the protein targeted by RTS,S influences its ability to ward off malaria in young children, with allele-specificity playing a crucial role in vaccine protection.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

LSTM's health economists call for strategies for universal access to medicines

Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...

Using ultrasound to improve drug delivery

Researchers have found a way to enable ultra-rapid drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract using ultrasound waves, which could aid in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology, tested in pig and mouse models, showed improved absorption of insulin and mesalamine, paving the way for potential new treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2015

Gone with the wind

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology found that birds can save energy and time by using optimal wind conditions. They calculated global aerial flyways that allow efficient traveling, suggesting a new strategy for migratory birds to reduce travel time and increase reproductive output.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcology Letters·DateOct 21, 2015

Staphylococcus aureus Achilles' heels

Scientists have identified a human cell protein called PLEKHA7 as a key modulator of Staphylococcus aureus virulence. Mice lacking this protein showed improved healing from skin infections and pneumonia, paving the way for potential new therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2015

This fish out of water cools down fast: Study

Researchers found that mangrove rivulus fish rapidly lose body temperature by jumping out of water and onto solid ground, where evaporation cools them down. The study, led by the University of Guelph team, also showed that these fish can tolerate warmer waters better after being exposed to higher temperatures for a week.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 21, 2015

Genetic defense for violent crimes could backfire for defendants

New research suggests that jurors may support an insanity defense if they believe a defendant has a genetic explanation for their actions, but also view them as a persistent threat. The study found that participants were more likely to support a diminished capacity defense and believed the defendant had less control over their actions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 21, 2015

Advances made against the deadly infection complication, sepsis

A hospital surveillance program utilizing a two-stage Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system reduced the risk of adverse outcomes, such as death and hospice discharge for sepsis patients, by 30%. The study found that 61% of patients who first activated the alert had SIRS syndrome, an early physiologic response to infection.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateOct 21, 2015

New study: Algae virus can jump to mammalian cells

A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provided direct evidence that an algae-infecting virus can invade and replicate within some mammalian cells. The virus, known as Acanthocystis turfacea chlorella virus 1 (ATCV-1), successfully infiltrated macrophage cells in mice, causing changes characteristic of a viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 21, 2015