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Science News for October 26, 2015


Young women less likely to be informed of heart disease risk by providers

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that young women under 55 are 11% less likely to report being told they are at-risk for heart disease before a heart attack. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 patients and found that women were also less likely to receive preventative therapy.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2015

Elephants boost tree losses in South Africa's largest savanna reserve

A recent study by Carnegie Institution for Science found that elephants are responsible for a high tree-fall rate in Kruger, driven by population density and fire frequency. The research used LiDAR technology to map millions of trees across the reserve, providing insights into ecosystem management and conservation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Breeding in the crowns of coconut palms

Researchers found that coconut rhinoceros beetles were breeding in the crowns of coconut trees on Guam, with all life stages present. This unusual behavior is attributed to the loss of birds and rats due to brown treesnake predation, which normally feeds on larvae in this habitat.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateOct 26, 2015

Fossil landscapes in New England

The study found that the glacial ice covering New England's highest peaks was unable to erode the rock below, preserving the landscape in a fossil state. The contrast between stable summit landscapes and adjacent valleys deeply eroded by glacial ice contributed to the development of northern Appalachian topography.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateOct 26, 2015

Large, violent animal packs shaped the ecosystems of the Pleistocene epoch

Researchers found that intense attacks from packs of large carnivores, including lions and sabertooth cats, helped keep herbivore populations in check. This study challenges the long-held assumption that mammoths, mastodons, and giant ground sloths were limited by reproductive timing due to resource scarcity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Snake venom helps hydrogels stop the bleeding

Rice University scientists have developed a nanofiber hydrogel infused with snake venom that can stop bleeding within seconds, even in the presence of anti-coagulants. The material, called SB50, has great potential to treat surgical bleeding in patients taking heparin or other anti-coagulant drugs.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateOct 26, 2015

Two mutations are better than one

Biologists at SDSU discovered that fruit flies with two muscle protein mutations have nearly three-quarters of the myosin protein function restored, compared to those with a single mutation. This finding suggests a new view of human heart disease and potential treatments.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 26, 2015

SwRI scientists predict that rocky planets formed from 'pebbles'

Researchers used a new process to model planetary formation, showing that rocky planets grow from pebbles, resulting in the massive differences between Earth and Mars. The VSPA model explains why Mars is smaller than expected by suggesting that aerodynamic drag prevents pebbles from colliding with objects near the Red Planet.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Too much, too late: Doctors should cut back on some medicines in seniors, studies suggest

Two new studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that doctors should work together with patients to de-intensify treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes in older people. In some cases, stopping or cutting back on medications can be safer than continuing treatment due to the risk of low blood pressure and sugar levels.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2015

Ancient babies boost Bering land bridge layover

Two infants buried in Alaska, 11,500 years ago, share genetic material with Native Americans in North and South America. The study supports the Beringian standstill model, suggesting that Native Americans descended from Asian migrants who spent time in Beringia before moving to the Americas.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Seeing sound

Researchers discovered that intrinsic neural connections can be used to help the blind detect their environment, making tasks easier and more intuitive. The study used a sensory substitution device to translate images into sound, allowing blind people to associate different sounds with features of their environment.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 2015

How clean is the International Space Station?

A study published in Microbiome found that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria associated with human skin, made up a larger proportion of the microbial community in the ISS than in Earth cleanrooms. Opportunistic pathogens were also present in the ISS dust samples, but the risk of infection to astronauts remains unknown.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateOct 26, 2015

Rewilding the future

A new study synthesizes research on trophic rewilding, outlining key priorities for rewilding science. The study concludes that species reintroductions and ecological replacements can restore lost food-web cascades with strong ecological effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Simpler method for measuring viral infections in bees

Researchers at Aarhus University have created a model that groups the incidence of viral infections into four categories, allowing beekeepers to easily assess the severity of infections. This simplified system benefits both scientists and beekeepers, enabling them to make informed decisions about disease prevention and breeding.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 26, 2015

Declines in whales, fish, seabirds and large animals disrupt Earth's nutrient cycle

A new study reveals that the loss of large land animals, whales, and seabirds has disrupted the global nutrient cycle, with a significant reduction in phosphorus transport. The researchers calculate that the ability of these animals to transport nutrients around the globe has been reduced to just 6% of its former capacity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Study finds how Alzheimer's-associated protein tangles spread through the brain

A study published in Nature Communications reveals a mechanism by which the pathologic version of tau protein spreads from neuron to neuron in the brain, contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression. This process involves the release and uptake of high-molecular-weight, soluble tau proteins that are studded with phosphate molecules.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

Wood instead of petroleum: Producing chemical substances solely from renewable resources

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the University of Alabama have successfully synthesized two complex chemical substances from wood-based starting materials. The new xylochemical synthesis demonstrates a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing everyday products.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 26, 2015

Study: Low-weight, high-repetition exercise increases bone density up to 8 percent in adults

A new study finds that low-weight, high-repetition resistance training increases bone mineral density in adults, with significant gains observed in osteopenic and postmenopausal individuals. The exercise regimen is a feasible option for older and inactive adults, and may help prevent hip fractures.

SourcePortavoce Public Relations·JournalThe Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness·DateOct 26, 2015

Ants: Both solid-like and liquid-like

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that ants can flow like liquids when subjected to high pressure, but also exhibit springy behavior when probed at short times. This unique combination of properties allows ants to build bridges, span gaps, and even self-assemble into rafts to survive floodwaters.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 26, 2015

Extinction of Pleistocene herbivores induced major vegetation and landscape changes

The extinction of large herbivores during the Late Pleistocene led to significant changes in vegetation composition and landscape openness. This study reveals that large herbivores play a crucial role in shaping their environments, which has major consequences for other species and ecosystem processes.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

'Hypercarnivores' kept massive ancient herbivores in check

A team of evolutionary biologists used mathematical models to determine that ancient carnivores could bring down massive herbivores like mastodons and giant ground sloths. The largest cave hyena might have been able to take down a 5-year-old juvenile mastodon weighing over a ton.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Better business is linked up

A recent study examines the use of LinkedIn for professional development, finding adults are receptive to sharing knowledge and meeting professionals. However, negative experiences such as unwanted advertisements and unsolicited invitations were also reported.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments·DateOct 26, 2015

Green office environments linked with higher cognitive function scores

A study found that workers in well-ventilated offices with low indoor pollutants and CO2 have significantly higher cognitive functioning scores than those in typical offices. The researchers identified green building design attributes that influence cognitive function, suggesting improved air quality could greatly increase productivity.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 26, 2015

Study seeks cause of fatal bereavement

A new study aims to determine the mechanisms that cause some grieving survivors to suffer unanticipated and potentially fatal heart attacks. The researcher hopes to understand how stress, depression, and anxiety contribute to inflammation, a driver of cardiovascular disease.

Pregnant women in Brooklyn have highest levels of certain preservatives used in cosmetics

A recent study found that pregnant women in Brooklyn have the highest levels of methyl paraben and propyl parben, preservatives commonly used in cosmetics. The researchers detected these substances in human cord blood samples and raised concerns about potential health effects on fetal development and child health.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 26, 2015

Insulin cells determine weight-loss surgery success rate

A recent study found that patients with better insulin-producing cells before weight loss surgery are more likely to eliminate diabetes. The research suggests that measuring insulin cells' performance can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from the procedure, emphasizing the importance of early procedures.

Study examines shaken baby syndrome intervention

A new study examines the effectiveness of a shaken baby syndrome prevention program, Period of PURPLE Crying, which was implemented in North Carolina from 2009-2012. The program, teaching parents about normal infant crying, resulted in a decline of calls to nurse advice line but no significant change in AHT rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2015

Climate change threatens survival of common lizards

A new study found that a 2°C warmer climate may lead to rapid population extinctions in common lizards, with up to 30% of European populations at risk. The researchers used experimental conditions to simulate warmer climates and observed increased adult mortality, decreased population growth rates, and a shift in demographic strategy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 26, 2015

Ancient permafrost quickly transforms to carbon dioxide upon thaw

Researchers found that over half of the dissolved organic carbon in ancient yedoma permafrost decomposes within one week after thawing, producing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This rapid decomposition is attributed to high concentrations of easily degradable organic acids, posing a critical threat to aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Researchers discover an epilepsy switch

A team of researchers has decoded a signaling pathway involved in the onset of seizure disorders, discovering that a central switch called MTF1 plays a key role. By inhibiting this switch, they were able to reduce seizures in epileptic mice, offering new potential for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

Persistence toxin promotes antibiotic resistance

A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the mechanism of action of HigB, a bacterial toxin that contributes to antibiotic resistance. The researchers found that HigB selectively degrades specific mRNAs, leading to the formation of persister cells that are tolerant to antibiotics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2015

Molecular motor grows cell's microtubules

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that a molecular motor can stimulate the growth of microtubules in cells, which could lead to new treatments for cancer. The study found that kinesin-5 molecules pause at the end of microtubules and generate pushing forces, allowing them to grow the microtubes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

DNA test for Down's syndrome on the NHS could save lives

A recent study suggests that offering pregnant women a DNA test for Down's syndrome on the NHS could reduce the number of invasive tests and potentially save lives. The 'cell-free' DNA test has been found to be highly reliable and can be easily incorporated into routine clinical care within the NHS.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 26, 2015

New study unravels mystery of why deadly tick disease appears to be surging, yet fatalities have not

A new study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the expanding range of the Lone star tick is causing reports of Rocky Mountain spotted fever infections to rise, but fatalities have not. The mild disease spread by the aggressive tick is being mistaken for the more serious disease due to similarities in bloo...

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 26, 2015