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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 11


Page 11 of 38

How parasites take a bigger bite

Researchers at McGill University Health Centre uncover mechanism behind Leishmania parasite's infectious life cycle, revealing exosomes play key role in boosting infection. The study provides potential vaccine targets and diagnostic tools for Leishmania and other parasitic diseases.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

Researchers transform slow emitters into fast light sources

By rapidly changing the environment around phosphor emitters, researchers have developed a method to modulate their emission at high speeds, overcoming the limitation of slow optical lifetimes. This breakthrough could enable the use of phosphors in new applications, such as optical communications networks on computer chips.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2015

Simple test to detect diabetes risk after pregnancy

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a method to predict the probability of developing postpartum diabetes after childbirth, using BMI and genetic predisposition as key factors. The test showed that women with low-risk scores had an 11% risk of developing diabetes within five years.

Deeper calls, smaller balls

A study found that male howler monkeys with larger hyoid bones produce deeper calls but have smaller testicles, while those with smaller hyoids have larger testes. This tradeoff is thought to increase mating success by allowing males to either sire more offspring or attract females.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

Cardiac muscle cells as good as progenitors for heart repair

Human embryonic stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes surpass bone marrow-derived cells in repairing damaged heart tissue, suggesting a better option for future therapies. The study's findings also indicate that more mature and stable heart muscle cells may be more effective than progenitor cells in clinical studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

These social bees farm and eat fungus or die

Researchers have discovered that a Brazilian social bee must cultivate fungus to survive, highlighting the importance of symbiotic relationships in colony health. The fungus is grown in the nest and is transferred to newly built cells, with larvae surviving 76% of the time when fed fungal mycelia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

Collaborative research reveals a new view of cell division

Researchers have discovered that cell division mechanisms involve an excitable cortex that participates in the process. This excitable state allows for precise control of contractile proteins and enzymes to assemble at the right place and time during cell division, enabling accurate and adaptive management of the cell's shape.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

NIH-funded study reveals why malaria vaccine only partially protected children, infants

The NIH-funded study found that the RTS,S vaccine was most effective against malaria in children with the same protein variant, while a mismatch corresponded to lesser protection. The research used advanced genomic sequencing technology to investigate genetic variations in the CS protein, which may limit or restrict vaccine protection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 22, 2015

Shining more light on solar panels

Michigan Technological University researchers have developed a method to increase the output of solar panels by 30 percent or more by using reflectors to bounce sunlight back onto panels. This innovation could lead to major retrofits for existing solar farms, making solar energy more efficient and cost-effective.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Journal of Photovoltaics·DateOct 22, 2015

Vibrations tell bees where mates are from

Researchers found that red mason bee females prefer males from their own region based on specific vibration patterns. This discovery suggests that vibrational signals carry complex information about a male's place of origin.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015

For howler monkeys, deeper roars mean less sperm

Researchers found that howler monkey species with larger hyoid bones produce sounds with lower frequencies, suggesting a larger body size. This is associated with smaller testes and vice versa, indicating a trade-off between vocal investment and sperm production.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015