Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

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

A fluorescent dye that survives in live cell STED imaging

Scientists at ITbM developed a new fluorescent dye, C-Naphox, with enhanced photostability to enable continuous live cell imaging by STED microscopy. The dye has demonstrated extreme photoresistance and no significant toxicity towards cells, opening doors to real-time biological event observation for extended periods.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2015

Failing to account for climate change in mining land reclamation may cost billions: Study

Researchers at the University of Waterloo propose a six-step process to improve success rates for ecological reclamation projects and control mine closure costs. The study highlights the need for a more pragmatic approach to reclamation planning that takes into account projected climate change, which could lead to billions in additiona...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 23, 2015

Manipulating wrinkles could lead to graphene semiconductors

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that wrinkles in graphene can form a junction-like structure, changing its electronic properties from zero-gap conductor to semiconductor and back. By manipulating the carbon structure using scanning tunneling microscopy, they have opened up new possibilities for graphene engineering.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2015

Japanese sea defense guidelines could assist other tsunami-prone nations, study suggests

A study by Plymouth University suggests that Japan's new sea defense plans could be shared with other nations to improve their preparedness for tsunamis. The research analyzed Japan's history of coastal defense design and measures taken since 2011, highlighting the country's progress in mitigating tsunami impacts.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 23, 2015