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Science News for September 24, 2015


Hope against disease targeting children

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers discovered molecular changes in SMA that explain why motor neurons are affected, diverging from other neurodegenerative diseases. The findings suggest a stress response pathway convergence between SMA and ALS, potentially leading to a single treatment.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 24, 2015

In the dark polar winter, the animals aren't sleeping

Researchers discovered a world of biological activity beneath the Arctic's polar night, with diverse species reproducing and thriving in the darkness. The findings raise questions about how marine species adapt to the changing climate and highlight the importance of this period for ecosystem reproduction.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Sticky gel helps stem cells heal rat hearts

Researchers have developed a sticky gel that helps stem cells adhere to and restore their metabolism in rat hearts, improving cardiac function after simulated heart attacks. The gel, which combines serum and hyaluronic acid, has been shown to retain up to 73% of transplanted cells in the heart.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 24, 2015

Promising drugs turn immune system on cancer

Researchers have discovered that a class of experimental drugs already in clinical trials can help the body's immune system fight cancer. The drugs target a protein called Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), which is often overproduced in tumors and enables them to evade the immune system.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2015

Mobile app records our erratic eating habits

A mobile app collected data from over 150 participants, showing that a majority of people eat for 15 hours or longer. The study aimed to test whether reducing daily food intake duration impacts health and found that time-restricted feeding can lead to weight loss and improved energy levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 24, 2015

The life and times of domesticated cheese-making fungi

Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Rapidly assessing the next influenza pandemic

A recent study by international researchers has developed a predictive tool to assess the likely impact of a new influenza pandemic. By analyzing clinical episode data from military personnel, they estimated key parameters such as transmissibility and severity, enabling early mitigation strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Nano-mechanical study offers new assessment of silicon for next-gen batteries

Researchers have reported surprisingly high damage tolerance in electrochemically-lithiated silicon materials, suggesting all-silicon anodes may be commercially viable. The study found that above a certain concentration of lithium, the material becomes more tolerant to damage, making it possible to design durable silicon-based batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2015

Newly identified mechanism solves enduring mystery of key element of cellular organization

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a mechanism underlying the formation of stress granules in cells under stress, which are linked to degenerative diseases such as ALS. The study reveals that mutations in proteins involved in stress granule assembly can lead to toxic fibrils and disease progression.

'No Child Left Behind' leaves some voters behind

A Duke University study found that assigning public schools failing grades leads to increased turnout among affluent voters, but has little impact on low-income families. The research suggests that providing citizens with information about school performance does not necessarily address imbalances in civic engagement.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateSep 24, 2015

Gel study uncovers unexpected dynamics

Research reveals alginate gel biofilms are highly dynamic and exchangeable, challenging previous assumptions about their structure. The findings may lead to new ways of modifying or disrupting these materials to combat bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalSoft Matter·DateSep 24, 2015

Researchers propose ecological route to plant disease control

Scientists have discovered a potential ecological route to control plant disease by harnessing the power of soil microbial communities. The study found that increasing competition between resident bacteria and invading pathogens can constrain the spread of bacterial wilt, reducing its devastating impact on global food production.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2015

Blacklists protect the rainforest

The University of Bonn study found that Brazil's 'blacklisting' policy reduced Amazon forest loss by 26% per year. The researchers used data from 2008 to 2012 and compared listed communities with comparable non-listed communities.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2015

Lean and safe industry

Research emphasizes that lean efforts must consider health and safety regulations to maintain quality and productivity without compromising employee well-being. The lean philosophy aims to minimize waste, including non-value adding activities that result in accidents and employee compensation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Lean Enterprise Research·DateSep 24, 2015

Shooting lightning out of the sky

Researchers from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have demonstrated new techniques that bring lasers as lighting rods closer to reality. They created a channel of plasma by firing a powerful laser, extending the lifetime of the plasma channel by more than a factor of 10.

SourceOptica·DateSep 24, 2015

From brain, to fat, to weight loss

A breakthrough study has identified a neural mechanism responsible for fat breakdown, allowing researchers to develop novel anti-obesity therapies. The study found that fat tissue is innervated and direct stimulation of neurons in fat can induce fat breakdown, providing new hopes for treating central leptin resistance.

The rise of X-ray beam chemistry

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory create a new surface microscope that allows them to control the chemical environment and image minerals as they react under extreme conditions. The technique, called X-ray reflection interface microscopy (XRIM), enables scientists to study reaction front instabilities in real-time.

Fewer patients die at fully accredited hospitals

A new study published in International Journal of Quality in Health Care found an association between hospital accreditation and mortality rate among patients. Hospitals that fully met the requirements of the Danish Healthcare Quality Programme had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those that only partially met the stand...

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal for Quality in Health Care·DateSep 24, 2015

New method to better understand atomic nuclei

Physicists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new approach to carry out precision calculations of the forces acting between protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei. This method uses effective field theory and a new method for analyzing theoretical uncertainties, allowing for a more accurate description of nuclear systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 2015

11-year cosmic search leads to black hole rethink

Scientists used Parkes telescope for 11 years to detect gravitational waves but found nothing, suggesting that black holes may merge quickly without generating waves. The lack of detection has implications for astronomers who want to use pulsar timing techniques to spot gravitational waves.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2015