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Science News for April 14, 2016


The Red Queen rules

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that female New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce sexually are more resilient to parasitic worms than females that produce offspring asexually. The team tested the hypothesis in Lake Grasmere, finding that male snails were present even in areas with low parasite activity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNew Zealand Journal of Ecology·DateApr 14, 2016

Brain scan method may help detect autism

Researchers developed a computer algorithm that accurately identified autism spectrum disorders using fMRI brain scans. The classifier worked across diverse populations, including Japanese and American adults, with an average accuracy of 85% and 75%, respectively.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2016

Nanotubes assemble! Rice introduces 'Teslaphoresis'

Researchers at Rice University have discovered 'Teslaphoresis', a phenomenon where carbon nanotubes self-assemble into long wires using a Tesla coil's force field. The team, led by Paul Cherukuri, reported their results in ACS Nano and demonstrated the ability to assemble and power circuits using the force field.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 14, 2016

How can lay health advisor programs be designed for maximum impact?

Lay health advisors play a crucial role in reducing health disparities among medically underserved groups. Research from Roswell Park and Columbia University found that support from academic institutions is key to their success, with partnerships leading to higher retention rates. The study also highlights the importance of clear role ...

Troublesome T cells have a healing side

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune cells associated with allergies can promote healing of mouse muscle wounds when paired with biomaterial scaffolds. The discovery suggests a pivotal role for type 2 helper T cells in regulating the regenerative process, which may lead to novel strategies for tissue regeneration.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2016

High rate of early cancer recurrence following direct-acting antiviral treatment for hep C virus

A new study found that patients with a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma and treated with direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C have a higher-than-expected early recurrence rate of their liver cancer, with rates exceeding 40% in some subgroups. The recurrences may be due to a weakened immune system following DAA therapy.

Biggest library of bat sounds compiled

An international team has compiled the largest library of bat sounds, allowing researchers to accurately identify and differentiate between 59 bat species found in Mexico. The developed method can be used to monitor biodiversity change and characterise bat communities in different regions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2016

Using methane rather than flaring it

Researchers have developed a new approach to convert methane into methanol using copper-containing silicon aluminum compounds as catalysts at constant temperatures and high pressures. This process can potentially reduce the energy waste associated with current industrial methods.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 14, 2016

Modeling a monarch butterfly's personal compass

Researchers created a mathematical model that reproduces the animals' internal calculations, revealing the existence of a 'separatrix angle' that changes throughout the day. The model predicts real-life behaviors in flight simulators and provides insights into monarch navigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 14, 2016

The brain of male batterers functions differently than that of other delinquents

Researchers found that male batterers show greater activation in anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, and smaller reaction in superior prefrontal cortex in response to intimate partner violence images. This study may have important implications for understanding violence against women and recidivism in batterers.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateApr 14, 2016

Blood pressure difference linked to heart disease risk

A large-scale study found that a difference of 5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure measurements between the two arms was associated with almost double the risk of death from heart-related disease over an eight-year period. This suggests that measuring blood pressure in both arms is crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk of ca...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateApr 14, 2016

Supernova iron found on the moon

Researchers at TUM and USA colleagues have discovered unusually high concentrations of radioactive 60Fe in lunar samples from Apollo missions 12, 15 and 16. This evidence supports a supernova hypothesis, suggesting that one or more explosive events occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

The secret language of microbes

Researchers discover a 'green beard' system in fungi to decide on compatibility and actively seek out favorable cells. This mechanism is necessary and sufficient to determine 'self' identity, enabling cooperation between non-genealogical relatives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mass Spectrometry·DateApr 14, 2016

Is risk-taking behavior contagious?

Researchers found that observing others' risk-taking behavior changes one's own attitude towards risk, with the brain responding to this change in activity levels. The study also found that participants could learn and predict the risk-taking preferences of an observed peer.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2016

Study reveals substantial reductions in years lived without disability and overall life expectancy for men and women with diabetes

Research published in Diabetologia found that people with diabetes face reduced overall life expectancy and higher numbers of years living with disability compared to those without diabetes. The study estimated a loss of 3-9 years of life expectancy and 8-9 years of disability-free life expectancy for men and women with diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 14, 2016

A new system for color vision

Researchers found a previously unknown type of neuron called J-RGCs that signal color to the brain by comparing signals from ultraviolet cones and rods. This discovery may help explain why humans perceive the color blue in dim light, as proposed by Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.

Study unveils novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation

A recent study reveals a novel crosstalk mechanism between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, essential for spermatogenesis. The mTOR signaling pathway helps balance the dynamic between mitochondrial translation and cytoplasmic translation, preventing negative impacts on protein quality and half-life.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Plants force fungal partners to behave fairly

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that plants deliberately choose which fungal partners to provide with more nutrients, effectively forcing the less cooperative partner to supply more phosphates. This market-based process allows for optimal resource allocation and increased plant productivity.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

Juvenile offenders probably more criminal to begin with

A new study by Duke University researchers found that adult-onset offenders have a history of anti-social behavior from childhood and are more likely to struggle with mental health issues. The study, which tracked nearly 1,000 New Zealanders, suggests that the court system may not be addressing the root causes of crime in adults.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·DateApr 14, 2016

A 'pause button' for cells

Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Scientists develop recipe for testosterone-producing cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a way to encourage adult stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into testosterone-producing cells. The findings could lead to the development of transplantable cells that can produce testosterone, avoiding side effects associated with current treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2016