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Science News for April 18, 2016


Thanks, actin, for the memories

Researchers at Rice University suggest that actin filaments play a key role in forming and storing long-term memories by stabilizing soluble cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEB) into longer, insoluble prion-like fibers. This process is thought to aggregate and encode memories in neurons' synaptic regions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016

Mechanics of the cell

Researchers developed a synthetic cell model to investigate fundamental principles of cellular mechanics, revealing the interplay between cytoskeleton and cell membrane is key to changes in form. The model cells demonstrate that protein interactions are essential for biological functions and can alter shape through deformation mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

Presidential elections: Electoral College increases ad spending in typical election

A study published in Springer's journal Quantitative Marketing and Economics found that the Electoral College system increases advertising spending in typical presidential elections. The researchers modeled voters' decisions using a simple aggregate market share model and found that advertising would be spread more evenly across states...

SourceSpringer·JournalQuantitative Marketing and Economics·DateApr 18, 2016

Do we judge distance based on how a word sounds?

A new study by the University of Toronto reveals that people intuitively pair front vowel sounds with things close by and back vowel sounds with distances away. This knowledge can inform marketing strategies, such as choosing names for products or brands that align with their intended distance from customers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCognition·DateApr 18, 2016

The P tax cometh

A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 18, 2016

Penn researchers find females more resistant to organ damage following kidney transplant

A new study by Penn researchers found that female mice experience less renal ischemia reperfusion injury compared to male mice, suggesting a potential benefit of estrogen treatment. Human data also supports this finding, with female recipients experiencing less delayed graft function after kidney transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2016

Magnetic vortices defy temperature fluctuations

A team of researchers from Germany and the UK used high-resolution electron microscopy to study magnetic vortices in magnetite minerals, revealing that they are surprisingly resilient to temperature changes. The findings have significant implications for understanding the Earth's magnetic field history and plate tectonics.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

UAlberta & Little Warriors change the trajectory of child sexual abuse victims

The four-week intervention program significantly reduces psychological impacts of child sexual abuse, with a 25% reduction in PTSD scores and fewer children experiencing depression and anxiety. The Be Brave Ranch offers comprehensive treatment to child survivors, providing individual and group therapies alongside peer support.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Behaviour·DateApr 18, 2016

Preeminent experts provide roadmap for future melanoma research

The white paper outlines key takeaways, including the importance of proper sunscreen use to reduce melanoma risk by up to 50%, developing more precise diagnosis methods, and overcoming immunotherapy resistance. The research aims to advance treatment and potentially cure melanoma by understanding its unique characteristics.

SourceWiley·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateApr 18, 2016

Copper gives an answer to the rise of oxygen

Researchers discovered a significant shift in copper isotopic composition, indicating the Great Oxidation Event's gradual increase in atmospheric oxygen. This finding provides a tool to track fluctuations in oxygen levels throughout Earth's history and sheds light on the evolution of life.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016

New study examines the effect of ecstasy on the brain

A recent study by researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed data from 157 ecstasy users and 148 controls to examine the effect of ecstasy on the brain. The study found significant reductions in serotonin transport in ecstasy users, which may contribute to cognitive deficits and mood changes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateApr 18, 2016

NIH study: Healthy diet may reduce high blood pressure risk after gestational diabetes

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.

A new way to get electricity from magnetism

Scientists have successfully converted spin current into electric current in several organic semiconductors, including carbon-60 buckyballs. The 'inverse spin Hall effect' method has potential for use in future electronic devices like batteries and solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 18, 2016

Is my brand image green or healthy? No need for costly surveys, just ask Twitter!

Researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology analyzed over 200 brands on Twitter, finding that fans of eco-friendly, luxury, and nutrition brands tend to follow environmentally focused accounts, resulting in a positive brand image. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys.

Could global warming's top culprit help crops?

A new study suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels could help mitigate the negative impacts of rising temperatures on crop yields, particularly in regions with suitable conditions. The research projects a 10% increase in average yields of certain crops, while water consumption would decrease by a corresponding amount.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 18, 2016

Shining light on brain tumors

Researchers have developed a method that uses laser pulses to identify brain tumors without labeling or staining, providing histological detail comparable to conventional techniques. The technique allows for fast and accurate diagnosis in the operating room, potentially enabling real-time tumor detection before surgery.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateApr 18, 2016

Exposure to violence during pregnancy increases risk of prematurity and low birthweight

Exposure to violence during pregnancy may increase the risk of prematurity and low birthweight. A recent study by Queen Mary University of London and the University of Leicester found that mothers exposed to homicides had newborns with lower birthweights and higher rates of prematurity, particularly in the first trimester.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateApr 18, 2016

Precision prevention of colorectal cancer

Researchers developed a risk prediction model integrating 19 environmental and lifestyle risk factors with 64 common genetic risk factors to identify individuals at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. The model aims to improve colonoscopies for those at higher risk, while avoiding unnecessary procedures for low-risk individuals.

Demand for radiotherapy will rise substantially over next 10 years

The demand for radiotherapy is expected to increase by 16% between 2012 and 2025, with prostate cancer cases projected to rise by 24%. This is due to an aging population in Europe, with four million new cancer patients expected in 2025. The study's authors aim to help policymakers plan for increased radiotherapy services.

SourceEuropean Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·DateApr 18, 2016

All ants on deck

Researchers found that ants form rafts with different members occupying specific positions based on experience, demonstrating collective memory and cooperation. This phenomenon has implications for our understanding of social insects and potential applications in robotics and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateApr 18, 2016

RNA in stop-motion

Researchers from SISSA have developed a novel technique to visualize RNA dynamics using stop-motion animation, based on a huge international database of crystallographic images. This approach allows for the creation of coherent sequences of conformations, providing valuable insights into molecular transitions and dynamics.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateApr 18, 2016

Medicaid expansion significantly boosts insurance coverage among low-income adults

Researchers found significant increases in health insurance coverage, quality of coverage, and diagnoses for chronic health conditions among low-income adults in states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and residents in states with ACA Medicaid expansions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 18, 2016

Which trees face death in drought?

Researchers found three tree physiological traits significantly predict drought mortality, related to hydraulics. Trees with lower hydraulic conductivity and safety margins are more susceptible to embolism and death. This study can help forecast tree deaths in drought and inform climate change mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2016