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Science News for August 19, 2016


Spider silk: Mother Nature's bio-superlens

Researchers at Bangor University have achieved a world first by using dragline silk from the golden web spider as an additional superlens to provide up to 2-3 times magnification. This innovation enables viewing of previously invisible structures, including nano-structures and biological micro-structures.

SourceBangor University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 19, 2016

Flesh-eating infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients spur new discovery

Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 19, 2016

A new Goldilocks for habitable planets

A new study by Yale University researcher Jun Korenaga suggests that planets like Earth form through multiple giant impacts, leading to diverse sizes and internal temperatures. This lack of self-regulating mantle convection has significant implications for planetary habitability.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 19, 2016

'Born to be bad' or 'born to be benign' -- testing cells for esophageal cancer risk

A new study by Queen Mary University of London found that certain Barrett's Oesophagus cells can be identified as 'born to be benign' or 'bad', allowing for early detection and prevention of oesophageal cancer. The test uses genetic analysis of individual cells, predicting future risk regardless of time since abnormal cell appearance.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2016

Scripps Florida study finds 'missing evolutionary link' of widely used natural drug source

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have determined a previously unknown structure of proteins key to making terpenoids, a family of molecules encompassing successful cancer treatments. The study provides insight into how Nature makes these compounds and may lead to engineering structural diversity in bacteria.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2016