Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 22, 2016


Know thy enemy: Kill MRSA with tailored chemistry

Researchers at UConn have developed experimental antibiotics that successfully target and kill MRSA bacteria by blocking the enzyme pathway critical to its survival. By understanding the molecular structure of the enzyme and designing tailored inhibitors, the team created compounds that evade previously resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

Histologic classification impacts SBRT treatment in early-stage lung cancer patients

A study analyzing 740 early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT found that Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SqCC) has a significantly higher rate of local failure compared to other histological subtypes. SqCCs are more resistant to SBRT, which may require treatment optimization based on histological subtype.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateDec 22, 2016

The hidden inferno inside your laser pointer

Researchers have developed a method to measure temperature and voltage in systems far from equilibrium, which could lead to the creation of more efficient microelectronic devices. This breakthrough has significant implications for advancing technology, particularly in the development of smaller, faster electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 22, 2016

The sound of quantum vacuum

The study reveals strong correlations between laser-induced light fluctuations and mechanical motion, showcasing the strange laws of quantum mechanics. By using a phononic crystal to confine vibrations, the researchers achieved ultra-precision measurements, overcoming fundamental quantum limits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2016

Temperature drives biodiversity

A new study reveals that temperature is the primary driver of biodiversity, with warmer climates hosting more diverse ecosystems. The research, conducted at Mount Kilimanjaro, examined eight plant groups and 17 animal groups, finding a strong correlation between temperature and species diversity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2016

Scientists discover concussion biomarker

Researchers at Northwestern University's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory have discovered a biological marker in the auditory system that can reliably diagnose concussions. The study found that children who suffered concussions had a distinct pattern in their brain activity when exposed to sound, which could be used to identify them.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 22, 2016

Interleukin-1α causes people to choke on air

Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalImmunity·DateDec 22, 2016

Weight loss reduces psoriasis symptoms

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that weight loss reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life among obese test subjects. The results, which showed a lasting effect, underscore the importance of weight loss as part of a broader treatment regimen for overweight patients with psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 22, 2016

Mass insect migrations in UK skies

Scientists have measured mass insect migrations in UK skies, with up to 3.5 trillion insects migrating annually over southern England. The movements are comparable to significant oceanic migrations and provide essential ecological services, including pollination and predation of crop pests.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Controlling the body clock

Researchers at RIKEN create genetic knock-out rescue mice to study circadian timekeeping and identify key sites in the CRY1 gene that affect the duration of the circadian period. They find that specific mutations near the p-loop region influence phosphorylation levels, leading to longer or shorter circadian periods.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2016

Results of major myeloma treatment trial published in The Lancet

A major clinical trial has found that adding bortezomib to a standard two-drug regimen significantly prolongs the time before multiple myeloma cancer returns, giving patients about another year of remission. The study also shows that patients who receive this combination therapy live an average of six years after initial treatment.

SourceSWOG·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 22, 2016

These dinosaurs lost their teeth as they grew up

Researchers have found that ceratosaurian theropod dinosaurs had teeth as young juveniles that were gradually lost as they grew up. The discovery reveals a unique developmental process where the toothed jaws of juvenile individuals transition to a completely toothless beaked jaw in more mature individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2016

Proteins at the movies

Researchers have successfully filmed protein folding in three dimensions for the first time, enabling them to observe minute changes in protein structures during transformation. The technique, developed using Japan's XFEL facility, has significant implications for drug development and studying membrane transport proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience·DateDec 22, 2016

Researchers capture video of false killer whale's encounter with longline

A team of researchers observed Hawaiian false killer whales removing fish from longline fishing gear for the first time, gaining insight into a behavior that has led to unsustainable entanglements. The study provides new information on the animals' behavior and may lead to the development of 'smart hooks' to reduce bycatch.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 2016

Moffitt researchers use mathematics to explain treatment resistance

A team of researchers used mathematical models to study the emergence of treatment-resistant populations in bacteria and cancer cells. They found that biological redundancy can lead to bet-hedging, a mechanism that allows cells to survive even when faced with catastrophic environmental changes. The study suggests that traditional strat...