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Science News for February 1, 2016


The secret of scholars who impact policy

A new study in PNAS suggests that environmental scholars can increase their policy impact by consulting widely with stakeholders during research. Stakeholder engagement is found to be a better predictor of future policy impacts than perceived scientific credibility.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Teen suicide: ADHD medication as prevention

Researchers challenge Health Canada's black-box warnings on ADHD medications, citing epidemiological studies showing reduced youth suicide rates with increased medication use. The study suggests that ADHD medications may actually reduce the risk of suicide in adolescents, contradicting previous warnings.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2016

Transgenic plants' 'die and let live' strategy dramatically increases drought resistance

Purdue University researchers engineered rice and Arabidopsis plants to overexpress PYL9 protein, which dramatically increased drought tolerance. The study found that the transgenic plants triggered the death of old leaves, conserving resources for seeds and buds, a survival strategy known as 'die and let live.'

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New hope for improved heart disease detection and treatment in type 2 diabetics

A new report identifies several forms of testing to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. These tests include exercise testing and coronary calcium scanning, which can detect silent ischemia and identify the highest-risk patients for more effective treatments. The study suggests that a significant proporti...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cling-on warriors

A new type of underwater adhesive developed at UCSB replicates the adhesion strategy of the Sandcastle worm, which is robust in wet conditions. The synthetic glue promotes adhesion between various surfaces and is more resistant to cracking due to its porous structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Turning good vibrations into energy

Scientists at Ohio State University develop tree-like structures that can convert random forces into strong structural vibrations ideal for generating electricity. The technology may prove valuable in small-scale situations where other renewable energy sources are not an option, powering sensors that monitor infrastructure health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateFeb 1, 2016

Community lifestyle intervention reduces cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients

A community lifestyle intervention program reduced cardiovascular disease risk in diabetes patients by 9.6%, fasting glucose by 9%, body mass index by 3.7% and systolic blood pressure by 5.7%. Participants experienced significant reductions after completing 16 two-hour classes on healthy living basics.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 1, 2016

Sparse coverage hinders infertility treatment access

A new review suggests that Americans are not using infertility treatments and technologies as much as they could due to limited insurance coverage. The number of women aged 25-44 who have used infertility services decreased by 16% between 1995 and 2010, with usage rates being only 40% of the likely need in the US population.

SourceBrown University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateFeb 1, 2016

Long-term global warming not driven naturally

A study by Duke University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory finds that global temperature remains stable in the long run due to the Planck Response and other mechanisms. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain large, sustained changes in global temperature.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateFeb 1, 2016

Chapman University publishes research on how the media influence perceptions of obesity

A study by Chapman University researchers reveals that news articles portraying obesity in different ways influence people's attitudes towards obesity-related public policies and anti-fat prejudice. The 'fat rights' frame was found to reduce prejudice, while the 'public health crisis' and 'personal responsibility' frames exacerbated it.

SourceChapman University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Physical parameters matter in terms of cancer cells' metastatic ability

A recent study found that the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promotes the motility of elongated mesenchymal tumour cells in breast cancer cells, which migrate along collagen fibres. This increased persistence and moderate speed suggests that EGF contributes to modulating the mobility of tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 1, 2016

A uniter and a divider

A new study combining computer science, moral psychology, and sociology found that concerns about purity are the best predictor of social distance between people. The research team analyzed over 731,000 tweets and behavioral experiments to determine how five basic moral values affect social connections.

New technique to find copper deposits

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2016

Switching light with a silver atom

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a working group that created a tiny, ultra-efficient optical switch using silver atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for data transmission and storage, as it enables the creation of digital signals with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Increase in volcanic eruptions at the end of the ice age caused by melting ice caps and erosion

Numerical simulations found that erosion played a key role in driving magma production and subsequent volcanic activity at the end of the last ice age. The study's results may have implications for understanding climate change and atmospheric CO2 levels, as similar mechanisms are expected to occur at shorter timescales.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cancer drug helps combat asthma in mice

Dasatinib, a cancer treatment, reduces inflammation and improves lung mechanics in mice with allergic asthma. The drug targets tyrosine kinases involved in asthma's signaling pathways.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 1, 2016

A better model for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at EPFL create cellular and mouse models that accurately reproduce the evolution of Parkinson's disease, using insights into protein clumps called Lewy bodies. The new models can propel research and drug development, offering a powerful tool for rapid screening of molecular pathways involved in the disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New tool for gauging public opinion reveals skepticism of climate engineering

A new decision pathway survey has shed light on public concerns about climate engineering technologies. Most people find the risks of these technologies more likely than their benefits, with those concerned about climate change supporting geoengineering policies and investments in renewable resources. However, those least concerned are...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New stem cell model valuable tool for studying Andersen's syndrome

Researchers successfully reprogrammed muscle cells from patients with Andersen's syndrome to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which can serve as a model for understanding the cause of the rare disorder. The iPS cells demonstrated self-renewal and pluripotency capabilities without affecting the gene mutation known to cause AS.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateFeb 1, 2016

Lupus may contribute to pregnancy-related complications

A new study found that lupus during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of preeclampsia, hypothyroid disease, stroke, and infection among women. The study also reveals worse infant outcomes, including preterm birth, infection, and mortality.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

Shedding new light on breast cancer metastasis

Researchers found that clusters of cancer cells migrate through the body together throughout all stages of metastasis. The study identified unique molecular signatures and genetic changes in these aggressive tumor clumps, including higher expression of desmosome genes and lower expression of antigen presentation genes.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

Spin dynamics in an atomically thin semi-conductor

Researchers at the National University of Singapore and Yale-NUS College have established the mechanisms for spin motion in molybdenum disulfide. This discovery resolves a research question on electron spin properties in single layers of 2D materials, paving the way for next-generation spintronics devices with lower energy consumption.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2016

Living a 'mixotrophic' lifestyle

Researchers at MIT and Bristol University found that mixotrophic organisms can increase the average size of plankton by up to 35%, leading to a greater flux of sinking organic carbon particles. This could enhance the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide, potentially mitigating climate change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2016

New in the Hastings Center Report: Next steps for epigenetics, big data and informed consent, whatever happened to human 'experimentation,' and more in the January-February 2016 issue

Recent epigenetics research highlights molecular mechanisms influencing gene expression through socioenvironmental factors. Big data raises concerns over immortalized participant data, privacy, and anonymity, prompting recommendations for strengthening ethical consent practices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 1, 2016

Study finds significant cognitive impairment in adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adult survivors of childhood brain tumors exhibit significant cognitive deficits in intelligence, educational achievement, and employment. The study also showed that hydrocephalus is associated with poor cognitive function, even decades after treatment.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Lung health study published in top respiratory journal

A recent study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that over 40% of Malawian adults have abnormal lung function, highlighting a major public health concern. The research also exposes the high burden of biomass smoke exposure in Malawi, contributing to respiratory diseases.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2016

Why do scientists chase unicorns?

A team of international scientists led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University discovered a previously unknown bacteria that can fix its own nitrogen, a compound used in critical biological functions. The finding has significant implications for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a 'unicorn' worth chasing.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2016

A highway for spin waves

Researchers at HZDR have developed a method for controlling the propagation of spin waves in a targeted and simple way, creating a basis for nanocircuits that use spin waves. This approach uses magnetic domain walls and small external magnetic fields to manipulate the course of spin waves, enabling efficient information processing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2016

Lava flow crisis averted (for now)

The 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis at Kilauea Volcano posed significant societal impact despite low effusion rates, highlighting the need for effective communication and public education during volcanic events. The crisis provided valuable lessons about predicting and mitigating lava flow hazards.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 1, 2016

New invention revolutionizes heat transport

Researchers at Aalto University have made a groundbreaking discovery in heat transport, enabling efficient cooling of quantum processors and paving the way for faster and more reliable quantum computing. The innovation uses photons to transfer heat over long distances, surpassing previous limitations.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 1, 2016

Turning down the volume on cancer

University of Oklahoma researchers discovered that chromosome instability is a key player in the development of colon cancer. By analyzing gene expression signatures and pathways, they found promising findings for new treatments and prevention strategies. The study's results bring excitement to the field of cancer research and may have...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Research·DateFeb 1, 2016

Exact formula now available for measuring scientific success

A Polish team has developed an analytical method to predict the h-index, a key scientific measurement, using bibliometric data. The study provides an exact formula to calculate external citations and self-citations for each paper written by an author, opening doors for growth analysis in social networks and different scientific fields.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 1, 2016

For older adults, serious depression symptoms increase risk for stroke and heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that serious depression symptoms increase the risk of stroke and heart disease in older adults. The study discovered that adults with high levels of depressive symptoms had a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart disease or stroke events over a 1...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 1, 2016

Olfactory receptors in the blood

Olfactory receptors in human blood cells have been found to be activated by the Sandalore odorant, inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells and promoting red blood cell formation. This discovery could provide a new starting point for developing leukaemia treatments.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Death Discovery·DateFeb 1, 2016

Diversity of nature formulated

A team of biophysicists from the Niels Bohr Institute has formulated a mathematical model called Lotka-Volterra to assess an ecosystem's balance and predict the impact of invasive species. This formula calculates mutual influence, crucial for sustainable coexistence, and can also forecast extinction due to native animal removal.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 1, 2016