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Science News for February 17, 2016


Rolling stones, turbulence connect evolution to physics

Research at Duke University reveals that larger rolling stones and turbulent eddies exhibit the same life span, travel distance, and number of revolutions as smaller counterparts. The findings demonstrate the constructal law's applicability to non-biological systems, challenging traditional views on evolution.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2016

Transgenic sweet corn no more susceptible to Goss's wilt disease

A new study from the USDA-ARS found that transgenic sweet corn is not more susceptible to Goss's wilt disease, regardless of glyphosate treatment. In fact, glyphosate application increased yield in transgenic plants, potentially due to hormesis, a phenomenon where low doses of toxins stimulate plant growth.

Explaining autism

A study published in eLife identified a novel mechanism that causes abnormal brain development in autism, a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders. The research reveals how a specific microRNA regulates gene expression to impair brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of autism.

Can ecotourism save endangered species?

A new study from Griffith University uses population viability modelling to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species. For seven out of nine species analysed, ecotourism provides net conservation gains through measures like private reserves and habitat restoration.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 17, 2016

New predictor of cancer

A new Northwestern Medicine study links a biological age discrepancy to increased cancer risk and mortality. The study found that individuals with an epigenetic age 2.2 years older than their chronological age have a higher risk of dying from cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Marine virus outbreaks linked to coral bleaching

A study by Rice University and Oregon State University found that significant marine virus outbreaks may be associated with coral bleaching events, especially due to multiple environmental stresses. Viral groups, including a herpes-like virus, were detected in corals undergoing bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 17, 2016

New clues in the hunt for the sources of cosmic neutrinos

Researchers found intriguing contradictions between IceCube neutrino data and Fermi gamma-ray data, suggesting 'hidden accelerator' origins of high-energy cosmic neutrinos. Proton-photon interactions may block high-energy gamma rays from escaping, enabling the use of neutrinos as new probes of dense astrophysical environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 17, 2016

New synthesis method developed at UEF opens up new possibilities for Li-ion batteries

Researchers at UEF have developed a new synthesis method for Li-ion batteries, which uses readily available materials, is safe to dispose of, and has significantly longer cycle lifetimes. The new method solves the low electric conductivity problem, promising applications in fast-charging electric buses and high-power hybrid vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateFeb 17, 2016

A new molecular alarm clock in vertebrates

Researchers discovered a gene, neuromedin U, that promotes wakefulness and suppresses sleep in zebrafish. The protein's function suggests it may be nature's alarm clock, helping to regulate the transition from nighttime sleep to daytime wakefulness.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 17, 2016

A stake in innovation

A new study by MIT researchers found that constituency statutes in 34 US states increase patenting rates by at least 6.4% and citation counts per patent by 6.3%. This allows firms to take a longer view on innovation, prioritizing stakeholders' interests over short-term profits.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 17, 2016

Progress toward an HIV cure highlighted in special issue of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses

A special issue of the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses highlights recent advances in HIV cure research, including studies on viral suppression and control of virus replication. Researchers discuss potential avenues for achieving a cure and propose exploring multiple approaches to therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateFeb 17, 2016

The alcohol harm paradox explained

Research finds people in deprived areas more likely to combine heavy drinking with other health-damaging behaviors, multiplying risks of ill health. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased rates of smoking, excess weight, poor diet, and low exercise levels.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Study of firefighters finds potential pathway between insomnia and depression

A new study of firefighters suggests that insomnia and nightmares may increase the risk of depression by impairing emotion regulation strategies. The study found that limited access to these strategies, such as problem-solving skills and negative emotions decrease, was the strongest indirect effect for both relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2016

Can CRISPR help edit out female mosquitos?

The CRISPR-Cas9 system could be used to bias mosquito populations from deadly females toward harmless males, reducing the spread of diseases. Genetic strategies are currently underway but face challenges such as cost and scalability.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateFeb 17, 2016

Research sheds new light on whether we are all getting fatter

A study of BMI trends in England from 1992 to 2013 found that median BMI is not increasing as much as thought, but the top end of the scale is experiencing significant increases across all social groups and sexes. Researchers highlight the growing issue of obesity among the most obese individuals, costing billions to the NHS annually.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 17, 2016

Ensuring ongoing care for patients treated during short-term surgical mission trips

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that a sustainable surgical follow-up program can be cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes for patients treated during short-term mission trips. The study showed that 97% of fractures were successfully repaired, and 101 patients experienced successful wound healing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

The real value of taking your business offshore

A new study published in the Journal of Corporate Finance found that companies with offshore subsidiaries are worth 11% more than purely onshore firms, while those with headquarters in OFCs are valued 14% lower. However, tax benefits are offset by costs such as lax monitoring and loose legal regimes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 17, 2016

Fifteen international neurointerventional societies join to release new training guidelines to help ensure optimal outcomes for ischemic stroke patients

International neurointerventional societies have released new training guidelines to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke patients. The guidelines aim to ensure that physicians performing inside-the-artery clot removal in the brain have the necessary education and training, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateFeb 17, 2016

Evolution silences harmful mutations

New research from Uppsala University shows that organisms can quickly compensate for the negative effects of synonymous mutations by introducing new mutations. This study provides insights into why these mutations are detrimental to bacterial growth and survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 17, 2016

Toward longer-lasting fragrances

Researchers develop a new way to encapsulate fragrance molecules, slowing down their release and creating longer-lasting scents. The technique uses microfluidic and bulk emulsification, resulting in uniform microcapsules that control shell size and structure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 17, 2016

Novel combination of ingredients may offer greater support for infant brain development

Researchers found that a novel combination of prebiotics, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and lactoferrin added to a DHA- and ARA-containing formula advanced overall brain development in piglets. The study suggests that myelination occurred at a faster rate in piglets fed the supplemented diet.

Feeding a city with better food sources

A Michigan State University study found that relocating a farmers' market to downtown Flint has increased customers from low-income neighborhoods, who now have better access to fresh produce. The market's move also boosted local economic activity and attracted more bus riders.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied Geography·DateFeb 17, 2016

'Stay-at-home' males fueled menopause evolution

A new study suggests that the menopause evolved as a result of a combination of factors, including the 'grandmother hypothesis', which proposes that women live long past reproductive age to care for their grandchildren. The study also found that males who remained at home provided an adaptive benefit by allowing females to focus on rep...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalBiological Letters·DateFeb 17, 2016

Fluorescent biosensors light up high-throughput metabolic engineering

Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors allow researchers to visualize the formation of valuable products in real-time and test billions of candidates at a time. This breakthrough enables efficient identification of the most productive microbes for fine chemicals, therapeutics, and biofuels production.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2016