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Science News for February 5, 2016


'Cannibalism' between stars

Researchers discovered that stars undergo sharp stellar brightening caused by gravitational instabilities in massive gaseous disks, leading to a new understanding of star formation and evolution. The discovery may imply that our Sun experienced several such episodes, affecting the formation of giant planets.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2016

New solution to economic eyesores?

Researchers are testing whether recycling and repurposing building materials can revitalize a distressed Great Lakes community. The project aims to create an economic cluster by identifying industries that can maximize material reuse and resale. By doing so, it could provide jobs and boost local economy.

Assessing the biosimilarity of protein drugs: New study shows method's precision

A new study published in Nature Biotechnology reports that a 2D-NMR spectroscopy method can reliably assess the atomic structures of biologically similar products, yielding equivalent fingerprints. The method's precision is demonstrated through an interlaboratory comparison of four versions of a therapeutic protein drug.

Where infants sleep may affect how long they are breastfed

A study of 678 women found that frequent bed-sharing with infants and a strong motivation to breastfeed were linked to longer breastfeeding durations. This challenges recommendations against bed-sharing due to SIDS fears, suggesting these practices may hinder some mothers from achieving their breastfeeding goals.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateFeb 5, 2016

First reported autopsy of patient with MERS coronavirus infection provides critical insights

The article presents findings from the first reported autopsy of a patient with MERS coronavirus infection, revealing diffuse damage to lungs and identification of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in specific cells. These results contradict previous assumptions and suggest that lung targeting is crucial for infectious control strategies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 5, 2016

Cells that show where things are going

Scientists have identified four classes of nerve cell involved in calculating directionally selective signals in fruit flies, unlike previously proposed models. These cells, including T5 cells, perceive the direction of motion and receive input from four upstream cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2016

Scientists discover molecular link between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered a molecular link between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes, with the DISC1 gene playing a critical role in pancreatic beta cell function. The study found that disrupting the DISC1 gene led to increased beta cell death, impaired glucose regulation, and reduced insulin secretion.

A flawed measure

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that 34.4 million Americans considered overweight by BMI are actually healthy, and 19.8 million who are considered obese are also healthy. The research reveals that BMI mislabels millions of individuals as unhealthy, while overlooking those with 'healthy' BMIs who a...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2016

Health care for older adults should honor diversity

By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 5, 2016

The mystery of the Red Sea

Biologists from Moscow State University found new luminescent creatures in the Red Sea, with unique fluorescent patterns that can help identify different species. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals insights into the role of glow in attracting prey and exploring symbiotic relationships.

Online shopping might not be as green as we thought

A multi-year regional study at the University of Delaware suggests that home shopping has a greater impact on transportation sector than previously believed. The study found that online shopping leads to increased wear and tear on pavements and higher environmental pollution due to more delivery trucks on the roads.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology·DateFeb 5, 2016

Discovery: Many white-tailed deer have malaria

Researchers estimate that up to 25% of white-tailed deer along the East Coast of the United States are infected with Plasmodium odocoilei, a previously unknown malaria parasite. The discovery fundamentally changes our understanding of malaria distribution and evolutionary history in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2016

Biophysics: Partitioning by collision

Researchers have found that mixtures of equally sized particles in solution will demix, or sort themselves, if they differ in their diffusion constants. This phenomenon, known as the Brazil Nut effect, was simulated and explained by a theoretical model, showing that random particle motions play a key role in the process.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 5, 2016

Radar reveals the hidden secrets of wombat warrens

Using ground-penetrating radar, researchers mapped wombat warrens, finding that soil warrens consist of a single tunnel underground, while limestone warrens feature extensive tunnels and chambers. This discovery has important implications for estimating wombat numbers and understanding their social structure.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalWildlife Research·DateFeb 5, 2016