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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 39

May the capillary force be with you

Researchers at Washington State University are developing a computer model and designs for improved liquid transport systems using capillary forces to move liquids through narrow spaces in space. By studying the effects of viscosity in microgravity, they aim to conserve energy and enable longer space missions.

Body's immune system may play larger role in Alzheimer's disease than thought

Researchers found a dramatic increase in brain plaques when key immune cells are lacking in genetically modified mice, leading to new techniques to identify and treat individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's. The study suggests the immune system plays a crucial role in clearing beta-amyloid from the brain.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

Clock gene may connect mood and sleep

Researchers discovered a molecular link between mood disorders and circadian rhythms in a study on familial advanced sleep phase (FASP) and faulty PER3 gene variants. Mice carrying the faulty gene exhibited depression-like symptoms when exposed to short light periods, mirroring human seasonal affective disorder.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2016

ERC Consolidator Grant: Six million euros for 3 scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen

The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.

Common macrolide antibiotics show no increased risk of serious heart arrhythmia or death

A study of over 600,000 adults found that macrolide antibiotics were associated with a similar 30-day risk of ventricular arrhythmia as nonmacrolide antibiotics, and slightly lower risk of all-cause mortality. The findings are reassuring for healthcare providers who prescribe these antibiotics to patients at low risk of adverse events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 22, 2016

Squirm with purpose: FSU research shows fidgeting is helpful for ADHD patients

Children with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive behavior when trying to solve problems. New FSU research shows that movement can positively impact working memory and cognitive function in these children. The study's findings suggest that fidgeting may be a helpful strategy for improving attention, impulse control, and school success.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateFeb 22, 2016

Fungi are at the root of tropical forest diversity -- or lack thereof, study finds

A new study reveals that certain fungi associated with tree roots can alter the fate of tropical forests, boosting plant diversity or giving one tree species a distinct advantage. The research found that these fungi, particularly ectomycorrhizas, make nitrogen unavailable to competing species, allowing dominant trees to thrive.

A new way of fighting bacteria?

Scientists at Université de Genève found a novel regulatory mechanism in the HigBA toxin-antitoxin system that can selectively kill bacteria when they suffer from DNA damage. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections by forcing bacteria to turn their weapons against themselves.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 22, 2016

Are lung cancer survivors getting too many costly scans for no reason? Study suggests so

A national look at PET scan use for lung and esophageal cancer survivors found widespread variation between hospitals, with some using scans eight times more often than others. The study suggests that this approach doesn't improve survival rates and is being inappropriately used at many hospitals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 22, 2016

Cancer in 3-D

A new microscope enables the visualization of cancer cells in 3D, revealing that these cells form small protrusions called blebs in a more realistic tumor environment. This discovery is a first step toward understanding 3D biology in tumor microenvironments and may help explain skin cancer cell invasiveness and drug resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 22, 2016

Gaps in reporting leave turtles vulnerable

A James Cook University study found that turtles are left vulnerable due to gaps in reporting of bycatch, a common cause of sea turtle deaths. The researchers recommend pooling bycatch records across fisheries and states over time to better measure the impact on turtle populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateFeb 21, 2016

Most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino spectrum reveals intriguing surprise

The Daya Bay Collaboration has obtained the most precise measurement of reactor antineutrino energy spectrum ever recorded, showing a surprising excess of antineutrinos at an energy of around five million electron volts. This deviation of up to four standard deviations suggests that current calculations may need refinement.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 21, 2016

New material to enhance battery life

Scientists at MSU have created a new cathode material for Li-ion batteries that can enhance charge rates drastically. The material demonstrated high charge/discharge rates while retaining over 75% of initial capacity, making it a promising contender for commercialized high-power cathode materials.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 20, 2016