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Science News for January 11, 2016


PNAS: Childhood leukemias forged by different evolutionary forces than in older adults

A new study proposes that genetic drift contributes to the development of leukemia in young children. The researchers used a computational model describing blood stem cell population dynamics and found that drift plays a significant role in early-life leukemia formation. In contrast, selection drives leukemia development in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

Decision making in action

The brain initially represents and decides between competing action options by planning multiple movements simultaneously. Researchers found that participants planned a movement for each potential target and executed these movements simultaneously when the target was uncertain.

SourceQueen's University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 11, 2016

IUPUI develops technique for detection of illicit enhancement of racing tire performance

Researchers at IUPUI have developed a new technique to detect illicit treatment of racing tires with volatile chemicals, finding approximately 15% of tires tested positive for banned substances. The method uses Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), and has the potential to be app...

Girls should expect poorer physics grades

A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that teachers with less experience discriminate against female students in physics exams, leading to poorer grades. The findings highlight the importance of teacher training and objective grading criteria to combat biases and stereotypes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateJan 11, 2016

High folic acid intake in aged mice causes a lowered immune response

A study by Tufts University researchers found that high folic acid intake causes a lowered immune response in aged mice, particularly affecting natural killer cells. The study used an aged mouse model and found that excess folic acid impaired NK cell development, leading to reduced immunity against viral infections and cancer.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJan 11, 2016

Squeezing cells into stem cells

EPFL scientists have developed a gel that boosts the ability of normal cells to revert into stem cells by simply squeezing them into shape. This method paves the way for large-scale production of stem cells for medical purposes, offering new ways to treat injuries and diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 11, 2016

Kids' robotic rehab

A team of researchers is exploring the use of the NAO robot in a new approach to pediatric rehabilitation based on social interaction between robots and humans. The robot can read moods, recognize family members, and learn preferences, providing personalized interventions for children with motor disabilities.

Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function

A Yale University study found that the hormone FGF21 protects against age-related loss of immune function by promoting T cell production. Increasing FGF21 levels may be an additional strategy to bolster immune function in the elderly or cancer patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

You can't fool this activity tracker

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a way to train smartphone activity trackers to spot fake activity, increasing accuracy from 38% to 84%. The system learns to recognize patterns of cheating, such as shaking the phone while lounging on the couch, and can generalize it across individuals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2016

The way you sound affects your mood

Researchers created an audio platform that modifies voices to sound happier, sadder or more fearful, and found participants' emotional state changed accordingly. The study suggests people don't always control their own voice to match emotions, but listen to it to gauge feelings.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

Backyard chickens harbor greater diversity of ticks, mites, and lice than farm-raised chickens

A study by University of California, Riverside scientists reveals that backyard chickens have a higher diversity of ectoparasites, including six species of lice, the northern fowl mite, scaly leg mite, and chicken red mite. This finding suggests that the benefits of backyard chicken keeping may come with an itchy price.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 11, 2016

Illinois and Syngenta sign agreement for access to RIPE intellectual property

The University of Illinois and Syngenta have signed an agreement to implement a commercialization strategy for the 'RIPE' project, which aims to improve photosynthetic efficiency in food crops. The partnership brings together academic groups with industry partner Syngenta to advance technologies developed under the project.

Study reveals potential therapy targets for triple-negative breast cancer

A multi-institutional international study has revealed new information about the interaction between long non-coding RNAs and HIF-1 signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer. The study identifies four previously unknown phosphorylation sites, which predict a worse outcome for TNBC patients, suggesting that these sites could s...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 11, 2016

Making a safe procedure even safer

A comprehensive modeling study found that breast cancer screening with digital mammography poses only a small risk of radiation-induced breast cancer for most women. However, the research showed increased risk for women with large breasts or breast implants. The study suggests biennial screening from ages 50 to 74 may be the safest opt...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2016

Single molecule detection of contaminants, explosives or diseases now possible

Researchers have developed a technique that enables the detection of single molecules of contaminants, explosives, or diseases using a combination of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and a slippery surface. This innovation has vast applications in analytical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and nation...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

Stage increase in lung cancer more frequent after open vs. closed thoracic surgery

Research published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that non-small cell lung cancer patients with early-stage tumors had a higher rate of nodal upstaging and longer hospital stays when undergoing open chest surgery compared to video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study suggests that VATS may not be equivalent to open surge...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 11, 2016

People seeking treatment for depression may not be getting all the information they want

A nationwide survey of 1,000 Americans seeking depression treatment and 250 clinicians reveals a disconnect between patients' and clinicians' prioritization of information needed for treatment decisions. Patients prioritize cost and insurance information, while clinicians do not always share this priority.

Exercise associated with prevention of low back pain

A review of medical literature suggests that exercise alone or in combination with education may reduce the risk of low back pain. Moderate-quality evidence supports exercise combined with education as a preventive measure, reducing the risk of an episode of low back pain and sick leave.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2016

A new way to print 3-D metals and alloys

A team of Northwestern University engineers has created a new way to print three-dimensional metallic objects using rust and metal powders, expanding the types of metals, alloys, and architectures that can be additively manufactured. The method uses liquid inks and common furnaces, resulting in a cheaper, faster, and more uniform process.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 11, 2016

What's in store for survivors of childhood cancers that affect vision?

A new study reveals that adult retinoblastoma survivors are at higher risk of developing various medical problems, including second cancers, compared to unaffected individuals. Despite this, the majority of survivors report excellent general health and minimal long-term impact on their psychological or socio-economic outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 11, 2016

The 'eyes' have it: Astronaut vision and ophthalmologic problems explained

New research in The FASEB Journal suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the one-carbon metabolic pathway combined with low vitamin B may increase risk for vision and other ocular changes during spaceflight. This study could help identify issues related to cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and other conditions.

Consumer perception of organic foods affected by food type and where they're sold

Researchers found that organic products were generally rated higher than non-organic counterparts, but the interaction between the organic label and product type was complex. Organic virtue foods like strawberries were rated highly for taste, while organic vice foods like cookies were perceived as more nutritious.

Too much sugar? There's an enzyme for that

Scientists at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have discovered an enzyme that can stop the toxic effects of sugar in various organs. The enzyme, glycerol 3-phosphate phosphatase (G3PP), plays a central role in controlling glucose and fat utilization and has been shown to detoxify excess sugar from cells.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016

Growth rings on rocks give up North American climate secrets

A new study reveals that soil deposits can provide a rich source of data for paleoclimatologists, providing a time resolution of thousand-year intervals and offering insights into past climate conditions. The analysis of carbonate deposits revealed a shift in precipitation patterns in North America between 70,000 to 55,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016