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Science News for January 6, 2016


Tracing a cellular family tree

The new method allows tracking of gene expression changes in stem cells, immune cells, and potential applications for cancer research. Researchers discovered unique family-specific transcriptional profiles for single T cells, shedding light on how a single founding cell gives rise to diverse progeny.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2016

Is there a bubble in the art market?

Researchers at University of Luxembourg apply new bubble detection method to analyze millions of auction records, identifying explosive movements in fine art market segments. The study warns of an overheating art market with potential for severe correction.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalJournal of Empirical Finance·DateJan 6, 2016

Should patients pay to see the GP?

Charging patients for GP consultations could raise much-needed funds for the NHS, according to some. However, critics warn that this approach may lead to increased costs, reduced access to care, and decreased health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 6, 2016

The waiter's weight

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that diners ordering from heavier wait staff were four times more likely to order dessert and 17% more alcohol. The research suggests that a waiter's weight can play a significant role in influencing diner behavior, particularly when it comes to indulging in treats.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2016

'Seeing' black holes with a home-use telescope

A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

Leopard sharks navigate with their nose

A study found that leopard sharks with impaired smell took longer and more tortuous paths than those with intact smell during ocean navigation. This suggests that olfaction plays a significant role in guiding these fish through the ocean.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2016

Last meal reflects spiral-shaped intestine

Paleontologists discovered a spiral valve similar to sharks and rays in a Triassic bony fish fossil, providing insights into the evolution of vertebrates' gastrointestinal tracts. The gut contents reveal a straight stomach and high energy requirements for an energetic lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2016

Killer whales feast on salmon in summer

Scientists have confirmed that killer whales in the Pacific Northwest mainly eat Chinook salmon and coho salmon during their summer diet. The study analyzed DNA from feces to estimate the whales' diet composition, providing new insights into their ecological interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 6, 2016

Love hertz

Researchers created an audio lure using the frequency of a female mosquito's wings, attracting 95% of male mosquitoes. The device costs around $20 and can be run for weeks. Scientists also found that females are oblivious to male wing beats, making this technology a promising solution to control mosquito populations.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 6, 2016

Buprenorphine found superior to Methadone in treating infants born in drug withdrawal

A study of 201 infants found that buprenorphine therapy was more effective than methadone in reducing the duration of treatment and length of hospital stay for newborns born in opioid withdrawal. Infants treated with buprenorphine had a shorter course of treatment, averaging 9.4 days, compared to 14 days on methadone.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 6, 2016

One crop, two ways, multiple benefits

A recent study found that faba beans can increase soil nitrogen and carbon levels, providing long-term benefits for farmers. The research suggests that growers should adjust their fertilizer recommendations to account for the slow-release nitrogen in pulse crops.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJan 6, 2016

Study: Bacteria attack lignin with enzymatic tag team

Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2016

Nanowalls for smartphones

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new type of transparent electrode using 3D print technology, featuring gold or silver nanowalls on a glass surface. This innovation offers higher conductivity and transparency than traditional indium tin oxide electrodes, leading to improved screen quality and touch responsiveness in smartphones.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 6, 2016

Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water

A new device mimics leaf processes to harness solar energy and purify water, offering a clean alternative to conventional methods for addressing global water shortages. The tri-layer membrane uses TiO2 nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, and anodized aluminum oxide to degrade pollutants in simulated sunlight.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 6, 2016

Winship multiple myeloma study in The Lancet

A landmark Phase II study by Winship Cancer Institute led to the approval of daratumumab for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least three prior treatments. The drug showed an overall response rate of nearly 30% and demonstrated single-agent activity in a novel monoclonal antibody treatment.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 6, 2016

Droughts hit cereal crops harder since 1980s

A new study led by McGill University and the University of British Columbia found that droughts have a significant impact on cereal crop production, particularly in developed nations. The research analyzed data from 177 countries and found that global production lost to extreme weather events averaged around 9-10%.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis

A team of researchers developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising results in mice. The fresh cells exert their curative effect in these segments by producing nitric oxide and regulating blood vessel expansion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 6, 2016

Redirected flood waters lead to unintended consequences

The Headwaters Diversion system, built to protect agricultural lands from overflow and Ozark Plateau runoff, has increased peak flow of Mississippi River water and led to increased flooding. Climate scientists predict a continued pattern of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the issue.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40 percent over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes

Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40% over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes. This reduction would lead to a significant decrease in energy intake and body weight, resulting in a substantial decrease in these health issues.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 6, 2016