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Science News Archive June 2016


Page 1 of 40

Zebrafish reveal the ups and downs of vision

Researchers have discovered specific cell types and mechanisms responsible for orientation selectivity in the retina of zebrafish, shedding light on how we perceive and recognize visual stimuli. The study reveals that mutating a key protein called Teneurin-3 leads to a loss of orientation selectivity in neurons.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

Unsilencing silenced genes by CRISPR/Cas9

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technique to unleash silenced genes, changing cell fates. They used DNA repair mechanism MMEJ with CRISPR/Cas9 to replace off-switches with on-switches, enabling efficient gene expression in cultured cells.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016

Certain occupations linked to increased bladder cancer risk

A new analysis of UK workers found a significant association between certain occupations and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study identified the greatest risk in workers within the chemical, rubber, and dye industries, as well as those in electrical, chemical, and transport roles.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 30, 2016

The switch that could double USB memory

Researchers created a new method to switch strontium cobalt oxide between an insulating state and a metal magnet state at room temperature, enabling double the storage capacity of conventional USB flash drives. This technology could increase mobile phone storage by storing more photos and videos.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJun 30, 2016

In making tough decisions, plants weigh the risks

A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector

MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors that enable smartphones to detect trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, can be worn by soldiers on the battlefield or people working with hazardous chemicals to rapidly detect the presence of chemical weapons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 30, 2016

Similarities found in bee and mammal social organization

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that genes involved in cellular remodeling are conserved across honey bees and mammals, suggesting a common origin for social behavior. These findings provide insight into the evolution of complex sociality in animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

Treating diseases at their origin

Scientists at Hokkaido University found that ARL3 facilitates STAT3 transport into the nucleus, regulating gene expression and cell proliferation. This discovery offers promising candidates for novel therapies targeting STAT3-related diseases.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2016

Media not the scapegoat when it comes to teen sex

A meta-analysis of 22 studies found a weak link between media consumption and teen sexual behavior, with parents playing a greater role in shaping moral values. The study suggests that parents should be encouraged to discuss sex with their children, while media may have limited influence on actual behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychiatric Quarterly·DateJun 30, 2016

Fast fluency: Can we identify quick language learners?

A study by Dr. Chantel Prat and colleagues found that a five-minute measurement of resting-state brain activity can predict how quickly adults pick up a second language. Participants with larger 'beta' networks in their brains learned French twice as quickly, suggesting a link between brain activity and language learning speed.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·JournalBrain and Language·DateJun 30, 2016

Thousands on one chip: New method to study proteins

Researchers at TUM developed a new molecular method to investigate the function of thousands of proteins in parallel. They identified hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins using DNA-printed protein arrays, which enabled them to study protein functions more efficiently. The new method has the potential to accelerate...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2016

Electron scavenging to mimic radiation damage

A new study uses electron scavenging to mimic radiation damage in a material called trifluoroacetamide (TFAA), triggering selective reactions and creating specific negative ions. The findings provide insights into the effects of low-energy electrons on biological tissues, potentially leading to better protection methods.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 30, 2016