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Science News for June 13, 2016


How females store sperm

Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJun 13, 2016

Carbon dioxide biggest player in thawing permafrost

A study by Northern Arizona University's Christina Schädel found that carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to permafrost thawing, with dry soils releasing more CO2 than wet ones. This discovery highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions to better understand the impact of permafrost thawing on climate change.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 13, 2016

Possible psoriasis drug target identified by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified Rac1 as a potential target for treating psoriasis. The small protein is involved in wound repair and has been linked to environmental triggers of the disease, as well as genetic predisposition. Blocking Rac1 activation may offer a new way to treat psoriasis without s...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

Arc volcano releases mix of material from Earth's mantle and crust

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that a common type of volcano draws its lava from both the mantle and the crust, challenging traditional geological beliefs. Researchers found that the basalt's magnesium signature is similar to the crustal material, suggesting that fluid movement plays a role in seismic activity at...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Study identifies a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer

A study by Stanford University researchers has identified CD47, a protein highly expressed on the surface of small-cell lung cancer cells, as a potential therapeutic target. Blocking this protein with immunotherapies may stimulate the immune system to destroy cancer cells, offering new hope for treating this deadly disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2016

New approach to microlasers

Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Laboratories describe a new way to build terahertz lasers that reduce power consumption and enable tighter beams. The device is an array of microfabricated lasers on a single chip, with phase-locking technology that recaptures lateral radiation, resulting in a tighter beam.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 13, 2016

Experimental antibiotic treats deadly MRSA infection

Researchers successfully treat deadly MRSA infection in animals using the combination of antibiotic TXA709 with cefdinir, reducing potential resistance and side effects. The new treatment approach aims to develop a new class of antibiotics to combat rising antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 13, 2016

Mounting tension in the Himalaya

A new research paper suggests that the Himalayan region is experiencing a buildup of strain energy due to past earthquakes. Historical earthquakes and recent afterslip data indicate that only part of the fault moved during the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, leaving significant strain stored in the fault system.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 13, 2016

Miniature scaffolding could support fight against superbugs

Researchers have discovered a new class of antimicrobial materials that use carbon nanodots to kill drug-resistant bacteria. The materials, which include molecules such as PAMAM, exhibit greater efficacy against certain strains of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and may also enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

SourceElsevier·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2016

Chemicals from wood waste

A research team at ETH Zurich has developed a new manufacturing method for succinic acid, a major basic chemical product, using bacteria that convert cellulose from wood waste into glucose. The process is more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional oil-based methods.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 13, 2016

Writing their name in the stars: Citizen scientists discover huge galaxy cluster

Two volunteer participants in Radio Galaxy Zoo discovered a rare C-shaped galaxy cluster that they pieced together from much smaller images of cosmic radio waves. The team's dataset, with over 1.6 million images classified by 10,000 volunteers, has already reached almost 60% completeness.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 13, 2016

Love is blind... to food waste

Research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that caregivers often serve large portions to show affection, leading to unnecessary food waste. The study suggests connecting food pantries with nutritional educators can reduce food waste in lower-middle class households.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Food Products Marketing·DateJun 13, 2016

Military members with PTSD/depression can be treated successfully in primary care settings

A new study found that military members with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression can experience significant improvements in symptoms after enrolling in a treatment program that includes specially trained care managers and telephone therapy options. The approach resulted in better outcomes and improved access to high-qu...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Rolling on Molly: US H.S. seniors underreport ecstasy use when not asked about Molly

Researchers found that reported lifetime use of ecstasy was significantly higher when 'Molly' was included in the definition. The study suggests that underreporting among infrequent users may be contributing to the perceived decrease in ecstasy use among adolescents and young adults. The researchers emphasize the need for better educat...

SourceNew York University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 13, 2016

Current diversity pattern of North American mammals a 'recent' trend, study finds

A new study of fossil records found that the modern latitudinal diversity gradient for North American mammals is an exception to the rule, with more species at the equator than poles. The team analyzed 63 million years of mammalian life and found a strengthening of the gradient between 10 million and 4 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Good fathers sing simple songs

Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAvian Research·DateJun 13, 2016

Study suggests another look at common treatments for hemophilia

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with severe hemophilia A who received human plasma-based treatments developed inhibitors at a lower rate than those who received recombinant Factor VIII. This could lead to more effective treatment options for families affected by this rare genetic condition.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Children less likely to trust ugly people

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children's perception of trustworthiness is linked to attractiveness, with more attractive faces being deemed trustworthy. The ability to make this judgment develops with age, becoming more consistent as children approach adulthood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 13, 2016

PET points to tau protein as leading culprit in Alzheimer's

A new PET study reveals that tau protein tangles in the brain may be driving the neurodegeneration behind Alzheimer's disease. The research found a significant correlation between increased tau and decreased metabolic activity in the brain, suggesting that tau imaging could be used to detect neuronal injury earlier than amyloid imaging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Algorithm ranks thermotolerance of algae

The algorithm combines all published algae studies prior to February 2015 to rank genetic types' thermotolerance, helping identify colonies at risk from climate change. By pinpointing thermotolerant algae, conservationists can focus their efforts on preserving coral reefs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 13, 2016

Aerosols strengthen storm clouds, according to new study

New research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that aerosol particles can increase the lifespan of large thunderstorm systems by as much as three to 24 hours, depending on regional meteorological conditions. This increase in lifespan allows storms to grow larger and produce more extreme storms when rain finally occurs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Yale scientists amplify light using sound on a silicon chip

A Yale team has developed a new waveguide system that harnesses the interaction of light and sound waves to boost light intensity on a silicon microchip, solving a long-standing problem in hybrid technologies. The breakthrough enables precise control over the interaction, leading to potential commercial applications in fiber-optic comm...

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 13, 2016

Opioid unknowns

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that US hospitals have significantly varying rates of opioid prescribing, with some discharging up to 20% of patients with new prescriptions. Short-term prescriptions can lead to long-term use and potentially abuse.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Study gives new meaning to the term 'bird brain'

A study by Vanderbilt University neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel found that birds have more neurons packed into their small brains than mammals or primates. The avian brain's smaller and denser neurons enable complex cognitive behaviors, rivaling those of primates.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016

Where were you born? Origin matters for species interactions

A new study from Rice University and Louisiana State University suggests that the early life experiences of individual animals can have wide-reaching impacts on entire species. The research, which examined whether past environments could affect species distribution, found that ignoring these carryover effects can result in incorrect as...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2016