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Science News for June 30, 2016


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

What does the sperm whale say?

Researchers discovered that sperm whales use distinct tapping sounds to convey individual messages, similar to Morse code, allowing them to identify themselves and coordinate actions. The most communicative whale accounted for 294 of the recorded codas, sparking interest in learning more about its unique behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateJun 30, 2016

The role played by solvents at extreme pressure

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and Technische Universität Dortmund used infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations to analyze the behavior of TMAO at high pressure. They found that some bands shifted to higher frequencies, while individual peaks changed their form, indicating a change in molecular structure.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2016

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018

The artificial pancreas, a device monitoring blood glucose levels and automatically adjusting insulin doses, is nearing availability. Clinical trials have shown effective glucose control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia, but challenges remain in addressing speed of action and cybersecurity concerns.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Gene amplification -- the fast track to infection

Researchers discovered that bacteria can amplify disease-inducing genes to quickly cause infection. The study found that the essential proteins needed to form the poisonous syringe are produced through a 'copying machine' when the bacteria come into contact with host cells, enabling rapid infection.

SourceUmea University·JournalScience·DateJun 30, 2016

Natural metabolite can suppress inflammation

Scientists discovered that itaconate, a natural substance produced by macrophages, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the activity of immune cells and may be used to treat pathologies caused by excessive inflammation or oxidative stress.

SourceITMO University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2016

Study finds new tool to measure homeland security risks

Researchers have developed a new risk assessment tool to aid in strategic planning for security, focusing on natural disasters, terrorist events, and major accidents. The Deliberative Method for Ranking Risk has been tested on 26 individuals and found that pandemic influenza, hurricanes, and earthquakes prompt the highest concerns.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJournal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management·DateJun 30, 2016

Erasing unpleasant memories with a genetic switch

Scientists have successfully erased unpleasant memories in mice by switching off a single gene. The study reveals that deactivating neuroplastin, a key player in brain plasticity, impairs learning and memory processes. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating memory disorders such as dementia and schizophrenia.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2016

NIH-led effort uses implementation science to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission

A NIH-led team studied implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, identifying effective interventions such as baby showers and breastfeeding support. The study found that deploying point-of-care tests and administering pre-exposure prophylaxis were likely cost-effective and resulted in timely initiat...

SourceNIH/Fogarty International Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJun 30, 2016