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Science News for June 9, 2016


Cancer drugs could target autoimmune diseases

Researchers at University College London have successfully targeted an autoimmune condition in mice using cancer drugs being tripped in human patients. The study found that by blocking a specific genetic key, the immune system's aggressive response could be prevented, reducing inflammation and damage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 9, 2016

The Lancet Neurology: Scientists discover unique pattern of hidden brain damage in male soldiers exposed to high explosive blasts

Researchers found a distinctive pattern of injury in the brains of deceased military personnel who survived high explosive attacks, suggesting a link between blast exposure and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The study's findings highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 9, 2016

Consumers sour on milk exposed to LED light

Exposure to LED light for just four hours can make milk taste like cardboard, while older milk remains at high quality for two weeks when shielded from LED exposure. Consumers overwhelmingly prefer older, fresh-looking milk over newer, LED-exposed milk.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 9, 2016

Cell Press breaks into physical sciences with launch of Chem

Chem, Cell Press' new physical sciences journal, aims to move the field forward through original research articles, reviews, and front matter. Key findings include transporters with high selectivity for chloride over other ions, stable phosphorous carbene analogs, and strategies for producing chemicals from renewable sources.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJun 9, 2016

Controlling quantum states atom by atom

A team of researchers has developed a method to precisely alter the quantum mechanical states of electrons in an array of quantum boxes. This allows for the investigation of interactions between various types of atoms and electrons, crucial for advancing quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateJun 9, 2016

Knowledge of chemical munitions dumped at sea expands from international collaboration

A special issue of Deep Sea Research II explores the global issue of chemical munitions dumped at sea, finding that while some munitions pose little risk to humans, others can have adverse effects on fish populations. International collaboration has shed light on techniques for investigating munitions dumpsites and mitigating damage.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalDeep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography·DateJun 9, 2016

How honeybees do without males

A study found that isolated Cape honeybees in South Africa reproduce asexually, with female workers laying eggs fertilized by their own DNA. This unique behavior is linked to genetic differences at several genes, enabling social parasitism and population survival.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 9, 2016

A new way to nip AIDS in the bud

Scientists at the University of Utah found that delaying the budding of new HIV particles triggers protease to destroy the virus, rendering it non-infectious. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new AIDS treatments with fewer side effects in about a decade.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 9, 2016

Test holds potential to diagnose myriad conditions with drop of blood

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a unique method to detect antibodies in the blood, enabling simple diagnostic tests for diseases without known microbial causes. This approach successfully led to the detection of HIV antibodies and holds potential for diagnosing various conditions with just a single drop of bl...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Immunological Methods·DateJun 9, 2016

CNIO researchers discover a mechanism that reverses resistance to antiangiogenic drugs

A new study reverses resistance to antiangiogenic drugs by adding an antidiabetic agent, inhibiting tumor growth up to 92%. Researchers found that this mechanism can be targeted to attack cancer cells, with potential for improved treatment outcomes. The discovery has the potential to prolong patient benefit from antiangiogenic treatments.

WSU researchers watch skin cells 'walk' to wounds

Researchers at Washington State University have observed skin cells altering proteins and moving to repair wounds, a process that could be manipulated to speed up healing. They found that the cells use their internal muscle-related proteins to generate forces needed to move, allowing them to 'walk' to the wound site.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 9, 2016

Rapid retrieval of live, infectious pathogens from clinical samples

A new method enables rapid isolation and concentration of infectious bacteria from complex clinical samples, accelerating bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. This breakthrough uses an engineered pathogen-binding protein to capture live pathogens from joint fluids, allowing for faster and more accurate diagno...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 9, 2016

New drug clears psoriasis in clinical trials

A new drug called ixekizumab has shown significant promise in treating moderate to severe psoriasis, with 80 percent of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearance of their symptoms. The long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment will be monitored closely.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 9, 2016

On land and at sea, large animals are in 'double jeopardy'

A new study reveals that large marine and terrestrial species are in 'double jeopardy' of extinction, with economic value driving risk above a certain threshold. The analysis highlights the importance of considering trade and differences between terrestrial and marine animals when designing effective conservation strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 9, 2016

Metal exposure -- a factor in bat population decline

A national assessment of metal contamination in bats reveals high levels of metals such as lead, copper, and cadmium that can cause toxic effects in bat populations. Around 21% of sampled bats contained residues of at least one metal above toxic thresholds, indicating a significant proportion may be affected by metal exposure.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 9, 2016

How El Niño impacts global temperatures

Scientists uncovered century-scale patterns in Pacific rainfall and temperature linked to global climate changes over the past 2000 years. El Niño-like states have amplified global climate fluctuations, with northern hemisphere warming and droughts corresponding to an El Niño state from 950 to 1250.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2016

The Texas butterfly effect

Researchers from Michigan State University create a new model to estimate summer monarch abundance in Ohio and Illinois through their migration through Texas. Higher populations are associated with average to above-average precipitation and cooler temperatures in Texas during spring.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJun 9, 2016

Amino acid sequences are key to the properties of silks

A new study from RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science reveals that amino acid sequences are key determinants of silk fiber material properties. The research sheds light on the unique properties of silkworm silks, including their mechanical and thermal behavior.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 9, 2016

Madrid sin Barreras

Researchers in Madrid are working on a three-year project to improve laws regarding disability, focusing on universal design and accessibility. They aim to integrate all stakeholders and create new specialists in disability support, while analyzing existing regulations and proposals to develop alternative frameworks.

Using Lake Michigan turtles to measure wetland pollution

Researchers found that Lake Michigan painted and snapping turtles carry all eight metals, with concentrations correlating with soil assessments in the wetlands. The turtles' long lifespan and position in the food chain make them useful indicators of wetland pollution, potentially posing a health risk to humans who consume them.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalEnvironmental Monitoring and Assessment·DateJun 9, 2016

UTMB study shows pulmonary rehabilitation underutilized by physicians and COPD patients

A new study from UTMB reveals that pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is underutilized despite its health benefits and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that the majority of economic burden of COPD stems from hospitalizations, which can be reduced by PR.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 9, 2016

Take a picture, you'll enjoy it more

Researchers found that people who take photos of their experiences enjoy them more than those who don't. Photo-taking increases engagement, making the experience more pleasurable. However, the effect is limited to active participation and not when taking pictures interferes with the experience.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 9, 2016

Stanford researchers calculate groundwater levels from satellite data

A new computer algorithm enables scientists to use satellite data to determine groundwater levels across larger areas than ever before. The technique, developed at Stanford University, could lead to better models of groundwater flow and monitoring in agricultural regions. The team was able to calculate surface deformations and groundwa...

Witnesses can catch criminals by smell

Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who witnessed a crime can identify criminals through their distinctive scent. Human nose-witnesses were able to correctly identify perpetrators in almost 70% of cases, showing promise for forensic applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 9, 2016

Proteome of an entire family

A large-scale proteomic study using SWATH-MS technique reveals specific proteins responsible for fat and energy metabolism in mice. The researchers found that COX7A2L protein plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and its deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2016

New role for glial energy metabolism in addiction

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that glial energy metabolism plays a critical role in addiction-related behaviors. Researchers found that altering glial lactate release and nerve cell uptake of lactate prevented long-lasting relapse in rodents.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 9, 2016

Obesity and smoking reduces likelihood of treatment success in early rheumatoid arthritis

A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are obese and smoke have a lower chance of achieving sustained remission after treatment. Encouraging patients to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight could improve their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the disease.