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Science News for March 16, 2016


Maternal instincts

A study on Caenorhabditis elegans reveals that mothers who experienced normoxic conditions early on tend to provision their young with more glycogen, equipping the embryos with tools to survive oxygen deprivation. This adaptation leads to improved hatchability and survival rates in offspring.

Monster mystery solved

Field Museum scientists, along with colleagues, have solved the mystery of the Tully monster, a bizarre aquatic animal found in Illinois 307 million years ago. The team determined that the monsters are jawless fish similar to today's lampreys, based on analysis of over 2,000 specimens from the Field's collection and X-ray scans.

SourceField Museum·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

Rat problems in poor neighborhoods linked to depressive symptoms

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds a significant link between rodent infestations and depressive symptoms in low-income residents. Residents in neighborhoods with rats are more likely to experience acute depressive symptoms, despite having similar perceptions of rats as those in other neighborhoods.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateMar 16, 2016

Scaling mental resilience more effectively

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed a revised Sense of Coherence Scale to improve mental resilience assessments. The new questionnaire yields more accurate and objective results, revealing that individuals with greater resilience suffer less from depression and bereavement pain.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychological Assessment·DateMar 16, 2016

New explosion gas-signature models can help inspectors locate and identify underground nuclear tests

Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new gas signature models to aid in locating and identifying underground nuclear tests. The models use computer simulations and field experiments to track the evolution of gases from UNEs, potentially helping inspectors identify clandestine sites within a search area.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2016

Within six families, a path to personalized treatment for an immune disorder

Researchers discovered a new class of common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) caused by IKAROS gene mutations, enabling definitive genetic diagnosis and potential personalized treatment. The study found six unrelated families sharing similar symptoms and changes in the same gene, highlighting the need for early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

Generating electricity with tomato waste

Researchers developed a microbial electrochemical cell that harnesses tomato waste to generate electric current. The process also helps purify the tomato-contaminated solid waste and associated wastewater. With an expected scale-up, the electrical output could be increased by several orders of magnitude.

Evolution meets biochemistry to better understand how dopamine receptors work

Baylor College of Medicine researchers have developed a new mathematical tool that combines biochemistry and computational analysis to identify specific structural changes in the dopamine 2 receptor, which helps maintain its structure and function throughout an evolutionary time scale. This discovery opens the possibility for better dr...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2016

Unexpected changes of bright spots on Ceres discovered

A team of astronomers using HARPS spectrograph detected the motion of bright spots on Ceres, suggesting they are composed of volatile materials that evaporate in sunlight. The study revealed unexpected variations in the spots' brightness due to the action of solar radiation.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 16, 2016

IADR/AADR Publish Inaugural Issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research

The IADR/AADR have released the first issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research, a journal focusing on the translation of research into clinical practice. The inaugural issue covers various topics in applied oral health research, with an emphasis on rapid dissemination and application.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·DateMar 16, 2016

Solving the mystery of the Tully Monster

A Yale-led team of paleontologists has determined that the Tully Monster, a 300-million-year-old animal with teeth at the end of a narrow head extension and eyes on either side of a long bar, was a vertebrate with gills and a notochord. The discovery sheds light on the creature's likely predatory lifestyle.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2016

Allowing women to extend labor reduces rate of cesarean delivery

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that allowing women to extend labor by four hours instead of three resulted in a significant reduction of cesarean deliveries. The incidence of cesarean delivery was about 19.5 percent in the extended labor group, compared to 43 percent in the usual labor group.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 16, 2016

Time to eat

Researchers found that circadian changes in mitochondria regulate energy levels and sugar use for energy production. The study suggests that timing of meals affects metabolic health.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2016

Making electronics safer with perovskites

Researchers at Hokkaido University are developing perovskite ceramic capacitors with improved insulating properties. The process involves sintering and annealing the material to exhibit ferroelectricity, a promising dielectric property for multi-layered ceramic capacitors.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 16, 2016

Scientists track down origin of bats killed by wind turbines using chemical fingerprints

Researchers used stable isotope and genetic analysis to determine the summering grounds of bats killed by wind turbines in the Appalachian region. The study found that intensive wind-energy development may affect bat species differently, with some populations better able to absorb turbine-related deaths.

Re-energizing the aging brain

Researchers found that pyruvate increases brain energy reserves and improves cognitive function in mice, including enhanced exploratory behavior and spatial learning. The findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2016

Keeping ribosomes stuck may stop virulent bacteria strain in its track

Researchers developed compound inhibitors that target ribosomes in the translation phase of a virulent bacteria's genetic process. These compounds halt the bacterial rescue operation, making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and proliferate. The study's findings offer new hope against biowarfare agents and resistant pathogens.

SourcePenn State·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateMar 16, 2016

High coronary calcium score may signal increased risk of cancer, kidney and lung disease

A high coronary artery calcium score may signal an increased risk of developing cancer, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that individuals with high scores had a higher risk of cancer, with a 53% increased risk of developing the disease during follow-up.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2016

Capturing 'black gold' with light

Graphene, known as 'black gold', has high surface area and can effectively purify contaminated water due to its unique structure. Using light, researchers can extract the graphene and contaminants, enabling easier purification.

SourceMonash University·JournalNanoscale·DateMar 16, 2016

Intimate partner violence simulation training at MU is first in nation

A new training program at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing uses simulation to equip nurses with confidence in screening patients for intimate partner violence. The program shows significant positive impact on nursing students' perceived confidence and knowledge. It may also be effective in training healthcare pro...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Simulation in Nursing·DateMar 16, 2016

This necklace hears what you eat

Researchers developed a wearable device that tracks caloric intake by recording sounds made while eating. The AutoDietary necklace accurately identifies foods 85% of the time, holding promise for managing conditions like diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateMar 16, 2016

Biomarkers can help guide immune-suppressing treatment after organ transplantation

Researchers have identified promising biomarkers to monitor immunosuppressive drug therapy in organ transplant recipients, with the potential for individualized treatment to reduce rejection and minimize side effects. A panel of experts recommends a preliminary set of tests for use in biomarker-based immunosuppressive drug management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalTherapeutic Drug Monitoring·DateMar 16, 2016

Threatened plant gets boost from biotech lab

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute developed a tissue culture procedure to propagate the rare and threatened woodland agrimony, multiplying its numbers by 1013. The study aimed to understand why this species is in decline, with results suggesting grazing deer as an important factor.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNative Plants Journal·DateMar 16, 2016

CNIO scientists discover a link between psoriasis and general bone loss

Researchers from CNIO have discovered a link between psoriasis and bone loss, finding that the disease causes widespread and progressive bone tissue loss. Treating psoriasis patients with IL-17 blockers could have benefits for bone health, and the study suggests potential implications for other autoimmune disorders.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016