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Science News for March 22, 2016


Changes to environment helps protect young pheasants

Research by University of Exeter found that providing early life perches to young pheasants can improve their survival rates and fitness. This is because raised perches help develop essential survival characteristics such as stronger legs, better spatial awareness, and memory. As a result, more pheasants are likely to thrive in the wild.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 22, 2016

Genomes of chimpanzee parasite species reveal evolution of human malaria

The study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, has a limited genetic diversity compared to its chimpanzee and gorilla cousins. The team found an expansion of a multi-gene family in Laverania parasites that helps them evade host immune cells and clear the spleen, contributing to severe malaria pathology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Carbon leads the way in clean energy

Researchers have developed a nickel-carbon-based catalyst that replaces platinum in producing hydrogen from water, offering a cheaper alternative for renewable energy technologies. The new catalyst exhibits highly efficient hydrogen evolution performance and impressive durability.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Microagents with revolutionary potential

Researchers have created tiny particles that can be precisely controlled by magnetic fields and generate electric fields, revolutionizing medicine and regenerative therapy. These 'Janus' particles can target cancer cells with precision and efficiency, eliminating side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 22, 2016

Brain to foot: Come in, foot!

A new study by ETH Zurich researchers sheds light on the body representation in paraplegics, finding altered communication between the brain and foot. The study used a task to analyze participants' responses to pictures of foreign body parts, revealing longer response times for those with complete spinal cord damage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2016

Predicting severe hail storms

Researchers at University of Oklahoma are developing a higher-resolution model that uses Stampede supercomputer to predict severe hail storms with greater accuracy. The goal is to provide 2-hour warnings for storms like the May 1995 Fort Worth Mayfest storm, which caused over $2 billion in damage.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalWeather and Forecasting·DateMar 22, 2016

Noise disrupts the tactile skills of premature babies

A study by the University of Geneva found that excessive noise disrupts premature babies' tactile skills, hindering their ability to memorize shapes and distinguish between objects. The researchers suggest implementing environmental measures to reduce noise levels in neonatal units to support optimal brain development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2016

Making the most out of biological observations data

The EU BON project published guidelines for standardized, easy-to-find, re-shareable, and re-usable biodiversity data. The report aims to increase interoperability of data and make its re-use both easy and legal. EU BON also promotes the use of biodiversity data as a common resource for human society.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalResearch Ideas and Outcomes·DateMar 22, 2016

Why do sunbathers live longer than those who avoid the sun?

New research found that women with active sun exposure habits had a lower risk of heart disease and noncancer deaths. Smokers in the highest sun exposure group were at a similar risk as non-smokers avoiding sun exposure. The study's findings suggest that guidelines regarding sun exposure may be too restrictive, potentially harming health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2016

Study shows levels of panda hearing

A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation reveals that giant pandas can detect sound into the ultrasonic range, potentially disrupting their reproductive success due to noise from human activities. The San Diego Zoo's contribution to this research has provided crucial insights into panda hearing sensitivity.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateMar 22, 2016

Printing nanomaterials with plasma

Researchers developed a new method that uses plasma to deposit nanomaterials onto flexible surfaces and 3-D objects. The technique can produce wearable chemical and biological sensors, flexible memory devices, batteries, and integrated circuits with improved efficiency and reduced costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 22, 2016

Study: Half of parents of uninsured minority children unaware they are Medicaid eligible

Half of uninsured minority children are unaware they're eligible for Medicaid, leading to suboptimal health, special healthcare needs, and financial strain on families. Parents face significant stress and anxiety due to their child's health issues, with many experiencing financial problems and reduced work hours.

SourceMedica Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateMar 22, 2016

New method measures nicotine delivery from e-cigarettes

A new study evaluates a method for measuring nicotine delivery from e-cigarettes and finds that later-generation e-cigarettes with 'atomizers' deliver nicotine more consistently than earlier ones. The consistency of nicotine delivery from these atomizers is comparable to nicotine inhalers and tobacco cigarettes.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 22, 2016

Use of open access platforms for clinical trial data

A study found that only 15.5% of available clinical trials were requested through open access platforms, suggesting underutilization due to lack of awareness or funding support. The researchers called for promoting the use of shared clinical trial data to increase transparency and validation studies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 22, 2016

DNA molecules directly interact with each other based on sequence, study finds

Researchers discovered that DNA molecules interact directly with each other based on their sequence and epigenetic factors, suggesting a new mechanism for DNA organization in the cell. The study found that methyl groups play a key role in regulating these interactions, which could impact gene expression and chromosome organization.

More cost-effective cure for hepatitis C may be close

Researchers at Loyola University Health System have developed a new approach to treating hepatitis C, using mathematical models to predict when patients can safely stop taking direct-acting antiviral medication. This approach could lead to a 50% reduction in treatment cost and improved patient adherence.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMar 22, 2016

Study: Brain metabolism predicts fluid intelligence in young adults

A new study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain metabolism is a significant predictor of fluid intelligence in young adults. The research used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of the molecule N-acetyl aspartate in different regions of the brain, revealing a link between NAA levels and fluid intelligence.

A new-structure magnetic memory device developed

A new-structure magnetic memory device utilizing spin-orbit-torque-induced magnetization switching has been successfully developed by Tohoku University researchers. The device boasts ultrafast magnetization reversal timescales and potential benefits for power-efficient integrated circuits.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 22, 2016

How to spot elder abuse and neglect in the ER: Things are not always as they seem

Emergency physicians face a growing challenge as the Baby Boomer generation ages; they need to balance documenting findings and referring patients with their obligations to prevent misunderstandings. Two studies highlight the importance of a team-based approach, including social workers and law enforcement, to identify elder abuse.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateMar 22, 2016

Lymphoma overrides a key protein's quadruple locks

Researchers discovered that lymphoma cells break through four 'locks' on the CARD11 protein, a key component of the immune system. The protein has four redundant repressive elements that normally keep it in check, but mutations in certain regions can disable these locks and lead to cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 22, 2016

Fish bond when they eat the same food

Researchers found that fish from different species associate with each other when they share the same food, suggesting a role for chemical cues in group bonding. This study suggests that shared dietary preferences may be a key factor in promoting social learning and information transfer among fish.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 22, 2016

Calcium waves in the brain alleviate depressive behavior in mice

Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation causes synchronized calcium surges from astrocytes, reducing depressive symptoms and increasing neural plasticity. This effect is absent when blocking astrocytic calcium surges, highlighting their importance in therapeutic outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Forensic researchers set standards for X-ray identification of bodies

Researchers have developed location-specific standards for identifying human remains based on X-rays of the spine, upper leg, or skull. These standards provide a consistent approach to identification with high accuracy and reduced misclassification rates. The study's findings have significant implications for forensic experts and can h...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology·DateMar 22, 2016