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Science News for March 3, 2016


Brain tune-up may aid self-motivation

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new brain imaging strategy that allows people to control their motivational centers, leading to healthier and more productive lives. By using neurofeedback, participants were able to learn which strategies worked and adopt more effective ones.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 3, 2016

Parasites help brine shrimp cope with arsenic habitat contamination

A study found that infected brine shrimp were more resistant to arsenic toxicity, with increased fat-containing droplets and changes in oxidative stress markers. The researchers suggest that parasite infection may protect the shrimp against pollutants through a mechanism known as 'survival of the fattest',

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 3, 2016

What influences 11-year-olds to drink?

A study of 10,498 11-year-olds in the UK found that nearly 14% had drunk more than a few sips, with factors such as friends' drinking and mothers' behavior strongly associated. Positive perceptions of alcohol and lack of parental supervision also linked to increased odds of drinking.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 3, 2016

Neuronal calculations consider expectations

Researchers found that the fruit fly's visual system incorporates expectations of typical environment features into its calculations. The unequal distribution of bright and dark regions in nature is reflected in asymmetric processing by the fly brain, enabling efficient course correction in virtual environments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 3, 2016

Why do chimpanzees throw stones at trees?

Researchers discovered chimpanzees in West Africa throwing stones at trees, resulting in accumulations of rocks at these sites. The behavior appears to have cultural elements and has been observed in adult males and females, with no apparent link to foraging or resource availability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2016

Bromances may be good for men's health

Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley found that moderate stress can make male rats more social and cooperative, leading to increased oxytocin levels. This effect is comparable to the benefits seen in romantic relationships, suggesting that bromances may have healthful effects similar to those seen in human friendships.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2016

Asymmetry of an emotion

A study found that individuals with right- or left-sided facial hemiparesis have difficulty interpreting emotions, particularly when the expression starts on the paralyzed side. Facial mimicry, which helps understand emotions, is also affected by asymmetry, suggesting a lateralized and anatomical basis for this phenomenon.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 3, 2016

New maps reduce threats to whales, dolphins

Scientists have created detailed maps charting seasonal movements and population densities of 35 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The maps provide insights into habitats, tracking regional differences in population densities and large seasonal shifts in migratory baleen whales.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2016

A new biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease

A new biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease has been identified, indicating that microglia-mediated inflammation may demarcate the transition from preclinical to full dementia. The TREM2 protein fragment in cerebrospinal fluid levels closely mirror microglia activity during the course of the disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 3, 2016

Size not such a big thing for seed bugs

Researchers found that processus length is crucial during mating for seed bugs, particularly when a rival male is present, and bigger isn't always better. Males with medium-length processus are most likely to fertilise female eggs successfully.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 3, 2016

Stop signals against protein clumps

Protein aggregates are toxic and contribute to nerve cell death in diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's. The study reveals missing stop signals lead to long lysine chains blocking ribosomes, allowing defective proteins to accumulate and form toxic aggregates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2016

When liquids get up close and personal with powders

Researchers from ESPCI, France, have spent ten years studying the wetting of soluble polymer substrates by droplets of solvents. They found that spontaneous imbibition is stopped due to a change in material softness as the solvent melts the polymer, slowing down the spreading of the droplet.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 3, 2016

Increased protein consumption linked to feelings of fullness: New study

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that higher protein consumption is associated with increased feelings of fullness after meals. Researchers conducted a systematic review of evidence on protein intake and perceived fullness, confirming that protein does make us feel fuller.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 3, 2016

MSU discovers a new kind of stem cell

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a new type of induced Xen (iXEN) stem cells that can be created by reprogramming mature adult cells. These cells have unique properties and can shed light on reproductive diseases, potentially leading to advances in regenerative medicine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 3, 2016

Cancer expert says public health and prevention measures are key to defeating cancer

A recent paper emphasizes the importance of public health and prevention measures in combating cancer. The authors highlight successes in lung cancer reduction and vaccine development, suggesting that these efforts have brought about significant improvements in mortality rates. By prioritizing prevention, researchers aim to drive meani...

A synthetic biology approach for a new antidote to coral snake venom

Researchers developed a new method to produce coral snake antivenom using synthetically designed DNA, bypassing the need for venom collection from snakes. The approach resulted in a neutralization rate of 60% against coral snake venom, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 3, 2016

Research shows efficacy of steroid use in late preterm delivery

A recent study found that antenatal corticosteroids can significantly reduce the rate of neonatal respiratory complications in babies born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved approximately 2,800 women who received either two injections of betamethasone or placebo. ...

SourceCare New England·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 3, 2016

Scrutinizing the tip of molecular probes

Researchers used infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry to study the interaction between probe molecules and oxide surfaces. They found that surface layers behave like glass-forming liquids, with density and dynamic behavior influencing interactions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMar 3, 2016

High daily coffee consumption may lower MS risk

Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that high daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, based on data from two population studies, suggests that caffeine's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this link.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2016

Some birds are just as smart as apes

Researchers found that birds have sophisticated cognitive skills, matching those of apes, in tasks such as hoarding food and recognizing themselves in mirrors. The brains of birds and apes share similar single modules and prefrontal brain structures controlling executive functions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMar 3, 2016

Black and brilliant? A female genius? Not according to RateMyProfessors, study finds

A study analyzing over 14 million RateMyProfessors reviews found that male professors are described as brilliant and genius in fields with low female and African-American representation. The researchers suggest that the emphasis on brilliance and genius may contribute to the underrepresentation of women and African-Americans in these f...

Geriatric consultation with trauma surgeons improves outcomes for elderly accident victims

The study found that trauma surgeons working with geriatricians improved multidisciplinary care for elderly accident victims, leading to reduced short-term mortality rates and ICU readmissions. The program increased referrals for cognitive evaluation and advanced directives, demonstrating the benefits of comprehensive clinical pathways.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 3, 2016

Mating without males decreases lifespan

Researchers found that hermaphrodite nematodes, which self-fertilize, have significantly shorter lifespans than their female relatives. The study suggests that early reproduction and potential damage from mating may contribute to the decreased lifespan in hermaphrodites.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMar 3, 2016

When it comes to predicting depression, race may matter more than was thought

A new study found that standard depression screening tools may not work as well for black Americans as they do for whites. However, listening to black participants' own descriptions of their mental health may help predict risk. Self-rated health was found to be a key predictor of later depression in black participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 3, 2016

Discovery of a 'neuronal big bang'

Researchers have developed FlashTag technology to isolate and visualize newborn neurons, revealing the genetic origin of these cells. This discovery sheds light on how brain development occurs and may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2016