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Science News for March 8, 2016


How an artificial protein rescues dying cells

Researchers at Princeton University discovered how a synthetic protein called SynSerB promotes cell growth in serine-depleted E. coli cells. By inducing overexpression of a protein called HisB, SynSerB enables the production of essential amino acid serine, allowing cells to survive.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016

Violin varnish: Key to a fiddle's tone

Researchers found that varnish increases damping throughout the wood surface, leading to a more isotropic sound radiation. The type of varnish used can also affect the sound, with German master violin makers' varnishes producing a louder tone.

2016 Protein Society Awards

The 2016 Protein Society Awards recognized Dr. Gary Pielak, Dr. Rachel Klevit, Dr. H. Eric Xu, and Dr. Andreas Plückthun for their groundbreaking contributions to protein science. The winners received prestigious awards sponsored by Rigaku Corporation, Genentech, The Neurath Foundation, and The Protein Society.

Syntax is not unique to human language

Researchers found that Japanese great tits use specific rules to combine calls and convey compound messages, demonstrating non-human syntax. The study suggests that syntax may be a general adaptation to social complexity in communication systems.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

Bird communication: Chirping with syntax

Researchers discovered Japanese great tits have developed syntactic rules, combining calls like 'ABC' and 'D' to convey specific meanings. These birds use these rules to deter predators and attract partners, demonstrating a complex form of communication.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

NAI conference spotlights the innovation process

The NAI Conference featured presentations on the importance of invention in academic institutions and its impact on everyday life. The Special Section includes articles on the discovery of Lyrica and the commercialization process, while a new T&I feature profiles Nobel Laureate Steven Chu.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateMar 8, 2016

Everyone sees the world through their own prism

Researchers found that a person's preconceived ideas, shaped by socialization and politics, influence their views on climate protection. Economic justifications and personal aspects like health do not sway skeptics, highlighting the need for comprehensive communication strategies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 8, 2016

Inside the mouth of a hydra

A study published in Biophysical Journal illustrates the biomechanics of Hydra's mouth opening process, revealing that cells stretch and deform to accommodate the widening of its mouth. The researchers found that radially oriented fibers contract to stretch the cells apart, similar to muscle contraction.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 8, 2016

New insights into the functional organization of the somatosensory cortex

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience used electrophysiological and optical approaches to visualize and manipulate neuronal activity in individual neurons of the somatosensory cortex. They found that the formation of functional microcircuits was determined by specific settings and the number of neurons stimulated...

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016

New breast cancer genetic mutation found in Chinese population and will help refine screening and target drug development

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with a high risk of breast cancer in the Chinese ethnic population. The RECQL mutation was found to be present in 0.54% of Southern Chinese women, suggesting it may be an important factor in genetic screening for women with a family history of breast cancer.

How weight affects 'wait!'

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that children with higher body mass indices were more impatient, impulsive, and prone to collisions while crossing the street. They were also less likely to select the safest route, a risk factor for pedestrian injuries.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMar 8, 2016

Some assembly required to boost robot ratings

Researchers found that participants who assembled their own robots experienced a higher sense of accomplishment and ownership. However, those who faced difficulties during assembly lowered their ratings. The study suggests that manufacturers should balance positive and negative aspects of self-assembly when designing robots.

Voters prefer to be represented by extortioners

In a climate game experiment, researchers found that 40% of participants chose representatives with extortionate strategies. However, these strategies ultimately led to successful outcomes due to the benefit for all parties involved. The results suggest that such strategies could be beneficial in avoiding dangerous climate change.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

Being short or overweight linked to reduced life chances

A study by the BMJ found that shorter height and higher BMI are associated with lower levels of education, job status, and income, particularly among men and women. The research suggests that taller stature is linked to higher social position, while being overweight or short can lead to socioeconomic disadvantages.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 8, 2016

Game apps for creative kids

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed new augmented creativity apps that combine virtual elements with real-life environments, enhancing children's creativity and social skills. The interactive colouring book and collaborative games in 3D showcase the potential of augmented reality to transform public spaces into engaging experiences.

Researchers unlock mechanisms in the brain that separate food consumption from cravings

Scientists discovered the chemical circuits and mechanisms in the brain that separate food consumption from cravings. The study found that dopamine is involved in the approach or craving phase, while orexin-A is linked to consumption. These findings could lead to more specific and effective treatments for overeating and drug addiction

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2016

Small cuts, big outcomes

A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that less invasive hysterectomies resulted in quicker recoveries, fewer complications, and cost savings for The Ottawa Hospital. The research showed a significant increase in minimally invasive surgeries from 40% to 74% between 2005 and 2012.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJournal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada·DateMar 8, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers report insights into blood stem cells from engineered stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified precursor cells in mice embryos that can be matured into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) using reprogramming technology. This breakthrough could lead to the development of patient-specific HSPCs for cell-replacement therapy and alleviate the need for transplantable stem cells.

Mix and match MOF

A team of scientists has created a composite material that can selectively separate oxygen from other gases, potentially revolutionizing energy applications such as fuel cells. The new material, made by combining a MOF with a helper molecule, shows promise for being inexpensive, reusable, and easy to prepare.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 8, 2016

Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

Predicting potential pharma side effects

Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateMar 8, 2016

Fifteen shades of photoreceptor in a butterfly's eye

Researchers found that Common Bluebottles have 15 photoreceptor classes, one for each wavelength of light, allowing them to distinguish millions of colors. This discovery reveals a unique system in butterfly vision, where four classes are used for routine color vision and eleven others detect specific stimuli.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 8, 2016

New therapy could treat poor blood circulation caused by peripheral artery disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a potential new therapy for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes extremely poor circulation in the limbs. The therapy, an injectable gel derived from skeletal muscle tissue, promotes muscle remodeling and improves blood flow in a rat model.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 8, 2016

Tiny fossils tell a long(ish) story

Researchers have found that the flux of organic matter to the seafloor was reduced for a shorter time than previously thought, with evidence suggesting that some food must have reached the seabed despite mass extinctions. The study used foraminiferal isotopes from a deep-sea core in the South Atlantic to investigate this paradox.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 8, 2016

Green tea and iron, bad combination

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that green tea's antioxidant properties may be compromised when consumed with iron-rich foods or supplements. The researchers found that the main compound in green tea, EGCG, loses its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes when bound to iron.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 8, 2016

WSU receives $3.6 million NIH grant to increase underrepresented students in science majors

The WSU-IMSD program aims to facilitate the entry, persistence, and success of underrepresented minority students into science majors, guiding them to pursue careers in academics and scientific research. The program has shown significant impact, with IMSD student graduation rates at 87% and 64% pursuing further degrees.