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Science News for November 15, 2016


The fruits of life

A new international collaboration has reconstructed the tree of life for Rosaceae and found strong evidence for whole genome duplications contributing to fruit diversity. The study suggests that enlarged and fleshy fruits likely evolved through two distinct ways, resulting in a wide range of fruit types across the 3,000 known species.

Learn lessons from Europe climate monitoring to make Paris Agreement success, warn experts

A recent study warns that the Paris Agreement's long-term success depends on well-designed and functioning monitoring systems. Europe's experience with national climate policies offers valuable insights into the challenges of monitoring climate policies, including political concerns over costs and perceived usefulness of information.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClimate Policy·DateNov 15, 2016

Widespread evidence of prehistoric dairying discovered along the Mediterranean coast

Researchers have uncovered widespread evidence of prehistoric milk production in southern Europe, dating back to the onset of agriculture around 9,000 years ago. The study found varying intensities of dairying and non-dairying activities across the northern Mediterranean region, with the slaughter profiles of domesticated animals mirro...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

Level of education is more decisive than intelligence for development of short-sightedness

A study by Mainz University Medical Center found that the level of education is more decisive than intelligence in developing short-sightedness. The researchers analyzed data from the Gutenberg Health Study and found a strong correlation between educational attainment and myopia, but not with cognitive ability.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 15, 2016

Controlling electrons in time and space

Scientists at TU Wien develop new approach to controlling electron emission using two laser pulses fired at a metal tip. They demonstrate the ability to switch electron emission on and off on extremely short time scales. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for controlled x-ray generation.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2016

Real men don't say 'cute'

Using natural language processing, researchers found that people often incorrectly categorize individuals based on gender, age, education level, or political orientation. The study also reveals how multiple stereotypes can affect each other, leading to false conclusions about individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 15, 2016

Unhealthy weight management practices associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs among adolescents

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found associations between non-medical use of prescription drugs and unhealthy weight management practices among high school students. Female students were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which can have adverse health outcomes.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Once inside a tumor, our immune cells become traitors

Researchers found that regulatory T cells in tumors have distinct features and differences compared to normal tissue, making them potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The study aims to improve cancer immunotherapies by targeting specific molecules expressed by these immune cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateNov 15, 2016

Early evidence of dairying discovered

Scientists have discovered evidence of prehistoric milk production in southern Europe dating back to the onset of agriculture around 9,000 years ago. The study suggests that dairying played a crucial role in sustaining early farmers and spreading farming across the western Mediterranean region.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

Symptom-free Ebola infections detected in West Africa

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 15, 2016

For First Nations people, effects of European contact are recorded in the genome

A study analyzing the genomes of 25 individuals from 1,000 to 6,000 years ago and their descendants found that variants beneficial before European contact became disadvantageous upon arrival. The researchers discovered a significant decline in these alleles, suggesting negative selection may have contributed to population decline.

What factors are influencing electric vehicle purchases in China?

A study in China found that monthly income, the number of cars a family owns, sustainability, and vehicle comfort are the most influential factors behind buyers' decisions to purchase electric vehicles. The researchers also discovered that age, marital status, and city of residence play a role in consumers' decision-making process.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 15, 2016

Asian-Americans least likely to be screened for diabetes

A recent survey found that Asian Americans are the least likely racial or ethnic group in the US to receive type 2 diabetes screening, despite having a high risk of developing the disease. Only 47.1% of eligible Asian Americans received screening tests between 2012 and 2014.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Two new tools to enhance effectiveness of behavioral therapy in children with autism

Researchers developed two approaches to improve behavioral therapy for children with autism. Functional MRI can predict which children will benefit from Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) with high accuracy, while oxytocin administration may enhance social motivation and reward brain circuits in children with autism. These findings have ...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2016

How cells die by ferroptosis

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich identify ACSL4 enzyme as crucial for ferroptosis, a form of cell death linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that ACSL4 plays a central role in generating the signal that initiates cell death, providing new insights into the development of potential therapeutic approaches.

Implantable catalyst against cancer

Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 15, 2016

A possible explanation for recurring breast cancer

Researchers at Texas A&M University found that breast cancer cells may evade treatment by consuming stem cells from bone marrow, making them difficult to kill. This mechanism could explain cancer recurrence and lead to new treatments, such as delivering toxic agents directly to cancer cells using stem cells as a delivery vehicle.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

Appendicitis patients can safely leave hospital the same day of their operations

A study of 12,703 patients found that same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy resulted in similar postoperative complications and lower readmission rates compared to overnight hospital stays. This approach can lead to significant cost savings, with an estimated annual healthcare savings of $921,500,000 in the US.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 15, 2016

Three brain chemicals affect how we handle uncertainty

A study published in PLOS Biology investigated the role of noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and dopamine in handling uncertainty. The findings suggest that these brain chemicals enable our brains to learn changing relationships in our environment, predicting future events and executing fast responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 15, 2016

Global declines in adolescent childbearing related to national income, education expenditures

A global study found a significant association between rising national income, education expenditures, and declining rates of adolescent childbearing. The median adolescent birth rate dropped by 40% from 1990 to 2012, with the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Europe and Central Asia.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 15, 2016

The aging brain benefits from distraction

Researchers found that older adults can outperform younger counterparts on certain problem-solving tasks by broadening their attention more easily. This study challenges the common assumption that aging brains require high cognitive control and highlights the potential benefits of reduced focus.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateNov 15, 2016

ESCEO-IOF expert panel reviews current evidence for efficacy of calcium supplementation

The expert panel concludes that calcium and vitamin D supplements are generally appropriate for those with high risk of insufficiency and in individuals receiving osteoporosis treatment. The evidence favors use of calcium and vitamin D supplements for fracture reduction, particularly in those at greatest risk of insufficiency.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateNov 15, 2016

Researchers find association between gene mutation and rare heart disease

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found a strong association between a genetic mutation and left ventricular noncompaction, a rare form of heart muscle disease. The study sequenced nearly 5,000 genes in 335 patients with a family history of the disease to identify common genetic variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 15, 2016

Genes for speech may not be limited to humans

A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that mice with a genetic mutation similar to the one affecting human speech also have difficulty producing complex vocal patterns. The study suggests that the FOXP2 gene regulates not only human speech but also mouse vocal communication.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateNov 15, 2016

Autism and human evolutionary success

A recent study suggests that individuals with autism may have played an important role in their social groups due to their exceptional memory skills and heightened perception. Collaborative morality, which emerged around 100,000 years ago, allowed for the acceptance and respect of people with autistic traits.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTime and Mind·DateNov 15, 2016

High-fat diet disrupts brain maturation

A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that high-fat diets during adolescence can disrupt brain maturation, leading to impaired cognitive functions in adulthood. The study used mice and found that even short-term exposure to a high-fat diet caused behavioral problems after just four weeks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2016

Scientists 'plug in' to circuitry behind sex in male fruit flies

Researchers have identified a small neural circuit in male fruit flies that controls the complex mating ritual, with specific groups of cells controlling distinct steps. The findings suggest a mechanism for separating sex from reproductive function and provide insight into universal principles of nervous system coordination.

SourceeLife·DateNov 15, 2016

New biofuel cell with energy storage

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum and Malmö University created a hybrid fuel cell and capacitor using biocatalytic processes, generating and storing energy efficiently. The new biosupercapacitor combines energy production and storage, offering high capacity and low weight for potential use in implantable devices.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 15, 2016

Prescribing drugs for cardiovascular disease prevention in the UK

A UK-based study found that a large proportion of people at risk for cardiovascular disease were not prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, despite having a clinical need. The research suggests that improved prescribing practices could potentially prevent up to 12,000 strokes per year in the UK.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016

Better definition of 'pre-diabetes' can help identify those at risk for complications

A new definition of pre-diabetes based on hemoglobin A1C levels can help identify individuals at high risk of developing long-term complications from diabetes. The study suggests that this more accurate predictor can encourage lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, ultimately preventing the development of full-blown diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 15, 2016

Good drugs for bad bugs

Researchers have identified a new treatment strategy for MRSA infections that uses a combination of modern-day antibiotics and old-fashioned penicillin to weaken the virulence of the bacteria. This approach has shown promising results in reducing the duration of MRSA sepsis from 3 days to 1.9 days.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 15, 2016

Microbes in your gut influence major eye disease

Research by Dr. Przemyslaw Sapieha and colleagues suggests that a diet rich in fat can alter the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and increased risk of wet AMD, a blinding form of age-related macular degeneration. The study provides new insights into the role of gut microbes in disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016