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Science News for October 6, 2016


Peer victimization in schools: 2 studies explore types and repercussions

Two studies investigate peer victimization in schools, revealing the importance of early intervention for addressing both overt and relational forms of victimization. Overt victimization is associated with higher levels of aggression and externalizing behavior, while relational victimization links to internalizing problems and a lack o...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 6, 2016

A niche for metastases

Scientists from TUM discovered that pancreatic cancer cells create a 'niche' in the liver to grow and spread at an exceptionally early stage. This is facilitated by the protein TIMP1, which interacts with hepatic stellate cells to activate them and initiate metastasis.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 6, 2016

Mental illness genetically linked to drug use and misuse

A new study published in Frontiers in Genetics finds a significant link between mental illness and genetic risk for substance involvement. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to mental illness are also more likely to develop problematic usage patterns of licit and illicit substances.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateOct 6, 2016

Enjoying your workout is the best motivation

Researchers found that four factors - perceived competence, social interaction, novel experiences, and physical exertion - trigger positive emotions in exercise. Enjoyment is a key factor among regular exercisers, leading to increased motivation and adherence.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016

Multisensory education enhances patient understanding of orthopaedic conditions

A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that incorporating multiple senses in physician-patient conversations improves patient comprehension of orthopaedic conditions. The study showed significant differences in understanding between groups using verbal, video, and model-based discussions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateOct 6, 2016

The mathematics of music history

A study by Aarhus University researchers analyzed musical themes from French, Italian, and Austro-German composers. The findings support historical musicology assumptions about national influences on European music culture, showing that North-Italian music dominated Europe during the Baroque Era.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMusic Perception An Interdisciplinary Journal·DateOct 6, 2016

How gecko feet got sticky

A UC Riverside-led study found that a dwarf gecko's microscopic hairs allow it to cling to smooth surfaces, revealing the origins of gecko adhesion. The research suggests that small modifications can lead to complex adaptations, with implications for nanotechnology and biomimicry.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 6, 2016

Night shift work and breast cancer risk

Despite previous concerns, a new review of evidence suggests that night shift work is unlikely to increase breast cancer incidence. A meta-analysis of three large UK studies and seven previously published studies found no significant association between night shift work and breast cancer risk.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 6, 2016

Protein-like structures from the primordial soup

Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully assembled protein-like structures from four simple amino acids, suggesting that these molecules may have been the precursors of life. The findings support the 'amyloid hypothesis,' which proposes that ancient RNA molecules were not capable of self-replication.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 6, 2016

Measuring forces with oscillations

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new principle to measure external forces using parametric oscillation. The discovery has advantages for small sensors, enabling the creation of extremely precise force meters.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review E·DateOct 6, 2016

New method provides a tool to develop nematode-resistant soybean varieties

Researchers discovered a repeat of four genes controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode and developed an assay to quantify gene repeats. This new method improves breeding programs by selecting for more copies of the gene sequence, potentially leading to stronger resistance.

Type 2 diabetes and obesity -- what do we really know?

A review of the current knowledge on the causes of type 2 diabetes and obesity reveals a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The study highlights the importance of epigenomic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in modulating gene expression and disease risk.

SourceLund University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

Using satellite images to better target vaccination

Researchers used satellite imagery and vaccination records to estimate population size and optimize vaccination coverage. The study showed that timing vaccination campaigns with predictable population peaks can improve coverage, especially in areas with limited access to health services.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Observing the birth of quasiparticles in real time

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully observed quasiparticles forming in real-time using ultracold quantum gases. This achievement provides new insights into the dynamics of these particles, which are crucial for understanding various physical phenomena in solid-state materials and exotic states of matter.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

New curriculum raises kidney awareness

A new 6-part series on core curriculum for kidney specialists has been released by the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, covering treatments for kidney failure and management of related complications. The series aims to enhance education and practice among nephrologists, students, and educators.

SourceSAGE·JournalCanadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease·DateOct 6, 2016

Small droplets feel the vibe

The team created highly uniform arrays of low surface tension functional water-based droplets for biochemical experiments, overcoming current patterning limitations. This non-contact method has potential applications in drug discovery and clinical diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

How solvent molecules cooperate in reactions

Researchers discovered that solvent molecules can significantly impact the formation of an ether molecule, even when they don't directly participate in the reaction. A second methanol molecule is essential for the reaction to occur, indicating that solvent molecules are not just bystanders but rather assistants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Food waste could store solar and wind energy

Researchers have discovered a potential approach to storing excess renewable energy by mixing food waste-derived sugar alcohols with carbon nanotubes. The study found that heat transfer within the mixture improved with higher density combinations and decreased with smaller nanotube diameters.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 6, 2016

Beer yeasts show surprising diversity, genome study finds

A recent genome study reveals that beer yeasts exhibit a surprisingly high level of genetic diversity, forming multiple groups beyond the main subgroup. The research sheds light on the complex history of beer production, suggesting separate domestication events for beer and wine/sake yeasts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

Why you smell better with your nose than with your mouth

A study by Thomas Hummel found that the nasal cavity's epithelial lining reacts stronger to inhaled odors, making it easier to detect them. The results suggest that retronasal olfaction, which involves smelling through the mouth, is less sensitive but still allows for a more nuanced experience of food and drinks.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateOct 6, 2016

Decoding of tarsier genome reveals ties to humans

The tarsier genome analysis confirms that tarsiers belong to the dry-nosed primate category, sharing recent transposon families with humans and bushbabies. The study also identified 192 genes linked to the tarsiers' unique traits, which may be associated with human diseases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Ribosomal quality control

Researchers found that ribosomes hold newly synthesized proteins back until specific helpers, called chaperones, deliver the matching counterparts. This ensures only the intended structure is formed, adopting the role of a quality inspector in addition to production.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 6, 2016

Socioeconomics play key role in Arctic Search and Rescue

A new study by McGill University reveals that economic transitions, social shifts, and climate change are dramatically affecting the safety of Inuit during Arctic activities. The research connects life-endangering events to increasing costs of harvesting and travel, changing technology, and shifts in Indigenous knowledge.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016

Origin of minor planets' rings revealed

A team of researchers has shed light on the origin of centaur rings, revealing a scenario where tidal disruptions lead to disc formation and ring creation. The study suggests that rings around centaurs are more common than previously thought, with many awaiting discovery.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 6, 2016

Causative gene for sensorineural hearing loss identified

A Japanese research team has identified the causative gene for a common type of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, which affects one in every 1000 infants. The gene, DIAPH1, is involved in actin filaments and their maintenance in auditory hair cells, leading to progressive deafness in transgenic mice.

SourceKobe University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateOct 6, 2016

Fast energy transport between unlike partners

Scientists have found that dye molecules can transfer energy quickly to each other, even when they are different types, which could lead to more efficient ways of harnessing sunlight. This discovery was made using special aggregates of four chromophores and was confirmed by X-ray structural analysis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Adults with disabilities on Medicaid wait list most likely to have unmet service needs

A new study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Illinois' Medicaid wait list are more likely to have unmet service needs, including preventive health care, dental services, and physical therapy. The survey of 230 caregivers identified disparities based on race, income, and health status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateOct 6, 2016

UA psychologist creates tool for measuring memory

A UA psychologist has developed a tabletop version of an interactive game that tests memory, which was later translated into an Android touchscreen-based battery of tests. The tool aims to measure memory in younger children and those with intellectual disabilities, addressing the lack of standardized tests in these populations.

Touchscreens may boost motor skills in toddlers

UK toddlers show increased fine motor control when using touchscreens from a young age, with actively scrolling screens correlating to improved skill development. The study found no link between touchscreen use and language development or walking abilities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016

Brain cell 'executioner' identified

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

How plants grow new lateral roots

Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2016

This flower smells like a bee under attack

Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

Vigilin, the lock keeper

Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Holographic imaging and deep learning diagnose malaria

A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2016