Urban warming slows tree growth, photosynthesis
Researchers found that urban warming negatively affects tree growth and photosynthesis, regardless of pest presence. Trees at warmer sites had less trunk growth, accounting for more tree biomass.
Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 37
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Good relationships with parents may benefit children's health decades later
A Baylor University study found that good parent-child bonds are necessary to enforce healthy routines and social skills in children. Childhood socioeconomic status can provide physical health benefits, but only if accompanied by warm relationships with parents.
NASA sees Hurricane Matthew heading for the Bahamas
Hurricane Matthew is forecast to make landfall in Haiti and then move toward the Bahamas, with maximum sustained winds near 120 mph. The storm's minimum central pressure is 962 millibars, and it is expected to remain at category 3 or stronger while moving through the Bahamas and approaching Florida.
Technique mass-produces uniform, multilayered particles
Researchers at MIT have developed a new microencapsulation technique that produces uniform, multilayered particles with high consistency. The technique uses 3D printing to create emitters that encapsulate materials, enabling efficient production of particles for pharmaceuticals and other applications.
Neural membrane's structural instability may trigger multiple sclerosis
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that structural instabilities in the myelin sheaths of neurons may enable the immune system to launch an uncontrolled attack on them, leading to multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a potential trigger for the disease's outbreak and offers new avenues for therapies and diagnostics.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 5, 2016
Parkinson's disease protection may begin in the gut
Researchers discovered that intestinal cells' immune response acts like detectives to identify damaged machinery within neurons and discard defective parts, protecting vital neurons. This innate mechanism, originating in the intestine, may hold the key to preventing Parkinson's disease.
Genome: It's all about architecture
Scientists are exploring the relationship between genome architecture and antigen variation in pathogens like Trypanosoma brucei. By analyzing the parasite's genomic structure, researchers aim to better understand how these pathogens evade the immune system and develop more effective vaccines.
Penn: Plant-made antimicrobial peptide targets dental plaque and gum tissues
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine developed a plant-made antimicrobial peptide that rapidly kills tooth-decay-causing bacteria and thwarts biofilm formation. The peptide, combined with an enzyme, breaks down the oral biofilm matrix, promoting wound healing and bone regeneration.
Wireless 'data center on a chip' aims to cut energy use
Researchers have designed a tiny, wireless data center that could be as small as a handheld device and reduce energy consumption. The 'data center on a chip' technology has the potential to run big data applications three times more efficiently than existing platforms.
Vitamin E may prevent pneumonia in nonsmoking elderly men
Researchers found that vitamin E supplementation decreased pneumonia risk by 35% in smokers starting at age 21 or older. Vitamin E also reduced pneumonia incidence by 69% in a subgroup of light smokers exercising in their leisure time. This benefit was seen even among heavy smokers and those not exercising.
The truth about lying? Children's perceptions get more nuanced with age
As children get older, their moral evaluations of lies and truths become more nuanced, taking into account the consequences of actions. Younger children tend to view truth and lies as binary, while older kids consider the intentions behind words.
Lowering the heat makes new materials possible while saving energy
Researchers at Penn State developed a cold sintering process (CSP) that combines ceramic and plastic materials at lower temperatures than traditional methods. The process allows for densification of materials to over 95% of their theoretical density in just 15 minutes.
Rapid blood test can rule out serious infections in children
A rapid blood test using a finger prick can detect serious infections in children within minutes, allowing general practitioners to diagnose more quickly. The test, which measures C-reactive protein levels, is not meant for all ill children but can help identify those with serious symptoms.
MIT engineers design beaver-inspired wetsuit material
Researchers fabricate fur-like, rubbery pelts to trap warm pockets of air in dense layers of fur. The findings provide a detailed mechanical understanding of how mammals insulate themselves while diving underwater.
Roundworms even more useful than researchers previously thought
A new study reveals that Caenorhabditis elegans roundworms have the ability to produce chondroitin sulfate, a crucial carbohydrate molecule. This discovery opens up new avenues for research into early embryonic development and cell division processes.
Science at cusp of 'transformational' grasp of life via cell modeling, researchers say
Advances in biomolecular modeling and understanding life at the molecular level are paving the way for a three-dimensional computer model of a cell. This could provide fundamental insight into how cells work and improve disease diagnosis and drug design.
Adults value overcoming temptation, kids value moral purity
Research suggests that children view unconflicted characters as morally superior, while adults judge those who overcome moral conflict as more deserving of credit. As people develop, they come to value the exercise of willpower and self-control, according to a series of four studies published in Psychological Science.
Stopping breast cancer metastasis in its tracks
Researchers harness microRNA therapy to block movement of cancer cells from primary tumors, preventing fatal proliferation and metastasis. The study's results suggest a promising approach for human breast cancer treatment.
Study suggests additional benefits to HIV-prevention therapy
A new study finds that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent up to 99% of new HIV infections among high-risk gay men in Toronto. By engaging these individuals with healthcare, PrEP also reduces costs and increases health outcomes.
Alternative treatment approaches may be needed for some children with asthma
Researchers found a subset of children with asthma exhibiting few allergies yet suffering from frequent symptoms, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
Researchers call for global grand challenge strategy to develop clean energy
A group of international researchers from nine countries calls for a grand challenges strategy to set global priorities for developing renewable energy. The proposed approach is modeled on the successful efforts to combat neglected diseases, with an emphasis on big thinking, multidisciplinary approaches and supportive policies.
Breakthrough for bone regeneration via double-cell-layered tissue engineering technique
A new technique developed by Tokyo Medical and Dental University has improved bone regeneration by using double-layered cell constructs that can be transplanted onto bone defects. The technique increases the speed of bone repair and provides flexibility and durability ideal for surgical applications.
How do birds dive safely at high speeds? New research explains
Researchers from Virginia Tech discovered that birds' slender necks and pointed beaks reduce drag force during dives, allowing them to plunge safely. The team also found that contracting neck muscles before impact helps prevent buckling.
Brain study reveals how teens learn differently than adults
Adolescents' brains show enhanced connectivity between hippocampus and striatum, enabling better reinforcement learning and memory formation. This unique feature may be key to their ability to form powerful memories during adolescence.
E-cigarette vapor non-toxic to human lung cells in lab tests
Lab tests reveal e-cigarette vapor is non-toxic to human lung cells, even at unrealistically high doses. Cigarette smoke proves cytotoxic, with lung cells showing low levels of toxicity only after equivalent daily exposure in just one hour.
Flying jewels spell death for tarantulas: Study of a North American spider fly genus
A study has found that the North American jewelled spider fly genus, known for its brilliant colouration, is a deadly predator of tarantulas. The flies' larvae are particularly insidious, inserting themselves into tarantula hosts and killing them by bursting out of their abdomens.
Jetlag is given the swerve by adjusting meal times on the ground, find researchers
Researchers at the University of Surrey have found that meal times play a crucial role in resetting the body clock for long-haul cabin crew. By eating regular meals on their days off, crew members can alleviate symptoms of jetlag and improve their overall well-being.
How natural selection acted on 1 penguin species over the past quarter century
Researchers tracked Magellanic penguin data for 28 years to detect signs of natural selection acting on specific traits. Selection was observed in seven out of the 28 years, with larger males having an edge in lean years, while females showed selection on foot size, bill depth, and body size.
Thousands of illegally traded wild animals at risk due to gaps in data
A new report highlights the need for better data recording on seized live wild animals, as only one in three CITES countries provide data. The study found that two out of three countries did not report any live wildlife seizures, despite poaching and the estimated $8-10 billion global wildlife trafficking industry.
Eating your greens could enhance sport performance
A recent study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that taking nitrate supplements alongside Sprint Interval Training can improve athletic performance in low-oxygen conditions. After just five weeks, the muscle fiber composition changed with enhanced nitrate intake during training in these conditions.
Here's looking at you -- finding allies through facial cues
Researchers found that men prefer masculine men as allies in a physical fight but feminine-looking women in emotional support, while women's preferences are the opposite. This suggests an evolutionary basis for these differences, with alliances benefiting ancestral males and improving their social rank.
Got eczema? It may just be bad evolutionary luck, study finds
A new study examining the genetic history of eczema finds that a key genetic variant strongly associated with the disorder has no apparent adaptive value. The research suggests that the variant may have simply endured due to chance rather than providing any survival or reproductive benefits.
Targeting cardiovascular disease risk factors may be important across a lifetime
A recent NIH-funded study found that all adults, regardless of age, should be mindful of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study, led by George Howard, discovered that nearly half of participants developed high blood pressure during a 10-year follow-up, highlighting the importance of prevention efforts across the lifespan.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016
Rapid spread of dog disease can be stopped with diligent infection control
A new guide provides evidence-based advice for controlling the rapid spread of dog diseases in group settings. The guidelines recommend measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, vaccination, and careful crowd management to prevent disease transmission.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateOct 5, 2016
Scientists devise a more accurate way to gauge blood sugar averages in diabetes
Scientists have developed a new model to gauge blood sugar averages in diabetes, taking into account the age of red blood cells. This approach reduces the error rate of the A1C test, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatments.
African ancestry contributes to kidney disease risk in Hispanics/Latinos
African genetic variants associated with increased risk of albuminuria and low glomerular filtration rate among Hispanic/Latino adults, highlighting the importance of ancestry in kidney disease risk, researchers say.
Scavenger cells repair muscle fibers
Researchers at KIT discovered that scavenger cells play a crucial role in repairing torn muscle fibers by removing repair patches and restoring normal cell membrane structure. This process requires the aid of macrophages roaming within the muscle, and a short amino acid sequence in the dysferlin repair protein.
Smoking bans persuade light users to give up the habit
A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.
Contribution increases by tenfold the mouse mutation resources of one type available
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has transferred nearly 175,000 induced germline mouse mutations to the NIH-supported Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers, significantly increasing their availability for researchers worldwide. These mutations are critical for supporting genetic research in all mammals, including humans.
Bacterial molecule trains the immune system to tolerate infection without inducing illness
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a bacterial molecule that trains the immune system to tolerate infection without inducing illness. The molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA), reprograms innate immune cells to accept the presence of certain pathogens by suppressing inflammatory responses.
Sensors -- quantum leap
A photon-sensing scheme has been conceptualized for a detector that mimics a miniature trampoline, featuring enhanced sensitivity. The sensor utilizes a suspended micro-bridge to detect tiny displacements caused by photons, minimizing movement and overcoming inherent limitations.
Does brain size really matter?
A massive MRI study identified seven genetic hotspots regulating brain growth, memory, and reasoning, as well as predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease. The research supports the notion that brain size can be used to measure 'brain reserve' and promote resilience to age-related brain diseases.
Preschoolers form body images -- but parents are unaware, study says
A new study suggests that preschoolers are forming their body images, both positively and negatively, despite parental unawareness. Researchers found that most parents believe their children are too young to have body-image concerns, but 40% of parents described their child exhibiting at least one body-related behavior.
New discoveries offer critical information for improving crop yield
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the role of Heterotrimeric G proteins in plant development, stress tolerance, and yield improvement. The study revealed that specific G protein subunits play a crucial role in regulating plant growth and abiotic stress response.
E-cigarette vapor does not cause oxidative stress in viable lung epithelial cells
Lab tests reveal e-cigarette vapor does not cause oxidative stress and cell death in lung epithelial cells, unlike cigarette smoke. Researchers developed a standardized method to compare the effects of conventional cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor on lung cells.
Scientists speed up muscle repair -- could fight dystrophy
Researchers found that increasing satellite cell numbers can increase muscle regeneration and stifle degeneration. Muscles with genetically modified TEAD1-expressing fibers showed a six-fold increase in satellite cells, allowing for faster repair after injury.
Reporting of adverse events in targeted therapy and immunotherapy trials is 'suboptimal'
A study found that over 90% of targeted therapy and immunotherapy trials scored poorly on reporting recurrent and late toxicities. Limitations were also seen in presenting adverse events and assessing follow-up intervals.
Climate change, species invasions harming popular native fish in Ontario lakes
Research from York University finds that climate change is exacerbating the decline of walleye populations in Ontario lakes due to the invasion of competitive smallmouth bass. The study predicts a significant increase in co-occurrence of the two species by 2070, posing a major threat to walleye survival.
Pleasant family leisure at home may satisfy families more than fun together elsewhere
A Baylor University study found that spending quality time together in familiar activities inside the home is a better predictor of happiness for families. The research involved 1,502 individuals in 884 families in the UK and suggested that all family leisure is not equal, with some activities being more effective than others.
Early marijuana use associated with abnormal brain function, study reveals
A new study found that early marijuana use is associated with abnormal brain function, particularly in areas related to reward-processing and motor control. Additionally, those who used marijuana from a young age had lower IQ scores and more pronounced abnormalities in brain regions responsible for visuo-spatial processing and memory.
Surgery timing after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in Stage IIIA NSCLC impacts OS
The study found that surgery performed within 6-9 weeks after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) correlates with increased risk of poor outcomes, including perioperative mortality and overall survival. In contrast, an optimal interval of less than 8 weeks is recommended to minimize risks associated with radiation pneumonitis.
SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateOct 5, 2016
Your next nurse could be a robot
Researchers have trained a robot to imitate natural human actions, allowing for effective coordination during high-stakes events like surgeries. This development holds promise for improving safety and efficiency in medical procedures.
Electrons in graphene behave like light, only better
Researchers have directly observed negative refraction for electrons passing across a boundary in graphene, mimicking light behavior. This finding could lead to the development of new types of electron switches and enable new experimental probes, such as on-chip electron microscopes.
Houston Methodist receives $9 million from NCI to study physics of cancer immunotherapy
The Houston Methodist Research Institute has established a research center focused on the physics of cancer immunotherapy, exploring physiological changes during cancer progression. The CITO will combine cancer immunology, biotechnology, and transport oncophysics to reveal how immunotherapy works in cancer patients.
New mechanisms uncovered explaining frost tolerance in plants
Researchers at TUM found that brassinosteroids increase plant resistance to frost by regulating a protein called CESTA, which influences gene expression and fatty acid composition. This discovery may provide solutions to climate-related agricultural problems.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2016
New method, device aimed at controlling blood pressure levels automatically
Researchers at University of Texas at Arlington are developing a new method and device to control blood pressure levels automatically using targeted electrical stimulation. The system aims to reduce drug side effects and improve treatment accuracy for patients with cardiac care environments.
Revising the meaning of 'prion'
Researchers have discovered that prion proteins, previously known for causing fatal diseases, may also transmit beneficial traits from cell to cell. These intrinsically disordered proteins can adapt yeast cells to stressful environments and are conserved over millions of years in human cognates.
Global warming collapses symbiotic gut bacteria, killing host insects
A new study reveals that increased temperatures from global warming can collapse symbiotic gut bacteria in insects, leading to severe fitness defects and death. The research highlights the impact of rising temperatures on organisms living in symbiosis, sparking deleterious chain reactions.
Should video monitors be used to detect night-time seizures in patients with epilepsy?
Researchers found that video monitoring can detect nocturnal seizures, particularly tonic seizures, but the added value is limited due to high costs. The study suggests developing less costly and invasive devices to improve detection while addressing privacy concerns.
Antibiotics may be inappropriate for uncomplicated diverticulitis
A randomized trial found no significant differences in rates of complications between observation and antibiotic treatment groups for uncomplicated diverticulitis. Patients who received antibiotics had shorter hospital stays compared to those who underwent observation.