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Science News for April 4, 2017


Scientists engineer sugarcane to produce biodiesel, more sugar for ethanol

A team of researchers has successfully engineered sugarcane to produce oil in its leaves and stems, resulting in higher oil content without compromising sugar production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of dual-purpose bioenergy crops that are more profitable and sustainable than traditional soybeans and corn.

Delaying marriage in developing countries benefits children

A new study by the University of Sussex reveals that delaying marriage for young women in developing countries has significant positive effects on their children's wellbeing. The research found that children of women who get married later are more likely to complete vaccinations, have better grades, and be healthier.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateApr 4, 2017

Sex obsession a killer for male snakes

A study of red-sided garter snakes reveals that males who prioritize mating over self-preservation age faster and die earlier than females. Females, on the other hand, maintain their body condition with age, allowing them to live longer lives and reproduce more effectively.

How to save animals by reducing roadkill

A collaborative study published in PLoS ONE found that fences with or without crossing structures can reduce roadkill by up to 54% across all species. Focusing on effective prevention methods, researchers also recommend increasing the duration and comparability of future studies to protect biodiversity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reveals 10,000 years of genetic continuity in northwest North America

A new study of ancient DNA from northwest North America finds evidence of genetic continuity spanning over 10,000 years. The research suggests that indigenous groups living today in southern Alaska and British Columbia are descendants of the first humans to inhabit the region, supporting their oral traditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017

The inner lives of molecules

Researchers have developed a new experimental technique to take 3D images of molecules in action, combining two technologies to probe the structure and behavior of molecules. This tool enables experiments with larger molecules that were previously impossible, allowing for better understanding of quantum mechanics in complex systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateApr 4, 2017

Platelets instead of quantum dots

Researchers at ETH Zurich have solved the mystery of producing nanoplatelets, which are flat, uniform crystals with striking colors. The team developed a theoretical model and experimentally confirmed its predictions, paving the way for alternative materials to quantum dots in displays and solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

Price awareness can be a buzzkill

Researchers found that people who are aware of a product's price tend to evaluate the experience more critically, resulting in decreased satisfaction. For consumers, avoiding price focus can prolong enjoyment, while for marketers, separating price from experience may prevent consumer burnout and increase purchasing loyalty.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 4, 2017

Paper: Experienced auditors better at fraud detection after a simple cue

A new study by University of Illinois experts finds that experienced auditors can detect fraud more accurately when prompted to look for signs of guilt in the CEO's voice. The researchers compiled judgments from 31 veteran auditors, who improved their accuracy rate from 43% to 70% with the cue. This suggests that even seasoned auditors...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateApr 4, 2017

Global growth of ecological and environmental citizen science is fueled by new technology

The study reveals a significant increase in ecological and environmental citizen science projects over the past four decades, with a diversification of approaches driven by advances in technology. From structured monitoring to 'mass participation' projects using smartphones, citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and accessible.

New rice fights off drought

Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 4, 2017

How to hack a cell

A new study by Boston University engineer Wilson Wong outlines a simplified platform to target and program mammalian cells as genetic circuits, enabling researchers to make complex computations. The BLADE platform uses DNA recombinases to allow for more targeted manipulation of cells and their behavior.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reverses thinking on genetic links to stress, depression

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

A new blue gene: NKPD1 variant increases depression risk

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Individuals of victimized groups require group sincerity before giving forgiveness

Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2017

ER docs can pick your nose

A new study by ER docs shows that administering medications via the nose can be a helpful option for certain patients, especially children. Intranasal administration of midazolam, fentanyl, naloxone, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine can provide effective pain relief and seizure treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 4, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Using drugs to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that nearly 90% of patients who sought second opinions received either a new diagnosis or a refined version of their original diagnosis. This significant finding highlights the importance of second opinions in ensuring accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. The study's lead author no...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateApr 4, 2017

Finger prosthesis provides clues to brain health

Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Breaking the protein-DNA bond

A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017

Nurse fellowship immerses Ph.D. students in nursing care while enhancing scientific inquiry

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's BSN-PhD program combines rigorous coursework with a clinical nurse fellowship to accelerate education opportunities for the next generation of nurse researchers. This innovative approach prepares PhD students earlier in their careers, enabling them to conduct rigorous, clinically relev...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateApr 4, 2017