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Science News for April 6, 2017


Making spines from sea water

Scientists have discovered that sea urchins extract calcium ions from seawater through a process where they drink in water and manipulate the ions within their cells. This method is more energy efficient than previously thought, but presents new challenges for understanding how these cells concentrate and expel ions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2017

Married couples with common ancestry also share similar genes

Researchers explored genetic similarity between spouses from three generations of white people in the Framingham Heart Study. They found that individuals preferred spouses with the same ancestry, but this preference decreased over time, resulting in a more genetically diverse population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 6, 2017

More than half of the racial college completion gap explained by pre-college factors

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over 60% of the racial gap in college completion rates can be attributed to pre-college factors. The study analyzed data from kindergarten to college completion for Texas students and found that poverty and academic preparation were key drivers of the achievement gap between Hispanic and ...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateApr 6, 2017

Homing system delivers drugs to specific neurons

Researchers have developed a way to deliver drugs to specific types of neurons in the brain, allowing for more precise study and treatment of neurological diseases. The new method, DART, reveals how movement difficulties in Parkinson's Disease are controlled by the AMPA receptor, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

When old growth beats old school

A study from the University of Vermont found that imitating old-growth forests enhances carbon storage in managed forestland. The new technique, called structural complexity enhancement, showed higher levels of carbon storage than conventional forestry methods.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEcosphere·DateApr 6, 2017

Physicists develop ultrathin superconducting film

Researchers at Saarland University create a flexible, ultra-thin superconducting film with potential applications in space technology and medical devices. The material can screen electromagnetic fields and levitate magnets, making it ideal for applications where weight is an issue.

SourceSaarland University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateApr 6, 2017

Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

SNMMI publishes appropriate use criteria for bone scintigraphy in prostate and breast cancer

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for bone scintigraphy in patients with prostate or breast cancer. The new AUC aim to improve healthcare outcomes by making the use of bone scintigraphy more consistent and reducing unnecessary imaging costs.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 6, 2017

How a beneficial gut microbe adapted to breast milk

A study reveals that Bifidobacterium longum has adapted to the infant gut by producing an enzyme called LnbX, which enables growth on a sugar abundant in human milk. This adaptation suggests a possible evolutionary route for the breast milk-driven symbiosis between gut microbes and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 6, 2017

Death by insulin -- management of self-harm and suicide in diabetes management

The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Diabetes Reviews·DateApr 6, 2017

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 6, 2017

Gold-plated crystals set new standard for natural gas detectors

Researchers at Duke University have developed a sensor that detects specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy using gold-plated crystals. The technology outperforms existing detectors in size, weight, power, speed and cost, making it ideal for detecting methane or natural gas leaks, monitoring crop health and recycling plastics.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptica·DateApr 6, 2017

Gene mutation helps explain night owl behavior

A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Stem cell consortium tackles complex genetic diseases

A collaborative effort analyzed iPS cells to understand how individual mutations contribute to polygenetic diseases, revealing that smaller collections of cells can produce results and identifying small changes in gene expression with dramatic effects on cells. The study also found that some effects manifest before cell differentiation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 6, 2017

Overactive bladder drug linked with increased risk of depression

A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateApr 6, 2017

Discovered: Novel group of giant viruses

A new group of giant viruses, dubbed Klosneuviruses, has been discovered with a more complete set of translation machinery genes than any other virus known to date. These viruses are thought to have evolved from smaller viruses and encode proteins involved in protein biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of viral evolution.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Unraveling the mystery of snowflakes, from the Alps to Antarctica

Researchers at EPFL's Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory developed an algorithm to classify six different classes of snowflakes, improving precipitation measurement and forecast accuracy. The study used high-resolution images of snowflakes taken from three angles and analyzed their shape, geometry, and electromagnetic properties.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateApr 6, 2017

Study identifies 'night owl' gene variant

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a genetic mutation in the CRY1 gene that slows the internal biological clock, causing delayed sleep phase disorder. The mutation affects up to 1 in 75 people and can be present in families, with relatives sharing similar signs of persistent sleep problems.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

Ingredients for lasting memories

Researchers found evidence of long-lasting engram cells in the frontal part of the brain, which mature as new memories become permanent. These cells were activated naturally only after weeks of conditioning, suggesting a maturation process that requires input from hippocampal engram cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2017

Scientists link California droughts and floods to distinctive atmospheric waves

A recent study found that a specific wave pattern in the upper atmosphere, called wavenumber-5, is associated with California's droughts and floods. The wave pattern emerges during the northern winter and can lead to persistent extreme events like heat waves, droughts, and floods. Scientists hope that this new understanding of wavenumb...

Next Generation TimeTree: An expanded history of life on Earth at your fingertips

The next generation TimeTree web combines molecular sequencing data with geological timelines and environmental information. Users can now explore the history of life on Earth in detail, tracing species evolution through time and comparing divergence times between species.