Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 36


Page 36 of 37

Researchers document how melanoma tumors form

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa documented how melanoma cells form tumors in a 3D model, finding similarities with breast tissue cancer cells. They identified two drugs, anti-beta 1 integrin/(CD29) and anti-CD44, that block tumor creation in both types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2017

Set strawberry alarm clock for post-apple bloom

Researchers found that timing strawberry blooms directly after neighboring apple blossoms results in higher yields due to increased pollinator activity. This strategy allows growers to capitalize on the services of pollinators without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2017

Mutant lifestyles

Scientists uncover a potent genetic element in microorganisms that enable them to self-mutate, expanding the diversity of the tree of life. The discovery reveals how rapid evolution happens in some of Earth's smallest and most common microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 3, 2017

Researchers uncover prehistoric art and ornaments from Indonesian 'Ice Age'

A team of researchers has discovered a unique assemblage of prehistoric artefacts, including disc-shaped beads and pendant objects, dated to between 30,000 to 22,000 years ago. The findings challenge the theory that Pleistocene human culture declined in sophistication as Homo sapiens ventured beyond India into Southeast Asia.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Robot epigenetics: Adding complexity to embodied robot evolution

In this study, researchers created physically embodied robots to examine the interaction between genetic and epigenetic factors in robot evolution. The results show that robot populations with an epigenetic factor evolved differently than those without, highlighting the importance of including epigenetic factors in robot evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateApr 3, 2017

Malaria parasites soften our cells' defenses in order to invade

Researchers at Imperial College London found that malaria parasites change the properties of red blood cells to facilitate entry, making them more susceptible to infection. This discovery suggests that naturally flexible cells may be easier for parasites to invade, prompting further investigation into host-directed therapies.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Restoration based on chemistry

Researchers used chemical maps to visualize original paint layers under overpainted surface of Ghent Altarpiece. The technique revealed the overall good condition of the original scenes, supporting the decision to remove all overpaints.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 3, 2017