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Science News for August 24, 2017


Bleats and trills evolved multiple times to aid in 'caller ID'

Researchers found that vibrato-like frequency modulation improves the detection of formants, key acoustic components encoding animal size and identity. This mechanism has independently evolved in six mammalian orders, suggesting its importance for transmitting information about an individual's size and identity through calls.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 24, 2017

HPV vaccination rates lag for vulnerable population of childhood cancer survivors

Research suggests HPV vaccination rates for childhood cancer survivors are lower than the national average, but healthcare providers play a crucial role in recommending the vaccine. The study found that nearly half of survivors who received recommendations were vaccinated, compared to just 23.8% of those who did not.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 24, 2017

Tracking down the jumping genes of maize

Researchers at UC Davis and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have mapped the 'jumping genes' of maize, identifying transposable elements that regulate gene expression and impact plant traits. The new genome sequence enables a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between these elements and the diversity of the genome.

Upon prolonged irradiation, human stem cells' defenses are activated

Researchers discovered that prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can delay cell cycle and increase DNA repair efficiency, with potential implications for cancer risk reduction. The study found that human stem cells can activate alternative DNA repair mechanisms, such as homologous recombination, in response to prolonged irradiation.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 24, 2017

Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them

A new study finds that acknowledging and understanding the role of mythical creatures in local cultures can have a positive impact on conservation. In Madagascar, for example, spiritual beliefs surrounding magical animals are linked to local taboos that protect endangered species like the radiated tortoise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalOryx·DateAug 24, 2017

Plant 'smells' insect foe, initiates defense

A team of researchers found that goldenrod plants can detect a specific chemical compound emitted by gall-inducing flies, triggering a defense response. The plants respond strongly to E,S-conophthorin, a blend of chemicals that attracts females and fertilizes eggs.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2017

Metal simplifies synthesis of antibody drugs

Rice University scientists have developed a method to efficiently modify natural antibodies that can deliver drugs to target cells by adding rhodium, a rare transition metal. The new technique allows labs to test the relative function of various antibody sources and antigen targets to see which will work best on tumor cells.

Cancer drug can reactivate HIV

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered that a cancer drug called JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV, a critical barrier to a cure. By targeting the BRD4 protein, JQ1 allows the virus to make copies of itself, providing new insights into an 'old' cellular defense mechanism against invading viruses.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 24, 2017

The dinosaur museum that visits you

The Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs' Moveable Museum travels across rural Mongolia, offering engaging exhibits and workshops to promote paleontology and protect local fossils. The museum aims to inspire local kids to become paleontologists and support conservation efforts.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

Variation in the recovery of tetrapods

A new study compares the recovery of land-dwelling vertebrates from different localities in southern Pangaea, finding stark differences in ecological diversity levels. The research suggests that carnivores and archosaurs were diverse and abundant in Zambia and Tanzania but relatively uncommon or absent in South Africa.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

Three faculty members receive NSF Convergence grants

Penn State faculty members Ming Xiao, Heng Xu, and Jun Zhu receive NSF Convergence grants to support interdisciplinary research on permafrost coastal erosion, crowdsourcing research, and quantum science. The grants aim to bring together experts from various fields to address complex challenges and advance scientific discovery.

Elucidating the biology of extinct cave bears

Researchers shed light on the extinct cave bear's primarily herbivorous diet and small brain relative to its body size. New studies suggest a less energy-rich diet and highly seasonal environment contributed to its unusually small brain, with findings also indicating longer gestation periods and slower sexual maturity.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

Study shows incisionless surgery with MR-HIFU effective in destroying painful bone tumors

A clinical trial demonstrates the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) for treating osteoid osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor in children. The procedure eliminates incisions and ionizing radiation exposure, offering a faster treatment option with improved outcomes.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 24, 2017

New therapeutic antibody for dog cancers

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody that induces immune responses and tumor regression in dogs with malignant cancers. The antibody targets PD-L1-positive cancers, including oral malignant melanoma and undifferentiated sarcoma.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2017

Baby boomer squirrels master tricky timing

Research from the University of Alberta found that female squirrels who predict abundant food years have more pups that survive to maturity. This is due to their ability to recognize mast seeding years, which occur once in a few years and provide an abundance of food.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 24, 2017

New green solvent could help clean our air

French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2017

Making better batteries via real-time TEM observation

A recent study has made a breakthrough in developing better batteries via real-time transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The research team successfully hermetically encapsulated sulfur particles using two-dimensional materials like molybdenum disulfide, preventing leakage and sublimation. This innovation could lead to im...

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 24, 2017

HIIT releases endorphins in the brain

Researchers at the University of Turku found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) releases endorphins in the brain, alleviating physical and emotional stress. In contrast, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise does not induce significant endorphin release, but rather increases pleasurable feelings.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateAug 24, 2017

The first hard evidence for the 'outside-in' theory of the origin of teeth

Researchers studying a 400 million year old bony fish from Estonia believe they have found evidence for the origins of teeth using advanced synchrotron microtomography. This discovery may cast light on the possible origin of teeth from dermal odontodes, and evolutionary relationship between dentitions of all jawed animals.

SourceSociety of Vertebrate Paleontology·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateAug 24, 2017

New virtual model reveals details of declining lung function in mice

A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 24, 2017

More solar power thanks to titanium

Researchers developed a titanium dioxide interlayer to boost the performance of photoanodes, increasing photocurrent by more than four times. The design combines nanostructure with chemical doping, promising improvements for green photocatalytic systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 24, 2017