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Science News for December 27, 2017


Is punishment as effective as we think?

A social dilemma experiment found that punishment is ineffective in promoting cooperation among players, with players instead replacing defection with punishment. The study suggests that punishment has a demoralizing effect and reduces the incentive to choose cooperation over competition.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2017

Bacteria acquire resistance from competitors

Researchers have discovered that bacteria can inject toxic proteins into their competitors, causing cell lysis and death, and then acquire antibiotic resistance by incorporating the released genetic material. This ability allows bacteria to rapidly develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2017

Conserving coral communities

A recent study led by Harvard University researchers found that coral restoration efforts can have a positive impact on fish communities in the short term and over time. The study showed that even after just one week, significantly more fish and a greater diversity of species were present at experimental coral beds.

SourceHarvard University·JournalMarine Biology·DateDec 27, 2017

Biomarkers in breast cancer: IQWiG criticizes conclusion on MINDACT data in US guideline

A group of authors from IQWiG has contradicted the American Society of Clinical Oncology's conclusion that MammaPrint can identify patients who do not require chemotherapy. The IQWiG analysis found a statistically significant disadvantage of the test for disease-free survival in certain patient groups.

SourceInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 27, 2017

Growing organs a few ink drops at a time

Osaka University researchers develop an enzyme-driven approach to sticking biological ink droplets together, enabling the 3D printing of highly complex biological structures with a wide variety of cell types. The method overcomes compatibility problems with sodium alginate and results in high viability rates for cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateDec 27, 2017

From C-H to C-C at room temperature

Researchers develop novel method for selective C-H arylation at room temperature, overcoming harsh reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism involves iridium catalyst activation, arylsilane attack, and oxidation of the intermediate to achieve low-energy reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2017