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Science News for July 25, 2017


Molecular microscopy illuminates molecular motor motion

Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Pattern of marijuana use during adolescence may impact psychosocial outcomes in adulthood

A study found that adolescents with an increasing pattern of marijuana use over their teens had the greatest dysfunction in brain reward circuitry, highest rates of depression, and lowest educational achievements. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marijuana use across adolescence to predict long-term impacts.

Discovery of why emus are grounded takes flight

A team of researchers from Monash University has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as a key regulator of wing development in emus. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of limb reduction and may have implications for human limb development, particularly in individuals born with limb abnormalities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Improved imaging of neonatal soft-tissue tumors can help radiologists improve patient care

Practical imaging evaluation of neonatal soft-tissue tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and clear understanding of imaging techniques can improve patient outcomes. Characteristic clinical and imaging findings aid in diagnosing these neoplasms, which may require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 25, 2017

Violent sleep patterns & stress hormones change after a violent crime in the neighborhood

A new study found that violent crime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress hormones in youth, leading to decreased academic performance. The study, conducted on 82 youth aged 11-18, showed that sleep and cortisol levels changed after a violent crime occurred nearby, with the largest effects seen for homicides.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 2017

How gene silencing works in plants

Gene silencing is crucial for plant development and growth, and a recent study has shed light on its mechanisms. The researchers discovered that Polycomb-group proteins play a key role in this process, using histone modifications to silence genes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 25, 2017

Research lacking when it comes to heart disease in prison populations

A recent study highlights the gaps in knowledge about cardiovascular disease among incarcerated and released populations, with limited research on factors contributing to heart disease. The report identifies areas for further study, including how prisoners receive care and treatment, and the relationship between stress and coping behav...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 25, 2017

Knee joint signals bones to grow

Researchers discovered a communication system between the knee joint and developing bones in mice, which controls bone growth during early development and after injury. The study suggests that bone growth is controlled not only from within the bone itself but also by neighboring cells situated in nearby joints.

SourceeLife·DateJul 25, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Magnetic quantum objects in a 'nano egg-box'

Researchers have successfully produced a 'quantum egg-box' with hundreds of thousands of artificially arranged fluxons, enabling stable non-equilibrium states. This breakthrough paves the way for developing fast computer circuits based on fluxons with enhanced speed and reduced heat dissipation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 25, 2017

Cognitive cross-training enhances learning, study finds

A comprehensive new study from University of Illinois researchers found that combining physical exercise and mild electric brain stimulation with computer-based cognitive training promotes skill learning significantly more than using cognitive training alone. The enhanced learning was skill-specific and did not translate to general int...

Venus's turbulent atmosphere

Researchers from an international collaboration have analyzed data from the Venus Express spacecraft to investigate Venus's complex atmosphere. They found that stationary gravity waves at higher altitudes are related to surface elevations, suggesting wind currents caused by topographical obstacles contribute to the planet's superrotation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 25, 2017

People living in rural households have lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease

A new study found that children raised in rural households have a lower risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those under the age of 10. The study identified 45,567 patients diagnosed with IBD and found that rural residents had a significantly lower incidence of the disease compared to urban residents.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 25, 2017

What do Trump's tweets say about his personality?

Researchers analyzed Trump's 3200 tweets to find that he exhibits strong features of a Schumpeterian personality, characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. He shows creative and change-oriented behavior, but also struggles with emotional stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalSmall Business Economics·DateJul 25, 2017

Fungal spores harness physics to launch themselves

Researchers at Duke University discovered how fungal spores use the power of merging water droplets to launch themselves. The team used high-speed cameras and an inkjet printer to study the mechanism, which involves the release of energy from the merged drop causing the spore to break away.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 25, 2017

Cooler cows have healthier calves

A new study found that calves born to cows experiencing heat stress during early pregnancy exhibit related effects throughout their lives. Milk production and fat yield are higher for winter-conceived calves compared to summer-conceived calves.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 25, 2017

Where there's smoke

UCSB researchers are evaluating urban wildfire patterns and resilience strategies using a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant, integrating atmospheric, fire-spread, and transportation models to enhance the understanding of extreme fire weather regimes and wildfire behavior in the wildland-urban interface.

Measured soil moisture improves wildfire prediction

Researchers in Oklahoma compared measured soil moisture with the Keetch-Byram Drought index and found that high-quality soil moisture data consistently outperformed KBDI. Soil moisture conditions conducive to large wildfires were more narrowly defined, providing earlier warnings of extreme wildfire potential.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Coral gardening is benefiting Caribbean reefs, study finds

A new study found that Caribbean staghorn corals are benefiting from 'coral gardening,' which involves planting laboratory-raised coral fragments on reefs. The research provides important benchmarks for the long-term survival of coral reefs worldwide, which have been declining due to climate change and ocean pollution.

How marriage may protect transgender couples

A national study by Michigan State University found that married transgender couples are less likely to experience discrimination than their unmarried counterparts. The study analyzed data from 4,286 transgender participants and found that married individuals faced lower levels of transphobia and discrimination in various domains of life.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 25, 2017