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Science News for June 22, 2017


Diabetes patients still produce insulin

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that almost half of patients with type 1 diabetes for over ten years still produce some insulin. Higher levels of interleukin-35 were detected in these patients, suggesting a link between this protein and the regeneration of remaining insulin-producing cells.

SourceUppsala University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 22, 2017

Study uncovers link between male hormones and metabolic disease in polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that increased male hormones, particularly AKR1C3 enzyme activity in fat tissue, drive PCOS women's risk to develop diabetes and fatty liver disease. Abdominal fat tissue is a major source of high levels of male hormones in women with PCOS.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 22, 2017

Switchable DNA mini-machines store information

Researchers have built simple machines out of DNA consisting of arrays whose units switch reversibly between two different shapes. The arrays' properties shed light on how to build structures with more complex, dynamic behaviors. By harnessing these DNA mini-machines, scientists may be able to create nanotech sensors and amplifiers.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

Negative tweets can trash TV programs for other viewers

Researchers found that negative social media comments about a TV show tend to lower enjoyment for other viewers, while positive comments have little impact. The 'bandwagon effect' suggests that people adopt beliefs and ideas because they think others hold similar beliefs, making negative comments more influential.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateJun 22, 2017

The Lancet: Guided self-help approach to graded exercise program is safe and may reduce fatigue for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

A new trial has found that a guided self-help approach to a graded exercise program can be safe and may reduce fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study, which involved 200 people, showed that participants who received the guidance had a smaller effect on reducing physical disability compared to those who did not.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 22, 2017

Cells in fish's spinal discs repair themselves

Researchers discovered a unique repair mechanism in zebrafish spinal discs that protects fluid-filled cells from mechanical stress and promotes regeneration. The study suggests that this mechanism, triggered by the release of nucleotides, may be present in humans at early stages but is lost over time.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 22, 2017

New brain network model could explain differences in brain injuries

A new brain network model suggests that understanding brain connections and structure can help predict how brain function changes after injury. The study identified key white matter pathways and lesions responsible for network disruptions, which could lead to more accurate treatment plans and therapeutic targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 22, 2017

Stereotypes still affect females' career aspirations in STEM topics

A study found that even female students with good grades in STEM subjects are still corrupted by stereotypes, leading to lower self-confidence and perceptions of incompetence. Indirect support measures, such as positive experiences and role models, are more effective than direct encouragement in boosting their self-concept.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 22, 2017

How pythons regenerate their organs and other secrets of the snake genome

Scientists study Burmese pythons' ability to regenerate organs after feeding, identifying key genes that drive regenerative growth. The team also explores the genetic basis of evolution in snakes and lizards, shedding light on the mechanisms behind unique traits such as venom composition and reproductive differences.

Human genes for coronary artery disease make them more prolific parents

A genetic study suggests that human genes for coronary artery disease contribute to greater numbers of children, providing an evolutionary trade-off between early-life reproductive benefits and later-life disease costs. The study uses genome-wide scans and lifetime reproductive data to identify genetic variation linked to the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 22, 2017

Turtle go-slow zone extensions needed

A study by James Cook University scientists found that turtles are present throughout the bay, mostly staying in water less than five meters deep. Extending shallow go-slow zones could protect nearly half or more of turtle habitats if combined with a small buffer zone into deeper waters.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateJun 22, 2017

How pheromones trigger female sexual behavior

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how a male pheromone enhances female sexual behaviors in mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. The study found that a single purified chemical called ESP1 is detected by a sole corresponding receptor, making it easier to track and understand its effects on behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateJun 22, 2017

Video games can change your brain

Research has shown that playing video games can change the brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills, making them more efficient. Additionally, studies have found evidence of increased brain activity in reward system regions associated with internet gaming disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2017

Biofilms -- the eradication has begun

Scientists at McGill University Health Centre develop novel enzyme technology that prevents and breaks down biofilms, exposing microbes to antibiotics and host defenses. This approach has huge potential to combat biofilm-associated infections responsible for thousands of deaths across North America.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017

Researchers design sounds that can be recorded by microphones but inaudible to humans

Researchers at the University of Illinois have designed a sound that is completely inaudible to humans yet is audible to any microphone. This technique, called 'BackDoor,' has numerous applications, including securing private conversations and protecting confidential meetings from electronic eavesdropping. The signal can also be used t...

Lessons from whale population collapse could help future species at risk

A study of historic whaling records reveals early warning signs of global population collapse up to 40 years before the event for four whale species. The research provides a potential tool for predicting which species are at risk due to environmental pressures such as overfishing and climate change.

A rising star

Researchers at UCSB used star ascidian to study the interaction between cells and their physical environment, finding a mechanism that allows blood vessels to shrink without impeding blood flow. This discovery has implications for understanding cellular development and metastasis in cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJun 22, 2017

More guns now being purchased for self-defense than recreation

A new study found that more lethal weapons are being manufactured and sold for self-defense purposes, rather than recreational use. The study analyzed data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and found a significant increase in the production of high-caliber pistols and rifles between 2004 and 2015.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 22, 2017

Sea sponges stay put with anchors that bend but don't break

Researchers found that the internal structure of sea sponge anchors, known as basalia spicules, allows them to bend up to 2.4 times before breaking, enabling them to securely attach to the seafloor. The study's findings may lead to the development of new materials with similar properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 22, 2017

Losing train of thought or it's hard to multi-task? You may be having one drink too many

A study found that substance use, particularly binge drinking and cocaine, is associated with cognitive impairments such as attention deficits and executive functioning issues. Cognitive impairments were also linked to daily life difficulties, impeding treatment utilization, and decreased effectiveness of treatment.

Seafood poisoning bug thwarts a key host defense by attacking the cell's cytoskeleton

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria deploy a needle-like apparatus called Type III Secretion System (T3SS) to inject toxic proteins into cells, disabling their ability to produce defensive molecules like reactive oxygen species. This allows the bacteria to escape the gut and cause l...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 22, 2017

Combined molecular biology test is the first to distinguish benign pancreatic lesions

A combined molecular biology test can accurately identify benign pancreatic lesions, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary cancer screenings and operations. The test uses two proteins to rule out precancer and cancer, with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 100% for distinguishing between serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) an...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 22, 2017

Australian origin likely for iconic New Zealand tree

New fossil research from the University of Adelaide suggests that the ancestors of the iconic New Zealand Christmas Tree, P?hutukawa, may have originated in Australia. The fossils, found near St Helens, East Coast Tasmania, date back to around 25 million years ago and describe two new species of Metrosideros.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 22, 2017

On polygamous females and single-parent males

A study by Bielefeld University researchers found that male plover survival rates are significantly higher than females, resulting in a sex bias of only 37% females among adult plovers. This advantage may be due to males having greater body weight and growth rates at hatching.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017