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Science News for March 23, 2017


Strong interaction between herbivores and plants

A new study by University of Cologne researchers reveals that herbivores have a significant positive impact on plant biodiversity. The interaction between nutrient availability and consumer species diversity is found to be crucial in maintaining producer diversity, highlighting the importance of preserving this balance for ecosystem he...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017

New Stanford study calls for US solar policy reform

The report recommends increasing US spending on solar R&D, encouraging international collaborations with China, and reforming federal policies to prioritize cost reduction. The researchers argue that the US should capitalize on its strengths in research and development while addressing concerns around intellectual property protection.

After a clinical trial on Midazolam for seizures, emergency use of the drug rises

A study found that midazolam was more effective in treating seizures than other benzodiazepines and was adopted by ambulances across the country, increasing from 26.1% to 61.7% between 2010 and 2014. The rate of adoption accelerated after a clinical trial's publication, with EMS agencies adopting midazolam at a rate of 8.9% per year.

Artificial photosynthesis steps into the light

Researchers at Rice University have developed an artificial photosynthesis material that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The catalyst, made from iron, manganese, and phosphorus, is efficient and easy to manufacture, paving the way for a clean renewable source of hydrogen fuel.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 23, 2017

Major breakthrough in the manufacture of red blood cells

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a technique to manufacture immortalized red blood cells, which can be cultured indefinitely and differentiated into mature red blood cells. This breakthrough could potentially provide a safe source of transfusions for people with rare blood types and areas with inadequate blood su...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2017

Membrane lipids hop in and out of rafts in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed fluorescent compounds that demonstrate how membrane lipids hop in and out of specialized regions called raft domains at unexpectedly fast rates. This discovery reveals a large paradigm shift in the research field, suggesting that raft-associated lipids are not stably localized in these domains.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 2017

Argon is not the 'dope' for metallic hydrogen

Scientists studied the effect of noble gas argon on pressurized hydrogen and found that it did not ease the transition to a metallic state. The team brought argon-doped hydrogen up to extreme pressures, but observed no structural changes, indicating that argon is not the ideal facilitator for metallic hydrogen.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2017

Virtual environment education reduces anxiety prior to radiation therapy

A pilot study conducted by Thomas Jefferson University found that a virtual environment education program significantly reduced anxiety and increased comprehension in patients receiving radiation therapy. The program used simulated environments to teach patients about their treatment, resulting in improved confidence and satisfaction.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateMar 23, 2017

Scientists get closer look at living nerve synapses

Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2017

Are dialysis patients being over-screened for colon cancer?

A new analysis reveals that dialysis patients are being screened at a higher rate than their counterparts without kidney failure, with the healthiest patients being more likely to receive screening. The findings suggest that there is substantial over-screening among patients on dialysis, and physicians should carefully evaluate patient...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 23, 2017

Fighting malaria through mathematical analysis of parasite's metabolism

A new mathematical model of Plasmodium falciparum's metabolism reveals its essential genes and thermodynamic bottlenecks, enabling potential mechanisms to target with drugs. The model integrates genetics and metabolomics data, allowing for the formulation of testable hypotheses and accelerating novel antimalarial drug discovery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 23, 2017

New understanding of chronic lung inflammatory diseases unfolding

A comprehensive review article explores cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior and extracellular matrix in the lung, shedding light on chronic inflammation. The study highlights the role of metabolic changes, age, and epigenetic mechanisms in affecting fibroblast activity and immune system cell populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateMar 23, 2017

Designer proteins fold DNA

Researchers at TUM have developed a method to construct custom DNA-protein hybrid structures using genetically encoded proteins and DNA. This approach allows for the creation of complex shapes and spatial arrangements that can be used to investigate fundamental processes in cell biology and biotechnology.

Save the whales

The Benioff Ocean Initiative has committed $1.5 million to accelerate research on reducing ship strikes and mortality of whales. Researchers estimate that 10 blue whales are killed annually in the Santa Barbara Channel, threatening a species with only 3-11% of its historic population.

Asian-American students have strong academic support -- but is it too much?

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that second-generation Asian American adolescents benefit less from academic social support than others, with the influence of parents, friends, and teachers being inconsistent. Despite this, they still have strong expectations for college attendance due to high parental and teacher expectations.

SourceNew York University·JournalAsian American Journal of Psychology·DateMar 23, 2017

It's really about me, not 'you'

New University of Michigan research finds people use generic-'you' to make meaning from personal experiences, helping them view events as more distant. The study suggests this ability allows individuals to derive broader meanings from their own experiences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

Poor oral health and food scarcity major contributors to malnutrition in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2017

Mosquito monitoring has limited utility in dengue control, study finds

Researchers found no association between mosquito abundance and dengue virus risk, but longitudinal indicators showed individuals living with mosquito evidence were more likely to contract dengue. Alternative surveillance frameworks incorporating human outcomes may be necessary for effective dengue control programs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 23, 2017

Rice U. refines filters for greener natural gas

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that balances carbon dioxide sequestration and methane selectivity in natural gas production. The filter, made with a polymer-based sorbent, achieves optimal performance by adjusting the ratio of potassium, oxygen, and hydrogen activation reagents during processing.

Surprising culprit in nerve cell damage identified

Scientists at WashU Medicine have implicated SARM1 in the self-destruction of axons, a process that leads to nerve cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests that blocking this pathway could slow or prevent disease progression and has implications for treating peripheral neuropathy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2017

A tale of 2 states

Human embryonic stem cells exist in two states: naïve and primed. Researchers have identified molecular flags on these cells, allowing them to track and investigate their transition. This approach has revealed new insights into the timing and coordination of gene activity changes during reprogramming.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 23, 2017

Republicans less likely to be critical about Obamacare when thinking of their own medical needs

A study by University of Exeter researchers found that US Republicans are less likely to be critical of Obamacare when reminded about their own medical needs. When asked to assess the performance of the Affordable Care Act in a more personal context, Republicans viewed evidence in a more balanced way.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·DateMar 23, 2017

Clot or bleeding?

The CLUE Working Group conducted two systematic reviews to address thrombosis and hemorrhage risks after urological cancer operations and other forms of urological surgery. The studies found that anticoagulant prophylaxis is justified in high-risk patients, but not necessarily in low-risk procedures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 23, 2017

Study featuring genomic sequencing & international data shows random errors...

A recent study analyzing genome sequencing and epidemiologic data from 32 cancer types found that nearly two-thirds of mutations in these cancers are attributable to random errors. The researchers' approach offers a novel perspective on cancer development, highlighting the need for more research efforts focused on secondary prevention.