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Science News for September 18, 2017


Wait-and-see strategy pays off, incentives needed for risk takers

A recent study by University of Illinois economist Hope Michelson found that wait-and-see strategies among farmers in Nicaragua can lead to increased participation in supply chains. The study suggests that incentives may be necessary to encourage risk-takers to join the market, as early adopters bear initial costs and benefits.

Colder and colder

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have created a novel method for cooling ions using electrostatic fields, allowing them to reach temperatures near absolute zero. This breakthrough enables the study of large biological molecules and nanoparticles, with potential applications in medicine and materials science.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 2017

Step towards better 'beyond lithium' batteries

The team demonstrates that titanium dioxide can be modified to be used as an electrode in multivalent batteries, providing a valuable proof of concept. This breakthrough could lead to higher charge densities and better performance for new battery technologies, essential for transitioning to low-emission energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 18, 2017

American oaks share a common northern ancestor

Researchers have solved the mystery of the geographic origins of American oaks by finding that red and white oaks diverged simultaneously from a single species 45 million years ago. This common ancestor gave rise to two distinct lineages, which then radiated into different ecological spaces across North America.

SourceThe Morton Arboretum·JournalNew Phytologist·DateSep 18, 2017

Color naming across languages

Researchers analyzed color-naming data from 110 languages and found that warm colors like red, yellow, and orange are generally easier to communicate than cool colors like blue and green. The study suggests that differences in color categorization may reflect cultural differences in color usefulness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

New lung cell type discovered

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a new lung cell type implicated in innate immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae, one of the leading causes of pneumonia worldwide. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic strategies for combating this pathogen.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 18, 2017

Welfare of zoo animals set to improve

Researchers have developed a new welfare assessment grid to help zookeepers monitor the physical and psychological wellbeing of animals in their care. The grid provides daily monitoring of factors such as environment quality and daily procedures, enabling zookeepers to identify potential problems and improve animal welfare.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 18, 2017

A solar cell you can put in the wash

Researchers from RIKEN and University of Tokyo created ultra-thin photovoltaic devices coated with stretchable and waterproof films. The new device has shown strong energy efficiency, resistance to water, and durability under compression, opening the way for wearable solar cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 18, 2017

A cereal survives heat and drought

Researchers sequenced Pearl millet genome, revealing molecular properties hinting at drought resistance mechanisms. The findings provide a resource for marker-selected breeding studies to improve agronomic traits in arid environments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 18, 2017

Study compares PhD programs in different countries

A new study compares PhD programs in different countries, highlighting both similarities and differences. The analysis found considerable overlap in aims and content, but notable variations in program structure, mentoring, and thesis assessment.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Open Bio·DateSep 18, 2017

When caring for a sick pet becomes too much

A study by Kent State University researcher Mary Beth Spitznagel found that pet owners experiencing chronic or terminal illness in their pets suffer from caregiver burden, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life. The study aimed to fill a gap in research on this topic and provide insights for pet caregivers.

SourceKent State University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 18, 2017

Dogs' social skills linked to oxytocin sensitivity

A new study from Linköping University finds that dogs' willingness to collaborate with humans is linked to genetic variations in the oxytocin receptor gene. The researchers discovered a possible explanation for why dogs differ in their ability to work together, which may have contributed to human selection during domestication.

SourceLinköping University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateSep 18, 2017

Black babies more likely to have nursing care missed in their NICU stay

A new study found that hospitals caring for high fractions of black infants are more likely to miss critical nursing care, which can affect survival and development. This missed care often involves teaching and counseling parents, as well as preparation for discharge, highlighting the need for supportive care environments with adequate...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalHealth Services Research·DateSep 18, 2017

Deep roots in plants driven by soil hydrology

A global synthesis study led by Rutgers University professor Ying Fan Reinfelder shows strong links between root depth and local soil and water conditions. Plants adapt to droughts by shifting to wetter environments through seed dispersal.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

A new approach to ultrafast light pulses

Scientists at MIT and their collaborators have developed a new approach to ultrafast light pulses by coupling molecular aggregates with thin layers of metals like silver. This enhancement increases the material's response time tenfold, making it suitable for applications in photonic chips and signal processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

New hope for limiting warming to 1.5°C

Researchers from the University of Oxford and international partners found that achieving the Paris Agreement's goal of 1.5°C global warming requires more ambitious emission cuts than initially estimated. The study suggests that limiting total CO2 emissions to below 240 billion tonnes could achieve this goal.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 18, 2017

Optical and electrical bistability study sheds light on next-gen high speed data transfer

A US-based research team has demonstrated optical and electrical bistability for switching in a single transistor, offering potential solutions to the bandwidth limitations of electronic computers. The study showcases the control of transistor laser electrical and optical bistabilities by base current and collector voltage.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 18, 2017

Metabolism switch signals end for healing hearts

Scientists have identified a metabolic pathway that governs the loss of the human heart's ability to regenerate tissue. This discovery could potentially lead to the development of drugs to reactivate regeneration in adult hearts, allowing them to repair muscle damage caused by heart attacks and recover full pumping capacity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Study uncovers markers for severe form of multiple sclerosis

Researchers identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its related protein D-dopachrome tautomerase as closely related cytokines associated with progressive MS. A genetic test could identify patients at risk of developing the disease, accelerating drug development for precision medicine.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Tug of war between Parkinson's protein and growth factor

Researchers discovered that alpha-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson's disease, blocks signals from the important brain growth factor BDNF. This 'tug of war' between alpha-synuclein and BDNF affects brain cells' survival and explains why dopamine-producing neurons are more vulnerable to degeneration.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Taking a break from dieting may improve weight loss

University of Tasmania researchers found that taking a 2-week break during dieting can lead to greater weight loss and less weight regain. The study showed participants who alternated between dieting and regular eating for 30 weeks lost an average of 8 kg more than those who continued with continuous dieting.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 18, 2017

Cells programmed like computers to fight disease

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a way to program cells using genetic engineering, enabling them to control actions such as fighting disease. The technique uses a common molecule called RNA, which can be engineered into sequences similar to computer code to instruct cells to perform specific actions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 18, 2017

Life-long blood production depends on hundreds of cells that form prior to birth

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that hundreds of precursor cells, not just a handful, are involved in establishing the blood system before birth. This discovery has clinical implications, as understanding how the blood system emerges can help unravel the origins of disease and identify susceptible cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017

More evidence of water on Mars

Researchers have found river deposits on Mars that date back over 3.5 billion years, indicating a surface environment capable of supporting liquid water. The study suggests that large fluctuations in the size of the water body forced the formation of paleo-valleys, revealing long-term stability in the controlling water body.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateSep 18, 2017

Urine output to disease: Study sheds light on the importance of hormone quality control

A new study reveals that endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation plays a crucial role in controlling hormone levels and systemic water balance. The research found that misfolded proteins can lead to hormone imbalance and diseases such as diabetes insipidus, highlighting the importance of protein folding and quality control.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 18, 2017

HIV-AIDS: Following your gut

A team of researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. They have also started testing medications to block this replication and decrease inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which could lead to a functional cure for HIV.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 18, 2017

Vulnerability of vertebrates

The study reveals an association between body size and extinction risk among vertebrate species. The results indicate that lightest vertebrates are most at risk of habitat degradation due to human activities, while the heaviest vertebrates face a higher risk of direct killing by humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Asthma medication may have psychiatric side effects

A study found neuropsychiatric reactions like depression and aggression associated with montelukast in both children and adults. Clinicians should discuss potential adverse events, especially nightmares in kids, when prescribing this asthma medication.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateSep 18, 2017

Learning and unlearning to fear: The two faces of noradrenaline

Scientists at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered that emotional and flexible learning rely on noradrenaline's division of labor in the brain. Two types of learning - fear learning and extinction - require distinct populations of neurons, with different projections to the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 18, 2017

Relationship found between HIV risk and individual and community level educational status

A new study found a significant association between individual and community level educational status and transactional sex behavior, which is an HIV risk factor. The researchers suggest that undereducated neighborhoods may be more prone to informal economies, leading residents to engage in transactional sex.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateSep 18, 2017

New approach boosts performance in thermoelectric materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a new mechanism to boost performance in thermoelectric materials by increasing carrier mobility, enabling more efficient electricity generation from waste heat. The work expands the potential of magnesium-antimony materials for use in thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

A new approach to high insulin levels

Congenital hyperinsulinism is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to permanent activation of the GDH protein, resulting in excessive insulin production. This triggers chronic hypoglycaemia, brain damage, and intellectual retardation. A new study may pave the way for novel therapies, including a drug that inhibits the GDH accelerator.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateSep 18, 2017

MicroRNA helps cancer evade immune system

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two microRNAs that help cancer cells survive and subvert the immune response by lowering cGAS levels. Inhibiting these microRNAs in tumor cells slowed tumor growth, but their effect was diminished in immune-deficient mice.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017

Beta blockers not needed after heart attack if other medications taken

A new UNC-Chapel Hill study found that beta blockers are not necessary after a heart attack if patients are already taking ACE inhibitors and statins. The study examined over 90,000 Medicare patients and found that those who took only ACE inhibitors and statins had a similar mortality rate to those taking all three drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2017

World first: 'Storing lightning inside thunder'

University of Sydney researchers have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough in transferring digital information between light waves and sound waves on a microchip. The innovation enables faster processing and reduces energy consumption by slowing down data transfer velocity to five orders of magnitude, making it suitable for use in te...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2017