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Science News for April 16, 2018


Timing is everything: Researchers describe genetic clockwork in germ cell development

Geneticists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg deciphered a central signalling pathway that encodes and controls the synchronisation of multiple processes during germ cell development in C. elegans. This process involves RNA-binding proteins and a MAP kinase signalling pathway, optimising germ cell production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Articles provide updated guidance to authors submitting to the British Journal of Pharmacology

The British Journal of Pharmacology has published updated guidance for authors on designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results. The editorials aim to improve reproducibility and transparency in preclinical research by providing approaches to data presentation and checklists for immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 16, 2018

Self-regulation in children, adolescents

A systematic review of 49 randomized trials involving 23,098 participants found that various self-regulation interventions were effective in promoting emotional control, social skills, and learning. The review suggests that these programs can help maintain health and well-being throughout life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 16, 2018

Women remain less likely to receive high-intensity statins following heart attack

A recent study found that women are consistently less intensively treated with high-intensity statins after a heart attack, even when prescribed, and across various patient characteristics. This underutilization can lead to preventable vascular events, emphasizing the need for clinicians to communicate the benefits of these medications.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2018

Hope for new treatment of severe epilepsy

Researchers at Lund University discovered a new approach to treat severe epilepsy by targeting a specific brain area, reducing seizure activity. This breakthrough method, using chemogenetics, may pave the way for improved treatment options for thousands of people in Sweden affected by the disease.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

Women less likely than men to receive high-intensity statins following a heart attack

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that women in the US are less likely to receive high-intensity statins after a heart attack, despite guidelines recommending them. The study of over 88,000 adults suggests that adherence to these guidelines may be needed to prevent deaths from heart disease and stroke.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 16, 2018

Are millennials taking over the supply chain?

Michigan State University research reveals that millennials are driving a shift towards customized, experiential supply chains where customers have more control over the product. This change requires companies to deliver tailored offerings and prioritize greater visibility and social responsibility.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalLogistics & Supply Chain Review·DateApr 16, 2018

Scientists discover hidden structure of enigmatic 'backwards' neural connections

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown uncover exquisitely organized map of visual space in feedback connections, providing insights into visual perception. The study reveals that these connections encode information from further locations in visual space, giving lower structures contextual 'whole picture' information.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 2018

'Striosome' neurons in the basal ganglia play a key role in learning

Researchers isolated striosome neuron activity using optical neural imaging technology to shed light on their role in reinforcement learning. The study found that striosomal neurons fire more actively in response to odor cues associated with water rewards, indicating they are involved in anticipating the outcome of a stimulus.

Using AI to detect heart disease

A new method developed by researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering uses machine learning to measure key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and arterial stiffness using just a smartphone. The method was validated with existing tonometry data and showed high correlation with actual tonometry measurements.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2018

Is whole-brain radiation still best for brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer?

A recent study found that stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can improve overall survival and reduce cognitive side-effects in patients with brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer. The study compared outcomes of 5,752 patients who received whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) to those of 200 patients who received SRS.

Quantum shift shows itself in coupled light and matter

Researchers detect Bloch-Siegert shift in strongly coupled light and matter, a phenomenon previously speculated but never observed. The discovery could lead to a greater understanding of theoretical predictions in quantum phase transitions and the development of robust quantum bits for advanced computing.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 16, 2018

Hello DARKNESS

A team of UCSB physicists has created a device named DARKNESS, the first 10,000-pixel integral field spectrograph designed to overcome the limitations of traditional semiconductor detectors. This instrument enables direct imaging of planets around nearby stars and can detect fainter planets with higher contrast ratios.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateApr 16, 2018

A new Bose-Einstein condensate created at Aalto University

Aalto University researchers have successfully created a new Bose-Einstein condensate that doesn't require cooling to near absolute zero. The condensate is made up of light and electrons in motion in gold nanorods, allowing for faster information processing and potentially enabling the creation of extremely small and fast light sources.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2018

Job hunters drop ties with supportive colleagues

Research reveals job seekers focus on forming new ties for career advancement, rather than relying on former colleagues. Meanwhile, those considering quitting still value maintaining relationships with friends at work due to concerns about losing social connections upon leaving.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 16, 2018

Early environment may shape axon pathfinding

A new mechanism regulating axon pathfinding has been identified in zebrafish embryos, suggesting that neuronal activity can influence brain connectivity. The research found that optogenetic stimulation of an inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor was necessary for axons to properly cross the midline.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 16, 2018

Mosquitoes reveal fatal attraction

Researchers have identified three aldehydes in the skin of infected children that attract mosquitoes, which could lead to better malaria detection and control. The study's findings provide insight into the parasite's infection route and offer opportunities for developing new biomarkers and insect traps.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Precancerous colon polyps in patients with Lynch syndrome exhibit immune activation

A preclinical study by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that precancerous colon polyps in patients with Lynch syndrome display immune system activation, challenging traditional models of cancer immune activation. The study suggests immunotherapy may be useful for colorectal cancer prevention in certain high-risk groups.

From insulator to conductor in a flash

Researchers have developed a method to rapidly transition strongly correlated materials from insulators to conductors using tailored laser pulses. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of next-generation electronics that are faster and more energy efficient.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 16, 2018

General aviation pilots struggle to interpret weather forecast and observation displays

A study by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers found that general aviation pilots had difficulty understanding various types of weather information, including METAR reports and radar displays. The findings suggest that improved pilot training and more effective weather display designs could help advance aviation safety.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalThe International Journal of Aerospace Psychology·DateApr 16, 2018

Run faster, learn better

A new study found that faster mice run, the faster they learn. Researchers used mutant mice with reduced running speed to demonstrate the causal link between running speed and enhanced learning. They also showed that once learned, performance still depended on running speed.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 2018

Once upon a time, an exoplanet was discovered

The discovery of 51 Pegasi b marked a significant milestone in the search for exoplanets, with Michel Mayor and his colleague Queloz credited with the groundbreaking find. The development of better telescopes enabled this achievement, contributing to a new community of researchers exploring this field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateApr 16, 2018

Engineering a plastic-eating enzyme

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and NREL have engineered an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery could lead to a recycling solution for millions of tons of plastic waste.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

When nuclei catch up with electrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that ionization delays in molecules can significantly depend on the kinetic energy of both the photoelectron and the nuclei. This study extends the concept of ionization delays introduced for atomic systems, showing that variations can be as large as those with electronic kinetic energy.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2018

Altered immune cells clear childhood brain tumor in mice

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a CAR-T therapy that eradicates diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors in mice, leaving few residual cancer cells. The treatment targets the GD2 sugar molecule on DIPG tumors and has shown promising results, but side effects such as brain swelling must be carefully managed.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 16, 2018

Surviving climate change, then and now

Researchers analyzed ancient tools, ornaments, and human remains to find that early Homo sapiens adapted to climate change by staying interconnected. The study found that a vast social network helped these ancestors survive a volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago and potentially inform our response to modern global warming.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Quaternary Science·DateApr 16, 2018

Warming climate could speed forest regrowth in eastern US

A new study suggests that warmer temperatures will speed up the transition from field to forest in the eastern US, leading to increased carbon sequestration. This could result in more rapidly growing forests replacing weeds and grasses, but also raises concerns about the impact of droughts on tree growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

Freeing electrons to better trap them

Researchers at UNIGE and MBI successfully place an electron in a dual state, neither free nor bound, and regulate its electronic structure. They also discover that high-intensity lasers can amplify light, enabling new possibilities for intense laser propagation in gases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2018