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Science News for April 23, 2018


Fear of losing status, not economic hardship, drove voters in 2016 presidential election

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that traditionally high-status Americans, particularly whites and Christians, voted for Donald Trump due to fears of losing their privileged status in America and the world. The researchers debunked the idea that voters were driven by economic grievances...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence DNA from all complex life on Earth

The project seeks to understand the evolution and organization of life by sequencing and functionally annotating the genomes of 1.5 million eukaryotic species, including plants, animals, fungi, and single-cell organisms. This initiative aims to reveal unknown species and provide a freely available resource for scientific discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

How to hijack degrading complexes to put cancer cells asleep

Researchers found that palbociclib induces substantial changes in the proteasome, degrading proteins required for cell cycle progression and driving cells into senescence. The discovery suggests that proteasomal activity may be an additional mechanism by which palbociclib stalls proliferation.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 23, 2018

CRISPR used to genetically edit coral, Stanford researchers report

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Earth BioGenome Project aims to sequence genomes of 1.5 million species

The Earth BioGenome Project proposes sequencing genomes of all known eukaryotic species, an undertaking estimated to take 10 years and cost $4.7 billion. This initiative aims to create a complete digital library of life that will guide future discoveries, building on the success of previous genomics projects like the Human Genome Project.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to increased ASD and ADHD risk

A study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found a link between prolonged acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The analysis shows a 30% increase in relative risk for ADHD and a 20% increase in relative risk for ASD.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 23, 2018

Potential gender bias against female researchers in peer review of research grants

A study published in CMAJ found that peer reviewers' characteristics, including gender and previous success rates with grants, can introduce bias into grant applications. This bias results in lower scores, making applications less likely to be funded. The researchers suggest that training of reviewers, policy changes, and monitoring ma...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 23, 2018

Yale plays quantum catch in new research

Yale researchers have achieved a major milestone in quantum computing by transmitting quantum data between two separate points using a new 'pitch-and-catch' technology. This innovation allows qubits to be interfaced with each other, enabling more complex algorithms and potentially faster computation speeds than classical computers.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 23, 2018

Spider venom to treat paralysis

Researchers found that Heriaeus melloteei spider venom can block leakage currents through mutated ion channels, potentially treating hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The toxin fixes the voltage-sensing domain of the channel, preventing ions from leaking out and restoring normal muscle function.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Study: Girls more likely than boys to struggle with social, behavioral, academic needs

A study found that girls are more likely than boys to struggle with social-emotional learning problems, academic difficulties, and behavioral issues in high school. The researchers identified five patterns among youths, with girls accounting for nearly 66% of students with high needs across all domains.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateApr 23, 2018

Measuring impacts of mass extinctions

By combining fossil occurrence data with social network analysis, researchers identified distinct associations of ancient marine animal life and investigated the representation of these communities over geologic time. This approach enabled the quantification of ecological impacts of mass extinctions and major ecological shifts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

New cell therapy aids heart recovery -- without implanting cells

A new cell therapy has been developed to aid heart recovery without implanting cells, using extracellular vesicles secreted by cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The therapy shows promising results in recovering cardiac function and reducing arrhythmias in rat models of myocardial infarction.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 23, 2018

Swirling liquids work similarly to bitcoin

Researchers have found that swirling liquids, such as coffee, follow the same mathematical principles as transactions with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. This discovery may lead to more advanced digital security methods and a deeper understanding of chaotic mixing in nature. The findings also suggest that cryptographic computations can...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Saving a penalty: How science helps predict the score

Researchers propose a new affordance-based control model to explain how goalkeepers dive at the right time in penalty kicks. The study suggests that goalkeepers should regulate their actions to sustain perception of 'stoppability', allowing for individually-tailored interventions.

SourceSpringer·JournalGerman Journal of Exercise and Sport Research·DateApr 23, 2018

What learning looks like in the brain

Using advanced imaging technology, researchers found structural changes in the connections between neurons that strengthen to enable learning. The molecules involved in sending and receiving signals appeared to be organized in clumps or 'nanomodules' that both dance and multiply when stimulated by learning-like signals.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2018

Trees with grassy areas soften summer heat

A recent study by the Technical University of Munich found that trees with grassy areas can significantly cool urban environments, particularly on hot summer days. The research showed that black locust trees provide a higher cooling effect compared to linden trees, making them a promising option for cities like Munich.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 23, 2018

Hemp shows potential for treating ovarian cancer

Researchers found that hemp extract slowed cell migration and reduced inflammation in ovarian cancer cells, suggesting a possible biological mechanism behind its anti-cancer effects. The study's results are comparable to or even better than current ovarian cancer drug Cisplatin, with potential for fewer side effects.

Translating elephant seal data into a symphony provides surprising insights

Researchers used GPS tracking data to visualize and sonify elephant seal group dynamics, creating a 45-minute symphony that showcases remarkable coordination in their ocean exploration. The study successfully compressed 10 years of data into a condensed musical composition, providing new cutting-edge research opportunities at KAUST.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateApr 23, 2018

Alcohol intake may be linked to premenstrual syndrome

A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 23, 2018

Applying network analysis to natural history

A team of researchers used network analysis techniques to study the fossil records of marine life, revealing patterns in Earth's natural history. The analysis showed that major events like mass extinctions had significant ecological impacts, with some effects previously underestimated or overestimated.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

Vitamin A derivative selectively kills liver cancer stem cells

Researchers have discovered that acyclic retinoid targets EpCAM-positive cancer stem cells by repressing MYCN expression, slowing cell growth and leading to greater cell death. This finding has significant implications for decreasing cancer recurrence and curing patients.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018