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Science News for December 12, 2018


Clearest view ever of cell membrane yields unexpected structure, research possibilities

A team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University has gained the clearest view yet of a patch of cell membrane and its components, revealing an unexpected hexagonal structure. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical research, particularly in targeting medical drugs that interact with cell membranes.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2018

Mini-detectors for the gigantic?

Researchers from HZDR found that Bose-Einstein condensates, which can be thought of as heavily diluted vapor from individual atoms cooled to extreme temperatures, are not sensitive enough to detect gravitational waves. The team discovered that the power of these gravitational waves is too weak to be measured using current methods.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·DateDec 12, 2018

Climate change imperils Midwest ag production

A Cornell University-led study finds that Midwest agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with a clear escalation in climate sensitivity between the 1960s and '70s and more recent years. The region's reliance on rain-fed crops and specialization in crop production contribute to this vulnerability.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 12, 2018

Are suicidal thoughts, attempts more likely in people with eczema?

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology found a significant association between eczema and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The research, analyzing data from over 310,000 patients with eczema and 4.4 million without, suggests individuals with eczema are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to those without.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 12, 2018

Marshall University study finds differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels in newborns

A Marshall University study found significant differences in umbilical cord blood metal levels between urban and rural newborns. Copper and molybdenum were higher in urban samples, while no marked differences occurred for other elements. The study suggests a potential link between prenatal exposure to toxins and neonatal outcomes.

University of Miami medical team reports acute findings from Havana embassy phenomenon

A University of Miami medical team reported acute neurosensory symptoms in 25 US diplomats who experienced severe symptoms after exposure to a unique sound and pressure phenomenon. The study found evidence of balance disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and psychological issues, which do not resemble traumatic brain injury.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalLaryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology·DateDec 12, 2018

Researchers report acute findings from Havana embassy phenomenon

US diplomats experienced sudden-onset symptoms including dizziness and cognitive impairment after exposure to a high-frequency noise at the Havana embassy. Researchers found an inner ear abnormality and evidence of cognitive dysfunction in affected individuals, with symptoms persisting even after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalLaryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology·DateDec 12, 2018

UNLV study unlocks clues to how planets form

A team of UNLV and international astronomers has conducted the first large-sample survey of protoplanetary disks using ALMA, yielding high-resolution images of 20 nearby disks. The results reveal a large population of young planets at wide-orbit similar to Neptune or Jupiter, which may be similar to our solar system

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 12, 2018

New method for studying ALS more effectively

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have devised a new method called Axon-seq to study axons and better understand the pathological development of ALS. The method reveals significant differences in RNA profiles between healthy cells and those with mutated SOD1 genes, which causes ALS.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 12, 2018

Helping the anti-parasitic medicine go down

A team of researchers has developed a novel pharmaceutical formulation to administer triclabendazole, an anti-parasitic drug used to treat flatworm infections. The new nanocapsule formulation produces capsules less than one micron in size and is 100 times more soluble than its current tablet form.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2018

Development of world's first vertical Ga2O3 transistor through ion implantation doping

The development of a vertical Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor enables higher current drives without enlarging chip size, simplified thermal management, and improved field termination. The device shows decent electrical properties, paving the way for new generations of low-cost power electronic devices.

A device that illuminates the invisible

Engineers at the University of Delaware have developed a camera-like device that generates and detects millimeter waves to 'see' through solid objects. The device can detect concealed objects and see through non-metallic objects, making it useful for military operations and improved security in various settings.

Length of eye blinks might act as conversational cue

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people perceive subtle differences in eye blinks during conversations, affecting response lengths and indicating a joint activity between speakers and listeners. The research suggests that even small movements like blinking can serve as nonverbal communication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2018

What's behind smelly wine

Researchers found that polysulfanes decompose during wine storage, releasing hydrogen sulfide and causing the smell of sewage or rotten eggs. The study suggests that antioxidants like sulfur dioxide can help manage the release of stinky sulfur compounds in wine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2018

Putting a price on reputation

A study by University of Technology Sydney researchers found that a company's corporate reputation commands a premium of around 9% for its products. Consumers are willing to pay more for products with important features and a good brand reputation, but less so for novel features regardless of reputation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Marketing Management·DateDec 12, 2018

Rice plants that grow as clones from seed

Researchers at UC Davis have made a breakthrough in plant biology by discovering a way to produce crops as clones from seed. This process, known as apomixis, allows for the reproduction of high-yielding and disease-resistant crops without the need for expensive hybrid seeds. The discovery has significant implications for global food se...

Combining three treatment strategies may significantly improve melanoma treatment

A study combining three advanced treatments for malignant melanoma shows promising results in animal models, with the triple combination producing near-total eradication of tumors. The use of oncolytic viruses, MEK inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers enhances therapeutic responses, offering new hope for patients with melanoma.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 12, 2018

Higher risk of heart attack on Christmas Eve

A Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack peaks at around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, especially for older and sicker individuals due to heightened emotional stress. This risk is also higher during New Year's and Midsummer holidays, as well as Monday mornings.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 12, 2018

Your weight history may predict your heart failure risk

A study analyzing 6,000 people found that tracking a patient's weight history from young adulthood can provide valuable insights into their future risk of heart failure. The investigation showed that maintaining a normal weight over the lifespan is ideal, while obesity at specific ages significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 12, 2018

Scientists identify new minerals for carbon capture

Researchers have identified hydrotalcites as capable of capturing CO2 in mine tailings, potentially improving carbon sequestration beneath the surface. The study found that these minerals can trap CO2 deeper into the tailings than carbonate minerals could, offering a new approach to reducing atmospheric emissions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateDec 12, 2018

Does work stress increase cancer risk?

A study of over 280,000 people found a significant association between work stress and increased risk of colorectal and esophagus cancers. However, no link was observed for prostate, breast, or ovarian cancers, with the relationship varying by region.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 12, 2018

How bullying affects the brain

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that chronic peer victimization during adolescence can lead to structural changes in the brain, including decreased volume in areas related to anxiety and depression. The research suggests that early intervention may help mitigate these effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 12, 2018

Obtaining polyester from plant oil

Researchers developed a method to obtain polyester from plant oil by functionalizing polymerization, preventing loss of Undecenol and disrupting molecular chain-building process. The concept has potential transfer applications for other renewable resources.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 12, 2018

Stem cell researchers develop promising technique to generate new muscle cells in lab

Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have engineered a novel human stem cell line for skeletal muscle, enabling faster and more efficient generation of muscle stem cells. The breakthrough could lead to disease modeling, gene correction, and potential cell therapy for patients with muscle disorders.

The stiffest porous lightweight materials ever

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed porous lightweight materials that approach theoretical maximum stiffness, outperforming traditional truss-based structures. These novel plate-lattice materials are stiffer, stronger, and more efficient than their counterparts, opening up new possibilities for various applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 12, 2018