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Science News for December 13, 2018


Chinese scientists get first look at geometric phase effect in a chemical reaction

Researchers from China and Germany discover the geometric phase effect in a benchmark chemical reaction, providing new insights into molecular systems with conical intersections. The study uses high-resolution velocity map ion imaging technique to observe rapid oscillations of H2 products, which can only be reproduced by theoretical ca...

Study reveals how Chinese travellers use technology abroad

Chinese backpackers rely heavily on digital technologies like Ali Pay and WeChat Pay for mobile payments and enjoy sharing their travel experiences on social media to receive comments and complements. Their IT use is influenced by collectivistic culture, guanxi, and the need for constant connectedness with families.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPacific Asia Journal of the Association for Information Systems·DateDec 13, 2018

New genetic clues to early-onset form of dementia

Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MAPT gene as the culprit behind inherited frontotemporal dementia, leading to impaired communication between brain neurons and neurodegeneration. The study offers new potential treatment targets for both this condition and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 13, 2018

Protein involved in nematode stress response identified

The discovery of protein DEX-1 in the roundworm C. elegans sheds light on the molecular trigger for structural remodeling in response to stress, allowing animals to better withstand challenging conditions. This research has implications for understanding nematode biology and its impact on parasitic species affecting crops.

Moun­tain birds de­clin­ing in Europe

A recent study has found that European mountain bird populations have declined by as much as 10% in the 2000s, mainly due to climate change and changes in land use. The decline is particularly worrying for species that only inhabit mountain regions and are unable to live in other environments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

Four studies by Mount Sinai investigators featured in upcoming special issue of Science

Researchers from Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine published four scientific papers highlighting their work on brain genomics and psychiatric diseases. They analyzed over 2,000 brains to identify non-coding functional genomic elements associated with schizophrenia risk, autism spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder.

The home healthcare frontier: new study explores nurses' knowledge attitudes toward infection control

A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that home healthcare workers' beliefs about infection prevention influence their compliance with protocols more than their actual knowledge. The researchers suggest targeting nurse perceptions to improve infection control strategies. Key findings include gaps in k...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 13, 2018

The 'greying' of T cells

Research suggests that weakened metabolism of immune T cells, specifically one-carbon metabolism, may contribute to age-related immunity loss. Adding small-molecule compounds that boost T cell performance could potentially restore immune function.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

Plants' defense against insects is a bouquet

A research study published in Ecology Letters found that plants using a mix of chemical compounds for defense are more effective at deterring insect pests than those relying on single compounds. The type of bouquet matters, with blends having multiple defensive chemicals reducing damage by up to 37%.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 13, 2018

Watching brain cells fire

Stanford researchers have developed a way to study the firing of individual brain cells using only light, eliminating the need for invasive methods. The new approach measures subtle changes in cell shape when they fire, allowing for a cleaner and simpler way to study the brain.

Impairment rating of injured workers depends on the when and where of assessment

A study from McMaster University and the Netherlands found that the impairment rating of injured workers significantly differs depending on the edition of the American Medical Association (AMA) guides used. The researchers compared two editions and found that the sixth edition resulted in lower impairment ratings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 13, 2018

NYU researchers pioneer machine learning to speed chemical discoveries, reduce waste

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a machine learning system that pairs artificial neural networks with infrared imaging to control and interpret small-scale chemical reactions. This technique can reduce the decision-making process from one year to weeks, saving tons of chemical waste and energy.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalComputers & Chemical Engineering·DateDec 13, 2018

Illuminating the brain architecture of neuropsychiatric risk: The latest from PsychENCODE

Recent PsychENCODE research provides a better understanding of brain development and neuropsychiatric risks, with critical expression differences in genes identified during early brain development and adolescence. The findings highlight the importance of studying specific cell types and time points in brain development to model disease...

When heat ceases to be a mystery, spintronics becomes more real

A Polish-German team of physicists has described the dynamic phenomena occurring at the interface between a ferromagnetic metal and a semiconductor, filling the 'thermal' gap in material knowledge. The study used computational models to simulate atomic vibrations and showed that the interface exhibits unique patterns.

New discovery improves use of optical tweezers

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to improve the use of optical tweezers, allowing for more accurate measurements with less data and faster processing. This breakthrough enables the technique to be used in pharmaceutical research and study systems that are not in equilibrium.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2018

MON 810 and NK603 GM Maize: No effects detected on rat health or metabolism

Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.

Tumor cells conquer territory from their neighbors using a newly discovered mechanism

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that allows tumor cells to eliminate their neighbors through mechanical competition. The study found that compressed cells are killed by modulated EGFR/ERK signal, which is decreased and then leads to cell death. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic strategy to halt tumor growth

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

New techniques better determine how ancient viral DNA influences human genes

Researchers have developed new techniques to identify which of our genes are influenced by ancient viral DNA snippets, revealing complex interactions between viruses and human genetic material. The study found that a single transposon can control multiple genes, increasing the complexity of its impact on health and disease.

Gold recycling

A new gold recycling method has been developed using pyridinethiols and hydrogen peroxide, allowing for efficient extraction of gold from electronic waste. The process produces a stable cationic gold-containing product in organic solution, with nearly quantitative dissolution of gold after 20 minutes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2018

Swarming behavior discovered in fish-dwelling parasite

Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·DateDec 13, 2018

To repair DNA damage, plants need good contractors

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a complex gene regulation network that helps plants cope with DNA damage. The research identified approximately 2,400 genes responding to DNA damage, with only 200 directly activated by SOG1, revealing its 'hands-off' overseer role.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

The immune system's supercell -- how it matures

Researchers at Lund University have mapped the maturation process of natural killer cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections. The study found that Notch signaling is essential for NK cell development and function, highlighting its potential as a target for immunotherapies.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 13, 2018

How the brain tells you to scratch that itch

Researchers have revealed the brain mechanism behind the uncontrollable itch-scratching cycle. A small subset of neurons in the periaqueductal gray region tracks itch-evoked scratching behavior. The study provides a starting point to decipher how itch is processed and modulated in the brain.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 13, 2018

Cancer patients face higher risk for shingles, new vaccines hold promise for prevention

A new study found that cancer patients, particularly those with blood-related cancers, have a significantly higher risk of developing shingles due to the virus reactivating later in life. New shingles vaccines offer great promise as a strategy to prevent shingles and its complications in cancer patients.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 13, 2018

Revealed by a multidisciplinary effort: History of maize domestication not what we thought

A new study reveals southwestern Amazonia as a secondary improvement center for early maize, contradicting previous understanding of its history. The analysis of ancient grains' genetic heritage provides insight into human-mediated evolutionary processes that led to one of the world's most important staple crops.

Fitness instructors' comments shape women's body satisfaction

A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·DateDec 13, 2018

Septin proteins act as cellular police to identify, imprison and kill 'superbug' Shigella

Researchers discovered that septins can detect where bacteria will split for division and prevent it from doing so by forming cage-like structures around the bacteria. This finding provides new clues to stop the spread of deadly infections, including Shigella, a 'superbug' deemed a priority by the World Health Organization.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 13, 2018

Control HIV by treating schistosomiasis, new study suggests

Researchers found that schistosomiasis is associated with increased HIV transmission, acquisition in uninfected women, and mortality in infected women. Treating schistosomiasis may be a cost-effective way to reduce new HIV cases and death rates among HIV-positive individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 13, 2018