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Science News for January 23, 2018


Enzyme with surprising dual function

Scientists at the University of Bonn have found that ceramide synthase not only produces vital lipids but also regulates gene activity, particularly in response to nutritional status. The enzyme's homeodomain plays a crucial role in adapting gene expression to energy requirements.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2018

International organizations partner to spread awareness of revised lung cancer staging criteria

International organizations IASLC and BTOG are partnering to spread awareness of revised lung cancer staging criteria. The new system takes effect this month and aims to provide better care for patients. Key findings highlight improved prognostic factors, tumor size measurements, and coding systems for lung cancers with multiple lesions.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 23, 2018

Reaching the breaking point

A new study from the University of Utah suggests that repeated stress from everyday activities like walking can cause microdamage to bones in older adults, leading to a higher risk of breakage. This theory, known as 'cyclic loading,' challenges the common-held belief that bone breaks are caused by single impacts or forces.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 23, 2018

Interacting Antarctic glaciers may cause faster melt and sea level contributions

A new study by Stanford researchers found that a large and unstable Antarctic glacier may be melting farther inland than previously thought, posing a threat to global sea levels. The Pine Island Glacier's Southwest Tributary could trigger or accelerate ice loss in Thwaites Glacier, potentially speeding the rate of sea-level rise.

PCOS may reduce gut bacteria diversity

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that women with PCOS have less diverse gut bacteria, which may influence the development of the condition and its impact on quality of life. Elevated testosterone levels in women with PCOS were linked to these changes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2018

How plants see light

A team of scientists has identified two proteins, PCH1 and PCHL, that regulate the activity of phytochrome B, a key photoreceptor protein in plants. This discovery allows plants to adapt their light sensitivity to different environmental conditions, enabling them to optimize photosynthesis and growth.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2018

Viral probe gives ringside view of cell-to-cell combat

Researchers used a plant virus to study how plants defend themselves against invading pathogens, revealing key receptor proteins that regulate RNA interference. The findings also identified a suppressor protein named C4 used by the virus to disarm the plant's defence mechanism.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018

Opening the cavity floodgates

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a specific position on TatC that can be chemically altered by DCCD, inhibiting contact with the Tat substrate. This finding reveals the mechanism of how TatC and TatB components assemble into an active transporter, creating a cavity for protein insertion.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2018

Study: Cells of 3 advanced cancers die with drug-like compounds that reverse chemo failure

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have discovered three drug-like compounds that successfully reverse chemotherapy failure in three of the most commonly aggressive cancers. The compounds were tested on micro-tumors and showed effectiveness against specific cancers, giving hope for developing new drugs to fight cancer.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 23, 2018

Lifesaving microbubbles

Researchers developed stable, self-disrupting microbubbles to carry oxygen in the blood, reducing the risk of embolism. The microbubbles were shown to increase survival rates in rodents with cardiac arrest, providing a potential lifesaving treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 23, 2018

Incentive to move

Researchers have identified the structure of a central protein used by archaea to determine direction, revealing significant differences from bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how archaea can adapt to extreme environments and colonize new habitats.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018

Study compares risks between methods of sterilization

A study comparing hysteroscopic and laparoscopic sterilization methods found that hysteroscopic sterilization was associated with a higher risk of gynecological complications, but not with an increased risk of medical outcomes. The study followed 105,357 women in France for one to three years after sterilization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 23, 2018

Tiny crystals could help predict volcanic eruptions

Researchers have discovered tiny crystals forming deep in volcanoes can signal impending eruptions, offering hope for more effective evacuations and early warning systems. The study, led by Dr. Teresa Ubide, uses a new laser technique to examine the composition of these crystals, which may hold the key to predicting volcanic activity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2018

Siberian scientists suggested a new method for synthesizing a promising magnetic material

Scientists from Siberian Federal University have developed a new method for synthesizing iron-dysprosium garnet, a promising magnetic material. This method uses anion resin exchange precipitation, allowing for the production of materials with controlled properties and no high temperatures or aggressive substances.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateJan 23, 2018

Drought defense

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that plants with diverse root microbiomes are more resilient to drought, while those with similar microbial communities struggle. The research also found that recruiting specific bacteria can improve drought resistance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018

So much depends on a tree guard

Researchers at Columbia University found that tree guards can improve street trees' ability to absorb stormwater runoff. The study shows that protected pits absorbed water six times faster than unprotected ones, reducing the load on city sewers.

SourceColumbia University·JournalEcological Engineering·DateJan 23, 2018

Rethinking environmental legislation to include the conservation ideas of tomorrow

A new study by ZSL and Utah State University argues that rewilding is a crucial approach to address global biodiversity loss. The research calls for revised legislation to facilitate the inclusion of rewilding in conservation efforts, with a focus on monitoring progress and understanding social impacts.

Live tissue vs synthetic tissue training for critical procedures: No difference in performance

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that training on synthetic and live tissue models did not result in a difference in performance for five critical procedures. The results suggest that further study is needed to determine the effectiveness of simulation training for emergency medicine and trauma teams.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Building a more flexible plastic

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.

Energy drink use in teens has adverse effects

New research from Chapman University found that 40% of teens aged 13-19 reported an adverse effect while consuming energy drinks. The most common side effects included insomnia, jittery feelings, and heart palpitations. Additionally, some teens mix alcohol with energy drinks and use them for weight loss.

SourceChapman University·JournalTurkish Journal of Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Discovery of the 'pioneer' that opens the genome

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a key molecule, Pax7, which acts like a pioneer factor to open specific parts of the genome. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms of genome access and has significant implications for our understanding of cell diversification and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 23, 2018

Protecting piping plovers

A Michigan State University study reveals that the endangered piping plover population may decline over the next decade due to increasing predator pressure. The researchers developed an integrated population model coupled with a Bayesian population viability analysis to improve accuracy in forecasting population changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 23, 2018

Prosecuting background check and straw purchase violations depends on state laws

A new study examined prosecutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland following changes in firearm transfer laws, finding increased prosecutions after tougher sentencing in Pennsylvania but decreased prosecutions in Maryland after a court decision redefined private firearm transfers. The study highlights the importance of proper implementatio...

Function of protein 'smallish' unraveled

The protein 'smallish' plays a crucial role in regulating cell polarity, essential for shape generation and coordinated cell changes. Researchers found that smallish helps control the correct shape of cells, even when knocked out, due to stored proteins in egg cells.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2018

When the eyes move, the eardrums move, too

Researchers at Duke University discovered that moving the eyes triggers vibrations in the eardrums, even without sound. This finding provides new understanding of how the brain coordinates visual and auditory information.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018

Quantum control

Researchers have developed a quantum metamaterial composed of twin qubits, which can be used as a control element in superconducting electronic devices. The material exhibits unique properties that disappear when separated into its components, making it a promising candidate for future applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2018

C-sections linked to long-term risks and benefits

Research suggests that C-sections are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of asthma, obesity, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed data from over 29 million participants and found mixed results on the long-term effects of C-sections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Genetic lung disease's molecular roots identified

Scientists have solved the puzzle of why some people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have non-functional cilia. Researchers found that mutations in non-motor proteins cause cilia to assemble incorrectly, leading to respiratory infections and other symptoms. The study offers new hope for treatment and potential screening for medications.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2018