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Science News for May 24, 2018


Storks on the wing

Researchers tracked a group of young storks as they migrated to Africa and Europe, finding that leader birds lead the way to thermals. The study reveals how flying skill affects wintering grounds, with flappy birds opting for shorter journeys.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2018

Lack of paid sick leave increases poverty

Research finds that working adults without paid sick leave benefits are three times more likely to live below the poverty line. They also face higher rates of food insecurity and require more welfare services, with increased medical expenses and lack of preventive care contributing to these outcomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSocial Work in Health Care·DateMay 24, 2018

Pediatric and law experts define abusive head trauma

A consensus statement from pediatric and law experts defines abusive head trauma (AHT) as a medical diagnosis, not a legal determination. Key findings include few infants with AHT having isolated injuries without retinal hemorrhages or other signs of abuse.

SourceNemours·JournalPediatric Radiology·DateMay 24, 2018

Towards a sensor you could swallow to detect gut-related woes, in real time

Researchers have developed an ingestible sensor that can detect disease-driving molecules in the gut, providing real-time data to doctors. The device, called Ingestible Micro-Bio-Electronic Device (IMBED), uses bacteria engineered to sense biomolecules, which activate when target molecules diffuse across a semipermeable membrane.

Cyclist/motorist crashes worse at stop/give way junctions

A QUT study found that cyclists are more seriously hurt in crashes with motor vehicles at intersections with 'Stop' or 'Give-way' signs than at intersections with traffic signals. The study, analyzing 13 years of Queensland police crash records, found drivers were most often at fault at these intersections.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMay 24, 2018

Vast majority of poor, urban women don't use prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, study shows

A study of over 7,000 low-income urban mothers found that fewer than 5% started folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Despite the high risk of neural tube defects, many women did not take prenatal vitamins preconception or during pregnancy. The research team also found that black and Hispanic mothers had lower plasma folate conc...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 24, 2018

Tau mutations may increase cancer risk

Researchers discovered that tau protein mutations can increase cancer risk by up to 3.72 times, highlighting a new association between neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should monitor patients with tau mutations for their cancer risk, in addition to attending to neurodegeneration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Some veterans at higher risk of Zika complications

Researchers analyzed 736 ZIKV positive patients and found that older veterans with underlying health issues were more likely to be hospitalized. Patients presenting with neurological symptoms were also more likely to be hospitalized. This study helps providers evaluate and treat patients with ZIKV infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 24, 2018

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

A system of check and balances in the blood

Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered a mechanism that regulates HSCs' delicate balance between activation and dormancy, ensuring proper blood cell production. The study found that a feedback loop involving two intracellular signalling pathways maintains this balance, preventing exhaustion and potential death.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 24, 2018

Crafting a human niche

Fuentes asserts that humans are distinctive, yet share similarities with apes. He proposes that human ability to alter ecosystems is our most distinguishing feature, enabling creative cooperation, technological innovations, and artistic expression.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 24, 2018

Less muscle wasting in obese people in intensive care may mean they have a better chance of survival

A new study suggests that obese patients in intensive care may have a lower risk of muscle wasting and a higher chance of survival compared to non-obese patients. The 'obesity paradox' refers to improved survival rates among critically ill individuals with obesity, potentially due to the adaptive response of the muscle to excess weight.

Study suggests that a novel wearable nasal device to reduce smelling ability can induce weight loss and changes to dietary preferences

A novel wearable nasal device was found to reduce body weight and change dietary preferences in individuals aged 50 and under. The study showed a significant drop in olfactory sensitivity and improved insulin levels in participants who used the device, while those over 50 experienced greater weight loss.

Programming synthetic molecular codes to turn genes 'on'

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a synthetic molecular code that can script gene activation, targeting histones and emulating the natural histone acetylation process. The code, called Bi-PIP, successfully activated a specific gene associated with central nervous system disorders in living cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

Obese and overweight patients hospitalized with pneumonia are 20 percent to 30 percent less likely to die than normal-weight patients

Research from over 1000 US hospitals found that obese and overweight patients hospitalised for pneumonia have improved survival rates compared to normal-weight patients. The study, which analyzed data from almost 1.7 million patient episodes, found that increasing body mass index was significantly associated with improved survival in p...

Imminent extinction of northern white rhinoceros motivates new genetic recovery efforts

Researchers have identified valuable pools of genetic material from cryopreserved cell lines, which may help guide a tailored recovery program for the northern white rhinoceros. The study's findings suggest that advanced sequencing technologies and novel reproductive strategies could improve recovery efforts for other endangered species.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 24, 2018

How greener grids can stay lit

A new index helps utilities balance electricity distribution with lower consumer costs by accounting for the variability of decentralized energy sources like solar and wind. The index suggests deployment of flexible loads according to market conditions, potentially leading to lower costs and grid stability.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·DateMay 24, 2018

When the dinosaurs died, so did forests -- and tree-dwelling birds

A new study reveals that the asteroid impact that wiped out dinosaurs also caused a mass extinction of forests, leading to the demise of tree-dwelling birds. The research team analyzed fossil records and pollen evidence to conclude that the temporary loss of forests after the impact made it impossible for arboreal birds to survive.

SourceField Museum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2018

Wood to supercapacitors

Researchers have discovered a way to produce highly conductive electrode materials for supercapacitors sustainably using nanocellulose derived from wood pulp. The new method yields mechanically stable and porous three-dimensional networks with high electrical conductivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 24, 2018

Short bursts of intense exercise are a HIIT, even with less active people

Researchers found that inactive individuals who tried HIIT for the first time enjoyed it just as much as traditional exercise, and 79% of participants completed HIIT outside of the lab. This study suggests that short bursts of intense exercise may be a viable time-efficient option for those with busy lives.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 24, 2018

Telemedicine helps improve participation in clinical trials

Researchers at Nemours Children's Health System developed a novel video-based informed consent process to improve participants' understanding and retention of trial information. The study found that caregivers of children who watched the video presentation retained more information about the study design five months later.

Don't force women to risk death, injury by having a baby

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology suggest that morality should be removed from the equation when it comes to abortion laws, recognizing pregnancy as a risk for any woman. They argue that women should have the legal right to reject this risk and that criminal sanctions against abortion are unjustified.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 24, 2018

What the asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs meant for birds

Researchers analyzed plant fossil record and evolutionary relationships to conclude that global forest collapse led to the survival of only a few ancestral bird lineages. These early survivors adapted to life on the ground, laying the foundation for the diverse range of modern bird species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2018

The changing shape of DNA

New research from the University of East Anglia shows that DNA's shape can be manipulated using various triggers including copper, oxygen, and a substance similar to Vitamin C. This discovery has potential applications in nanotechnology and DNA-based computing.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Reconstructing Zika's spread

A new study reveals that Zika virus was introduced to Mexico earlier than previously thought, with evidence of two annual outbreaks across multiple regions. The research also highlights the need for better data collection to track future epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 24, 2018

Giant clams tell the story of past typhoons

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a precise method to determine past typhoon occurrences from giant clam shells, which could help predict future cyclone activity. The team found that the shell's microstructure and chemical composition reveal data about typhoons occurring before written records were available.

The big clean-up after stress

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have discovered a new role for stress granules in the formation and elimination of these structures. The study found that ZFAND1 protein is necessary for normal clearance of stress granules, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD if not properly eliminated.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 24, 2018

Bringing biology and mathematics together

The NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard University will focus on three fundamental questions: molecular networks, sophisticated structures, and organisms' adaptability. The center aims to integrate mathematical, statistical, and engineering approaches with biology.

Matter-antimatter asymmetry may interfere with the detection of neutrinos

Physicists have discovered an interesting asymmetry in the production of charm mesons and their antimatter counterparts, which could affect the detection of neutrinos. The researchers propose that unfavoured quark fragmentation may explain this phenomenon, potentially leading to a high percentage of D+ and D- meson asymmetry.