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Science News for April 2, 2019


Nature versus nurture: Environment exerts greater influence on corn health than genetics

A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateApr 2, 2019

Understanding stock market returns: Which models fits best?

Researchers applied two competing stock market return models, Heston and multiplicative, to US historical data. The Heston model excels in predicting long-time accumulations of stock returns, while the multiplicative model is better suited for short-term predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 2, 2019

UBC research recommends graduated return to work after prostatectomy

A recent UBC study found that a 'reduced workload' program is the best option for men recovering from a radical prostatectomy, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting full recovery. The researchers recommend that patients have an open conversation with their employer before surgery to come up with a plan for a gradual return to work.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalQualitative Health Research·DateApr 2, 2019

Study debunks 'depression genes' hypotheses

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that the 18 most highly-studied candidate genes for depression are no more associated with it than randomly chosen genes. The research suggests that depression is influenced by many variants, each having a miniscule effect, and challenges previous 'candidate gene hypotheses',

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2019

UMN researchers study effect of chronic opioid therapy on pain and survival in sickle cell disease

Researchers found that chronic morphine treatment decreased survival in control mice, but not in sickle mice with sickle cell disease. Chronic opioid therapy also caused hyperalgesia, a condition of increased pain sensitivity, in sickle mice. The study suggests that opioids may still be effective for managing pain in SCD patients despi...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 2, 2019

Optimizing proton beam therapy with mathematical models

Researchers developed a new model predicting proton beam effects on tumour and normal tissue more precisely, allowing for effective treatment plans. The study replaced traditional radiobiological models with complex ones, showing improved results for low-energy beams.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 2, 2019

New role for a driver of metastatic cancers

Salk scientists discovered a new mechanism of action for the CDK12 protein, revealing its role in regulating gene expression and cell division. This finding suggests that targeting CDK12 could be an effective way to kill cancer cells and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 2, 2019

New machine learning model describes dynamics of cell development

Researchers developed a new machine learning model to describe the dynamics of cell development, estimating selection pressure and formation of new cells. The tool simplifies the interpretation of single-cell time series observations, shedding light on vital questions in biology.

HKUST scientists discover how RNA PoII maintains accurate transcription with super computer

A research team led by Prof. HUANG Xuhui discovered the mechanism of RNA polymerase II correcting errors in RNA synthesis, which relies on the RNA itself rather than amino acid residues. This finding offers insights into how transcription may go wrong in ageing and diseased cells, potentially leading to various human diseases.

Gut microbiome directs the immune system to fight cancer

Researchers have discovered a causal link between the gut microbiome and anti-tumor immunity, identifying key bacterial strains that activate the immune system to slow melanoma growth. The study also reveals the role of unfolded protein response (UPR) in this process, providing potential markers for patient stratification.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019

Can delayed/extended-release methylphenidate allow for once daily evening dosing in ADHD?

A new study found that delayed-release, extended-release methylphenidate can be taken in the evening without affecting its efficacy for at least 10 hours. This formulation may provide a more flexible treatment option for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateApr 2, 2019

No US commercial laboratories fully meet guidance for noninvasive prenatal screening

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that none of the US commercial laboratories offering noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) fully meet the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations for genetic disorder detection and reporting. The report highlights inconsistencies and inadequacies in NIPS test res...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 2, 2019

Digital device overload linked to obesity risk

Research from Rice University links digital device overload to obesity risk, finding media multitasking associated with increased susceptibility to food temptations and lack of self-control. The study suggests a possible link between media multitasking, higher body mass index, and greater percentage of body fat.

SourceRice University·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateApr 2, 2019

Love Island: Flamboyant males get the girls on Madagascar

German scientists discovered two new species of rare giant stick insects in Madagascar's dry forests, with males exhibiting dazzling blue or multicolored armor. Genetic tests confirm the existence of two new species, challenging previous theories on stick insect evolution and raising questions about their reproductive strategies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 2, 2019

App enables smallholder farmers to be community influencers and citizen scientists

The GeoFarmer app enables smallholder farmers to collect and share vital information on climate-related agricultural interventions. Farmers produced tens of thousands of data points despite limited internet connectivity, demonstrating the app's potential to increase communication and empower farmers.

Enhancing power supply resilience to first responders

A new research project aims to develop an automated resilience management system (ARMS) to improve the city's power grid in case of a power outage. The system will utilize distributed solar photovoltaics, distributed energy resources, fault detection sensors, and distribution monitoring equipment to enhance critical infrastructure and ...

Intelligent metamaterials behave like electrostatic chameleons

A new class of intelligent metamaterials, called metashells, has been developed to respond to nearby objects. These materials can change their physical characteristics, such as permittivity, in accordance with the electromagnetic properties of the material they contain, enabling adaptive behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 2, 2019

Should I stay or should I go?

A team from Kyoto University analyzed the dispersal patterns of golden lion tamarins, revealing that males and females use different tactics to maximize their reproductive success. The study aims to inform management strategies for conserving other threatened species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateApr 2, 2019

Which came first, the lizard or the egg?

In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Sydney observed a normally live-bearing Australian lizard lay eggs and then weeks later, give birth to a live baby from the same pregnancy. This unusual reproductive trait is known as bimodality, where some individuals lay eggs while others give birth to live young.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 2, 2019

Blue light could treat superbug infections

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that blue light can render MRSA bacteria defenseless against antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide. This new method uses photobleaching to reduce pigment production in the bacteria, making it a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateApr 2, 2019

Beware a glacier's tongue

Researchers at Hokkaido University used sonar to map the underwater shape of Grey Glacier, revealing a submerged terrace extending 100 meters beyond its visible portion. This unique structure is different from ocean-bound glaciers and can lead to huge chunks of ice falling off, posing a safety risk to humans in the vicinity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 2, 2019

Food for thought: Why did we ever start farming?

A recent study by Elic Weitzel found that humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture in response to changes in their environment, including declining food sources and shifting climates. The research analyzed animal bones and pollen data from Eastern United States sites, revealing a link between population growth and ...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateApr 2, 2019

Prebiotic chemistry: Stable majorities

Scientists discover a simple mechanism that allows prebiotic information-bearing DNA sequences to outcompete shorter molecules, enabling the survival and transmission of genetic information. Templated ligation promotes cooperation among complementary sequences, creating stable majorities through intermolecular assembly and replication.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 2, 2019

Mosses -- Dynamic and built to last

A groundbreaking study using DNA sequencing technology reconstructs the moss family tree, revealing a highly dynamic evolutionary history and significant morphological innovations. The research also sheds light on the rate of evolutionary changes and the diversification of moss structures.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 2, 2019