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Science News for April 4, 2019


Spin lasers facilitate rapid data transfer

Researchers have developed a novel concept for rapid data transfer using spin lasers, which can work at least five times faster than traditional systems and consume significantly less energy. The technology has the potential to revolutionize data transmission, but further optimization is needed.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers uncover new cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm

A team of researchers at Cardiff University has discovered that a family of lipids contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm by driving clotting in blood vessels. The findings suggest new treatments for this potentially life-threatening condition by regulating blood clotting.

SourceCardiff University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019

Post-wildfire step-pool streams

Researchers find that severity of wildfire and rainfall intensity affect stability and destruction of step-pool units, impacting habitats and benthic organisms. Management strategies vary from 'leave alone' to active channel management based on burn severity.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2019

Magnetic nanoparticles can 'burn' cancer cells

New research shows that magnetic hyperthermia therapy is tunable depending on nanoparticle diameter and material composition. The study demonstrates increased tumour absorption rates as particle diameter increases, offering new avenues for targeted cancer treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 4, 2019

New hope for treating childhood brain cancer

A recent study in animal models of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) has identified an experimental drug that effectively destroys DIPG cells by depleting cellular cholesterol. The researchers also found that the compound works by directly inhibiting lanosterol synthase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2019

Bacterial nanowire mystery solved

Geobacter bacteria project metal-containing heme filaments called nanowires to dispose of excess electrons in oxygen-free environments. This discovery solves the mystery of how nanowires facilitate environmental cleanup and potential applications for building new materials and sensors.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

Unlocking the female bias in lupus

New research reveals that females with lupus have an abnormal expression of genes linked to their second X chromosome due to incomplete X inactivation in immune system T cells. This abnormality may contribute to the genetic missteps seen in lupus, and changes in nuclear structure may also play a role.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 4, 2019

Super berries power up porridge

Researchers found that Aronia berries resistant to heat during production of cornmeal porridge, retaining antioxidant content. The study highlights the potential of super berries like Aronia for functional foods like porridge.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2019

Can human breast milk reduce intestinal injury following bone marrow transplant?

A pilot study found that human milk was associated with decreased markers of inflammation and injury in the stool of children undergoing bone marrow transplant. The results also showed lower levels of intestinal viruses and bacteria in the stool samples of children receiving human milk compared to those receiving formula.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateApr 4, 2019

Durability vs. recyclability: Dueling goals in making electronics more sustainable

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers highlights the challenges of designing products that balance durability and recyclability. While some products, like automobiles, can achieve both goals, many others face trade-offs between increasing device life span and reducing electronic waste. The study's findings suggest ...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers identify 'beauty spots' in the genome

A genome-wide association study found that genetic variations linked to beauty also impact body mass in women and blood cholesterol levels in men. The study highlights the complex relationships between beauty and other human traits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 4, 2019

Insulin insights

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered an unexpected mechanism by which insulin triggers changes to thousands of genes. The insulin receptor is physically transported to the cell nucleus and helps initiate the expression of insulin-related genes, providing new avenues for diabetes research and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

Severe psychological distress and daily cannabis use: Implications for mental health?

Research found that daily cannabis use was three times higher among those with past-month serious psychological distress compared to those without it. The study suggests potential consequences of increased cannabis use for vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for tailored clinical efforts to reduce excessive use.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 4, 2019

Poverty leaves a mark on our genes

A Northwestern University study found that poverty can become embedded in nearly 10% of the genome, associated with over 2,500 sites and 1,500 genes. This epigenetic mark may shape gene expression and contribute to disease development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 4, 2019

ERC Advanced Grant for Thomas Rudel

Professor Thomas Rudel received a €2.5 million ERC Advanced Grant to study how Chlamydia evades the human immune system and cause chronic diseases like cervical cancer. The grant aims to develop new therapies to overcome this 'blindness' and improve treatment outcomes for Chlamydia infections.

Experts call for strategies to address public health crisis of opioid, ID epidemics

The article highlights the growing public health crisis of opioid and infectious disease (ID) epidemics, citing increased rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, and skin infections linked to rising opioid use. Experts recommend strengthened responses by infectious diseases and substance use specialists, including investments in evidence-based ...

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 4, 2019

About TFE: Old and new findings

Researchers review TFE's role as a structuring agent for unfolded peptides, inducing helical conformations, while also enhancing protein denaturation. The study details recent applications of TFE in conformational studies, including antimicrobial and aggregation-prone peptides.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Protein and Peptide Science·DateApr 4, 2019

Liquid jets break up more readily on a substrate

Researchers used computational models to investigate how liquid drops behave on surfaces. They found that the presence of a substrate makes breakup more likely, leading to three possible scenarios: collapse into one droplet, break up into multiple droplets, or re-form back into a single droplet.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 4, 2019

Using a promiscuous inhibitor to uncover cancer drug targets

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identify key molecules supporting lung cancer cell survival, demonstrating simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways. This approach could aid in designing drugs that selectively attack multiple proteins, beneficial for managing certain tumors.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2019

HZB contributions to special edition on ultrafast dynamics with X-ray methods

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has contributed to the special edition on ultrafast dynamics with X-ray methods, focusing on photochemistry and material science. Femtoslicing and BESSY VSR methods have been classified, providing a comprehensive overview of current advances in generating ultra-short X-ray pulses.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateApr 4, 2019

Defining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings

The American Society of Human Genetics has issued a position statement outlining the responsibility to recontact research participants with new genetic findings. The statement recommends that researchers make reasonable attempts to recontact participants if the reinterpretation is expected to affect medical management, but not strongly...

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 4, 2019

Photons trained for optical fiber obstacle course will deliver stronger cyber security

A new approach enables the smooth navigation of photons through complex optical fiber obstacle courses, preserving entanglement and correlation. This breakthrough boosts expectations for quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, which uses signals in particles of light to create encryption keys.

Life on Mars?

Researchers have discovered embedded organic material in a Martian meteorite, suggesting that life could have existed on the Red Planet. The study proposes the presence of active bacteria on Mars and may indicate that there was once life beyond Earth.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Astronomy·DateApr 4, 2019

New guidelines push for better controlled experiments with synthetic nucleic acids

Researchers proposed new guidelines to standardize experiments with synthetic nucleic acids, addressing current issues like inadequate controls and misleading data interpretation. The guidelines focus on practical advice for performing experiments, measuring gene expression, and selecting appropriate controls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateApr 4, 2019

Stressed? Take a 20-minute nature pill

A study published in Frontiers found that taking a 20- to 30-minute nature experience significantly lowers cortisol levels. The research suggests a daily dose of 'nature pills' could be a simple and effective way to reduce stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 4, 2019

Sea turtles struggle years after unexplained die-off

Researchers found elevated levels of heavy metals and signs of illness in green sea turtle populations affected by human activity. The study suggests a link between environmental toxins and poor health, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 4, 2019

See and be seen

Artificial microswimmers with forward and long-range vision form stable groups by perceiving the number of neighbors within their field of view. This process allows for efficient movement, evasion of predators, and adaptation to environmental stimuli without requiring precise location information.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateApr 4, 2019