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Science News for December 18, 2019


Tracking thermodynamic fundamentals

Researchers at Kiel University successfully measured entropy in complex plasmas using video microscopy and laser technology. They found that the thermodynamic fundamentals are fulfilled, leading to new insights into strongly coupled systems.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2019

Reflecting on the year in chemistry

The American Chemical Society's Year in Chemistry 2019 special issue features top research trends, including advances in machine-learning, microplastics, and 3-D printing. Experts predict further AI advancements and greener processes for making nitrogen-based compounds and materials in 2020.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 18, 2019

When cells cycle fast, cancer gets a jumpstart

Researchers at Yale University found that cancer-causing gene mutations can cause rapid cell division, leading to malignant cancer traits. In one form of blood cancer, normal cells with these mutations can remain healthy unless they divide quickly, suggesting a new mechanism for cancer development.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Submarine cables: billions of potential seismic sensors!

Scientists have successfully detected seismic waves using submarine telecommunications cables, which can also detect earthquakes, swell, and underwater noise. The researchers deployed a 41 km-long cable to retrieve data from an underwater observatory, converting it into over 6000 seismic sensors.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Season of birth may be linked to risk of heart death

A large US study found that women born in the spring and summer had a slight but significant increase in cardiovascular death compared to those born in autumn. The researchers suggest that seasonal fluctuations in diet, air pollution levels, and sunlight may contribute to these differences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 18, 2019

Perpetual predator-prey population cycles

Experiments by McGill University and University of Oldenburg confirm regular oscillations in predator-prey populations can persist without complete depletion of prey resources. The study found that less efficient predators can lead to prey recovery, potentially creating endless cycles.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2019

Booze on the brain

Researchers at Santa Clara University identified a specific brain pathway that helps regulate drinking behavior, which may be disrupted in individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this pathway's dysfunction could contribute to the development of compulsive drinking habits.

SourceSanta Clara University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 18, 2019

Comparing heirloom and modern wheat effects on gut health

Researchers found that a popular modern variety of wheat does not impair gastrointestinal health in mice compared to heirloom wheat. Heirloom wheat slightly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 and improved gut barrier function, suggesting that modern wheat varieties may be healthier for healthy individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2019

Parental coaching adolescents through peer stress

A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateDec 18, 2019

Researchers discover how ant species uses abdomen for extra power during jumps

A study published in Integrative Organismal Biology reveals that ants like Gigantiops destructor use their abdomens to add speed and power to their jumps, enabling them to travel faster through leaf litter habitats. This unique behavior allows the ants to navigate complex forest floors with greater ease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateDec 18, 2019

Solving the puzzle of IgG4-related disease, the elusive autoimmune disorder

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has made a breakthrough in understanding the inflammation mechanism in IgG4-related disease. They found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are necessary for pancreatic inflammation, and propose Janus kinase (JAK) as a suitable therapeutic t...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Immunology·DateDec 18, 2019

Children with HIV score below HIV-negative peers in cognitive, motor function tests

Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2019

State of the climate over the Three Gorges Region of the Yangtze River in 2018

Researchers at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, published a report analyzing climate monitoring data for the Three Gorges area of the Yangtze River in 2018. The study provides basic climate monitoring facts and data to inform further research on extreme climatic events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Health impact of support between African American couples when dealing with racial discrimination

Racism-specific support from spouses significantly benefits African American husbands' and wives' physical and mental well-being. Despite this, Black women often bear the burden of supporting their male partners, highlighting a need for targeted resources and support networks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 18, 2019

Switching cereals in India for improved nutrition, sustainability

A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Forgetfulness might depend on time of day

Researchers identified a gene in mice that influences memory recall at different times of day, causing mice to be more forgetful just before waking up. The study found that the circadian clock regulates memory retrieval via dopamine and PKA-induced GluA1 phosphorylation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Researchers support new strategies for HIV control

Elite controllers, a subset of HIV-positive individuals, have distinct transcriptional profiles and enhanced ribosomal function in their lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells. This allows them to suppress HIV replication through cytokine production, presenting an alternative approach to traditional viral eradication strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2019

'Like a video game with health points,' energy budgets explain evolutionary body size

A new model of animal energy budgets reveals that resource variation is a key mechanism driving evolutionary body size. By considering factors such as metabolism, reproduction costs, and offspring energy delivery, the model shows that larger bodies provide more room for energy storage, helping animals survive uncertain environments.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019

Using robots to inspect sewer pipes

The University of Texas at Arlington is collaborating with the city of Waxahachie on a pilot project to inspect several miles of sewer pipelines using robotic technology. This will allow for more accurate estimates of pipeline service life, reducing the need for costly replacements and enabling 'microsurgery' repairs.

A more intuitive online banking service would reinforce its use among the over-55s

Experts recommend developing more intuitive applications with signposting and instructions to help older adults feel comfortable navigating online banking. Self-sufficiency and technological anxiety influence behavior, making it essential to increase confidence and reduce anxiety through clear communication and usability guarantees.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalUniversal Access in the Information Society·DateDec 18, 2019

A self-healing sweat sensor (video)

Researchers have developed a self-healing sweat sensor that can withstand vigorous exercise and quickly repair itself if damaged. The device, in the form of a headband, accurately tracks electrolyte concentrations in sweat, providing valuable insights into a person's health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2019

SMU develops efficient methods to simulate how electromagnetic waves interact with devices

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have developed a more efficient algorithm to simulate the interaction of electromagnetic waves with devices, reducing simulation time from days to hours. This breakthrough has significant implications for various scientific fields, including biology, astronomy, and military applications.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 18, 2019

Scientists find way to supercharge protein production

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Engaging with the arts linked to longer life

A study of over 6,000 UK adults aged 50+ found that regular engagement with the arts was associated with a lower risk of death. The more frequently people participated in arts activities, the greater the protective effect, with those attending arts events once or twice a year having a 14% lower risk of dying.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 18, 2019

Australian desalination plant attracts fish

A large desalination plant in Sydney, Australia, has been found to attract certain species of fish, increasing their abundance at the discharge site. The researchers suggest that turbulence caused by high-pressure release of salty solution may be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2019

Immune to influence

Researchers from the University of Konstanz conducted an experimental study on how vaccination arguments propagate in online chains. The study found that existing vaccination beliefs are resilient to radicalization and do not become more extreme even when exposed to opposing views. This has significant implications for public health, h...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalVaccine·DateDec 18, 2019

Fluorescence spectroscopy helps to evaluate meat quality

Scientists developed a new method to evaluate meat quality using fluorescence spectroscopy, which is precise in classifying meat into standard quality categories. The method detects specific compounds that emit light of a specific frequency range, agreeing with the assumption that connective and adipose tissue make meat more tender.

SourceSechenov University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateDec 18, 2019

Different mutations in a single gene can wreak many types of havoc in brain cells

A study found that different mutations in a single gene can cause various problems in brain cells. Researchers discovered that even healthy proteins may interfere with mutant proteins' actions, leading to irregular neuronal firing. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding each mutation for personalized medicine.