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Science News for December 31, 2019


eDNA expands species surveys to capture a more complete picture

A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science found that eDNA (environmental DNA) can identify more species of marine vertebrates than traditional trawl nets. The research team collected water samples and analyzed the DNA to detect the presence of important species such as great white sharks and salmon.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 31, 2019

Possible dementia vaccine closer after mice studies

Researchers have successfully tested a new immunotherapy approach that targets brain plaque and tau protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's disease. The treatment, developed using a combination of vaccines, shows promise for preventing dementia in humans within two years.

SourceFlinders University·DateDec 31, 2019
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NASA finds a weaker Sarai now a depression

NASA's Suomi NPP satellite provided a visible image of Tropical Cyclone Sarai, showing a weaker storm near Tonga. The storm is rapidly weakening and dissipating under adverse atmospheric conditions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 31, 2019

Making blood on demand: How far have we come?

Researchers have made significant progress in generating functional hematopoietic stem cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Key findings include the role of transcription factors HOX and GATA proteins in regulating hematopoiesis, which may lead to breakthroughs in treating blood cancers and other disorders.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Genomics·DateDec 31, 2019

How the brain balances pleasure and pain

The study reveals that different classes of neurons control positive and negative motivation, sending opposing signals along a shared brain circuit. This balance determines whether an individual seeks pleasurable experiences or avoids negative ones.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateDec 31, 2019

A new breakthrough in developing effective antimalarial drugs

Scientists at Institut Pasteur and CNRS identified molecules capable of inhibiting DNA methylation, killing even the most resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The results showed significant activity comparable to chloroquine, with some inhibitors killing parasites in just 6 hours.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 31, 2019
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NASA finds Tropical Storm Calvinia moving away from Mauritius

Tropical Storm Calvinia has moved south of the island of Mauritius in the Southern Indian Ocean, with a tropical cyclone warning class III still in effect. The storm is expected to turn southeast and strengthen to 65 knots, eventually becoming extra-tropical after January 1.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 31, 2019

From crab studies, a broader approach to identifying brain cells

Researchers in a new study employ RNA sequencing techniques to classify brain cells in crabs, finding that single-method approaches yield inaccurate results. By combining multiple modalities of data, they reveal more accurate cell identities.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2019

Betrayed by bile: bile acids help norovirus sneak into cells

A new study reveals that human noroviruses infect small intestine cells by piggybacking on endocytosis, a normal process used to acquire materials from the environment. Bile acids and ceramide play a crucial role in this process.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2019