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Science News for February 25, 2019


How plants conquered land

A study reveals that unique genetic features in desiccation-sensing algae enabled the colonization of terrestrial habitats. The SAL1-PAP chloroplast retrograde signaling mechanism allowed early land plants to sense drought and protect vital photosynthetic tissue, facilitating their adaptation to harsh environments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Breeding a better strawberry

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the cultivated strawberry genome, providing a genetic roadmap for more precise selection of desired traits. This will help breeders grow strawberries that are resistant to diseases and meet consumer demands for quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Brain scans shine light on how we solve clues

Researchers at Aalto University used brain scanning to study how people reconstruct facts from clues, revealing the brain's ability to activate a range of properties associated with a concept. The method has potential applications in detecting memory disorders and understanding individual differences in perception.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2019

Faster method to read quantum memory

Aalto University scientists have developed a new method to read information from qubits, the basic building blocks of a quantum computer. By applying two microwave pulses instead of one, they were able to complete the readout in 300 nanoseconds, faster than previously possible.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 2019

Be yourself at work -- It's healthier and more productive

A new study from Rice University found that people with non-visible stigmas, such as sexual orientation or health problems, who live openly at work are happier and more productive. Workers who expressed their stigmas experienced decreased job anxiety, improved job satisfaction, and increased commitment to their position.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2019

Fetal growth inhibited by cocktail of chemicals in the mother

Researchers at Aarhus University have found that exposure to a combination of perfluorinated substances in pregnant women significantly impairs fetal growth and development. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the potential health risks associated with these environmental chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 25, 2019

A disconnect between migrants' stories and their health

A small Ohio State University study found a disconnect between Mexican immigrants' positive accounts of living in the US and their physical signs of stress, such as high blood pressure and obesity. The researchers believe these migrants use positive narratives to cope with discrimination and stress.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY·DateFeb 25, 2019

Cost and performance of fuel cells

According to a study of expert assessments, the current cost of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is unlikely to meet US Department of Energy targets by 2020. Experts identify catalytic metals as a significant barrier to cost reduction, highlighting the need for research and development in catalysts and electrodes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Fat cells work different 'shifts' throughout the day

Researchers identified 727 genes in fat tissue that express their own circadian rhythm, many carrying out key metabolic functions. Morning-peaking transcripts regulate gene expression and nucleic acid biology, while evening-peaking transcripts are associated with redox activity and organic acid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2019

An easier way to engineer plants

A new genetic tool has been developed by MIT researchers, allowing for easier engineering of plants that can survive drought or resist fungal infections. The technique uses nanoparticles to deliver genes into the chloroplasts of plant cells, which have the potential to revolutionize plant biology and agriculture.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 25, 2019

Early life stress alters helping behavior of meerkat offspring

A University of Michigan study found that stressed Kalahari meerkat mothers alter the growth and behavior of their daughters, leading them to redirect energy towards helping future offspring, thereby benefiting their mothers. This phenomenon highlights a unique example of maternal effects on offspring in nonhuman animals.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 25, 2019

Urban parks could make you happier

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that spending 20 minutes in an urban park can boost happiness and reduce mental fatigue. The study suggests that time spent in a park is more important than physical activity for emotional well-being.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Health Research·DateFeb 25, 2019

130,000 years of data show peatlands store carbon long-term

A new study reveals that peatlands have been a significant carbon sink over the past 130,000 years, storing carbon in their deposits and potentially slowing down climate change. The research, published in PNAS, fills a key knowledge gap about the global extent of peatlands and their role in the carbon cycle.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Mini-tornadoes of spores illuminated during raindrop impact

A recent study published in PNAS revealed that raindrop impact can transport rust spores using tornado-like air vortices, enabling long-distance pathogen spread. This discovery has significant implications for preventing disease spread in wheat crops and may inform new strategies for managing disease.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Boost for Australian grain industry

Researchers at La Trobe University and CSIRO found that early sowing of winter wheats can increase Australian wheat crop yields and global food security. The approach could add $1.8 billion to the national economy, with potential yield increases of 20%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

Few kids' multivitamin products supply recommended daily vitamin D dose

A survey of 91 different multivitamins and vitamin D supplements for children in the UK found that many do not provide the recommended daily dose of 400 IU of vitamin D. Only one multivitamin was suitable for use from birth, while between a quarter and a third of available products supplied at least 400 IU/day for children over 6 months.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 25, 2019

Two treatments help dialysis patients with depression, study finds

Researchers found that cognitive behavioral therapy and the drug sertraline effectively reduce depression among people undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that physicians should select the treatment available to patients, considering each comes with its own burdens.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2019

A very human machine

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a novel brain implant that mimics the appearance, size, and flexibility of real neurons, allowing for stable monitoring of neural signals and potential treatment of neurological disorders. The implants inspire negligible immune response and may even encourage tissue regeneration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 2019

Identifying the common ground for sustainable agriculture in Europe

Researchers at Lund University have identified 32 key variables that are prioritized by all three groups: researchers, policymakers, and farmers. These variables focus on drivers related to policies, farm management choices, and environmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for alignment between research, policy, and practice t...

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Researchers identify possible role of Foxp1 protein in control of autoimmune diseases

The study reveals that Foxp1 is essential for the proper functioning of Treg cells, which play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. The findings suggest that targeting Foxp1 could lead to the development of therapies that selectively modulate Treg cell activity, offering new hope for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Pink or brown?

New research finds humans struggle to accurately classify snail shells due to differences in colour perception. A study using spectrometry reveals distinct clusters for brown, pink, and yellow snails, providing a baseline measure for future studies on animal colour and genetics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalHeredity·DateFeb 25, 2019

Cool adaptations to the cold

Researchers found that icefish have evolved transparent blood, increased energy production, and specialized proteins to protect against cold damage. These adaptations enable them to thrive in Antarctica's frigid waters.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 25, 2019

Nitrogen-fixing trees 'eat' rocks, play pivotal role in forest health

Red alder trees have been found to tap nutrients from bedrock through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process accelerates rock dissolution, releasing mineral nutrients that allow plants and trees to grow. The study highlights the importance of nitrogen-fixing trees in sustaining forest ecosystems.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

India's integrated child development program increases educational attainment

The study found that men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years exposed to the ICDS program during their first three years of life completed 0.1-0.3 more grades of schooling than those not exposed. This significant long-term benefit highlights the importance of early-life interventions in improving educational outcomes.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEconomic Development and Cultural Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

Bacteria walk (a bit) like we do

Scientists have developed a microscopy method that directly observes bacterial filaments, revealing a new mechanism by which bacteria interact with surfaces. The study shows that type IV pili movements are coordinated through sequential control of pilus extension and retraction, enabling efficient movement across surfaces.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 25, 2019

Brain cells involved in insomnia identified

Researchers have identified specific brain cell types, areas and biological processes linked to the genetic risk of insomnia, a major step towards understanding its mechanisms. The study found that over 100 genes contribute to insomnia, with some influencing the functionality of axons and specific cell types in the frontal cortex.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Live long and prosper: Mongooses enjoy lifelong benefits of 'silver spoon effect'

A new study shows that banded mongoose pups who receive consistent care in their first three months of life have a life-long advantage, including increased fitness and reproductive success. This 'silver spoon effect' is particularly beneficial for female pups, with more care leading to higher reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 25, 2019

Ancient rocks provide clues to Earth's early history

Researchers have discovered evidence of significant ocean oxygenation before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), which occurred around 2.5 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous understanding of oxygen accumulation, suggesting it may have extended over large regions of the ocean and even reached the sea floor.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 25, 2019

Mothers with children taken into out-of-home care at risk of poor prenatal care in next pregnancies

A Canadian study found that mothers whose first child was taken into out-of-home care were more likely to have inadequate or no prenatal care during subsequent pregnancies. These women are also more likely to face barriers such as substance use disorders and poverty, highlighting the need for accessible and nonjudgmental prenatal care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2019

Study finds ultrasound can assess bone health, increase early screening for osteoporosis

Researchers found ultrasound of the calcaneus to be equal to DXA data in assessing bone health, paving the way for widespread use of low-cost screenings for populations at risk. The findings support preventive lifestyle changes as the best approach to improving bone health and reducing osteoporosis risk.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 25, 2019

Over half of home health care clinicians say they lack adequate information from hospitals

A survey of Colorado home health care clinicians found that 60% lacked adequate information from hospitals to guide patient treatment. The study highlights major gaps in communication between hospital and home health staff, which can result in medication errors and other serious consequences.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateFeb 25, 2019

New research casts doubt on cause of Angkor's collapse

Researchers have long debated the causes of Angkor's demise, but new evidence suggests that land use declined gradually over 100 years before the supposed collapse. The study shows that forest disturbance and soil erosion decreased, and the moat was eventually covered in floating vegetation, indicating a lack of maintenance.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Long working hours linked to heightened depression risk in women

Research found that long working hours, particularly 55+ hours a week and/or weekends, are associated with increased depressive symptoms in women. Women in male-dominated occupations often work longer hours, while those in low-paid service sector jobs tend to work weekends, both linked to depression.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 25, 2019

New NASA mission could find more than 1,000 planets

The study predicts that WFIRST will find about 100 of those not-yet-discovered planets could have the same or lower mass as Earth. The telescope will map the Milky Way and other galaxies 100 times faster than Hubble Space Telescope, scanning a small piece of the universe with high resolution.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateFeb 25, 2019

Unprecedented biological changes in the global ocean

A new computer model reveals accelerating biological changes in the global ocean, which can redistribute ocean communities and species worldwide. The model predicts these changes one year in advance, enabling identification of regions overlooked by current field observation programs.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 25, 2019

Graphite offers up new quantum surprise

The researchers observed an unusual quantum Hall effect in bulk graphite, which is typically only possible in two-dimensional systems. The material behaves differently depending on whether it contains odd or even number of graphene layers, with surprising results persisting for hundreds of layers thick.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 25, 2019

Uncovering the origins of cultivated strawberries

A recent study published in Nature Genetics reveals the intricate evolutionary history of cultivated strawberries, which originated from the hybridization of four diploid species native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The octoploid strawberry genome analysis has identified genes controlling fruit quality traits and disease resistan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 25, 2019

New skeletal disease found and explained

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new skeletal disease linked to an abnormal expression of small RNA molecules. The study reveals that the disease causes skeletal dysplasia, joint pain, and delayed cartilage cell maturation in patients, providing potential diagnostic and therapeutic options.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2019

Stop recruiting children, UK Armed Forces urged

Experts argue that the UK's policy of recruiting children to the Armed Forces is harmful to teen health and causes specific health harms. The UK is one of only two countries in the world to recruit teenagers, with 15-year-olds allowed to begin the enlistment process at age 16.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·DateFeb 25, 2019