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Science News for January 31, 2019


Evolution, illustrated

A team of researchers led by Professor Hopi Hoekstra conducted a years-long study on the survival of light- and dark-colored mice in different habitats. The results confirmed the intuition that light-colored mice survive better in light-colored habitats, and also pinpointed a mutation related to survival that affects pigmentation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 31, 2019

Male birth control for the malaria parasite

Researchers at Penn State have identified a complex of proteins crucial for the maturation of the malaria parasite's sexual stage, which is required for transmission to mosquitoes. Disrupting this complex inhibits the parasite's ability to mature and infect mosquitoes, offering a new tool in the fight against malaria.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2019

Plastic in Britain's seals, dolphins and whales

A new study reveals that microplastics have been ingested by every marine mammal examined, with synthetic fibers being the primary source. The findings suggest that while the number of particles is relatively low, more research is needed to understand the potential impacts on animal health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Medical experts restore movement and autonomic function in patients with complete paralysis

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrate spinal cord stimulation can immediately restore some voluntary movement and autonomic functions years after a paralyzing injury. The study expands inclusion guidelines for epidural stimulation, offering new hope for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 31, 2019

The development of brain stem cells into new nerve cells and why this can lead to cancer

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center discovered that stem cell genes remain active, allowing for reversible decision-making in becoming a neuron or reverting back to stem cell. Uncontrolled TOR activity can cause brain cancer, highlighting the importance of controlling this signal for future stem cell therapy developments

Researchers breathe new life into COPD research using mouse models

Researchers used mouse models to explain the developmental process behind COPD, finding that immune cells called basophils induce airway degeneration by triggering a cascade of immune responses. The study's findings may lead to therapies targeting basophils or related immune cells to slow down emphysema progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Fruit and vegetable consumption linked to lower risk of early death for dialysis patients

A new study found that higher consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with a lower risk of premature death in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The findings suggest that more studies are needed to fine-tune dietary recommendations for patients with kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 31, 2019

Adaptive models capture complexity of the brain and behavior

Scientists parse animal behavior into digestible chunks using an adaptive model, spotting subtleties that would have otherwise been missed. The study found that complex dynamics can be broken down into simple linear patterns, allowing for the quantification of brain states and movement behaviors in various organisms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

A new approach to peripheral nerve injury?

A new study published in Cell suggests that targeting immune cells called natural killer cells may help clear out damaged axons and promote healthy regrowth, potentially decreasing chronic neuropathic pain. The findings could lead to a greater understanding of the mechanisms behind neuropathic pain and improve treatment options.

Maximizing the potential of MXenes

MXenes' conductivity increases as intercalants and termination species are eliminated, making them suitable for applications like energy storage and wearable tech. Researchers developed a new electron microscopy technique to measure surface chemistry in real-time, paving the way for termination engineering.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2019

Endangered sharks being eaten in UK

Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered endangered hammerhead and dogfish species being sold as food in UK chip shops, highlighting a need for more accurate labelling. The study also found that consumers may unknowingly purchase threatened shark species, posing health risks and contributing to declining shark populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2019

Environmentally stable laser emits exceptionally pure light

Researchers developed a compact, environmentally stable laser with an ultra-narrow linewidth of 20 hertz, suitable for improving GPS accuracy and detecting gravitational waves. The laser's stability is maintained through self-referencing temperature sensing, allowing precise correction signals to be applied.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 31, 2019

Estimation of technology level required for low-cost renewable hydrogen production

Researchers in Japan developed an integrated system combining photovoltaic power generation and rechargeable batteries to produce hydrogen at a globally competitive cost. The system can adjust the amount of battery charge/discharge and electrolysis hydrogen production in relation to solar power generated, enabling the production of hyd...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 31, 2019

'More work needed' for new IVF technique

A randomised controlled trial involving over 2,700 couples found that the new IVF technique PICSI did not significantly improve success rates for male infertility, with a success rate of around one in four couples. However, it did reduce miscarriages by 39% compared to standard ICSI treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 31, 2019

Persistent low body weight in young kids increases risk for anorexia nervosa later

A new study found that persistent low body mass index (BMI) in children starting as young as age 2 for boys and 4 for girls may increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa later. Persistent high BMI in childhood also increases the risk of other eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and purging disorder.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2019

For older people, medications are common; AGS Beers Criteria aims to make them appropriate, too

The AGS Beers Criteria update includes 30 individual medications or medication classes to avoid for most older people and 40 medications or medication classes to use with caution. The new list aims to guide health professionals and caregivers away from potentially harmful treatments while helping assess quality of care

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 31, 2019

Mindfulness promising option for easing chronic pain

A pooled analysis of clinical trials suggests mindfulness can lessen chronic pain severity and associated distress, improving physical functioning. The results indicate that both CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques show promise in treating chronic pain.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Mental Health·DateJan 31, 2019

Waters west of Europe drive ocean overturning circulation, key for regulating climate

A new international study reveals that cooling waters west of Europe primarily drive the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, a deep-ocean process crucial for regulating Earth's climate. This finding challenges previous assumptions and highlights the importance of monitoring this circulation to predict future climate changes.

How whipworms wreak havoc on the gut

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that whipworms disrupt the balance between gut immune cells and microbiota, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage. The researchers discovered that a specific receptor, IL-10R?, plays a critical role in regulating these interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2019

Bitter rapeseed

Researchers at TUM identified kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-β-sophoroside) as the bitter compound causing rapeseed protein's unpleasant taste. This discovery paves the way for developing tasty, protein-rich foods from rapeseed.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 31, 2019

Iguana-sized dinosaur cousin discovered in Antarctica

Scientists have discovered an iguana-sized reptile, named Antarctanax shackletoni, with unique adaptations to the extreme Antarctic environment. The ancient creature, a carnivore that hunted early mammals and amphibians, provides insights into prehistoric Antarctica's rapid evolution and diversification after mass extinction events.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 31, 2019

Cultural practices improve health care for Indigenous women living with violence

A unique program called Reclaiming our Spirits, which integrated elder-led circles and cultural elements, showed significant improvement in symptoms of trauma and depression among Indigenous women. Participants reported better quality of life, greater self-empowerment, and felt more supported by their family and community.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateJan 31, 2019

Rigs to reefs

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have published a comprehensive study on the history, ecology, and pragmatics of rigs-to-reefs efforts. The study finds that these human-made reefs provide a productive habitat for marine life, with some platforms being more productive than coral reefs or Chesapeake Bay.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·DateJan 31, 2019

Learning new vocabulary during deep sleep

A study published in Current Biology found that participants could reactivate associations formed between foreign words and their translations during a midday nap. The brain's active states supported the retrieval of these sleep-formed associations, suggesting that learning can occur independently of consciousness.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 31, 2019

How new species emerge

Researchers reconstructed the phylogenetic tree of six African baboon species, revealing that genes were exchanged between species, leading to new species emergence. This study sheds light on fundamental biological processes producing new species and provides an analogous model for understanding human evolutionary history.

China launched world's first rocket-deployed weather instruments from unmanned semi-submersible vehicle

Chinese scientists have launched a rocketsonde from an unmanned semi-submersible vehicle, enabling accurate meteorological and oceanographic data collection over vast marine environments. The launch aims to improve numerical weather forecasts, typhoon tracking, and coastal zone monitoring.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

A new 'twist' on 3D printing renders 'The Thinker,' and other objects

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method that allows for the rapid rendering of complex objects by rotating photosensitive material in an evolving light field. This approach enables printing times of under two minutes and has potential applications in fields such as patient-specific medical devices, optics, and aerospace.

Scientists develop new recycling technology

Russian scientists propose a new recycling method that produces liquid products from organic waste, eliminating the need for specialized plants and reducing oil consumption. The process also generates no environmental emissions, making it compatible with circular economy principles.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalSustainability·DateJan 31, 2019

BDNF-VEGF interplay key to rapid antidepressant actions

A study by Yale researchers reveals a complex interplay between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects of ketamine. Administering BDNF or VEGF to specific brain regions produces rapid and long-lasting antidepressant-like actions similar...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 31, 2019