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Science News for July 29, 2019


Expanding functions of conducting microbial nanowires for chemical, biological sensors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have expanded the functions of conducting microbial nanowires, developing them into sustainable chemical and biological sensors. The new nanowires can be modified with peptides to specifically bind chemicals or biologics, offering promising possibilities for biomedical and environmental applications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJul 29, 2019

Researchers build artificial cells that sense and respond to their environment

Artificial cells have been created by Imperial College London scientists that can sense changes in their surroundings and respond with drug molecules or harm removal. This breakthrough uses a simpler approach to mimic complex biological responses, making it easier to engineer artificial cells for various biotechnological applications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Study reveals how bacteria beat immune systems

A new study by University of Exeter researchers shows that pathogens can evolve to become more virulent without increasing their rate of replication. This suggests that manipulating host immune systems may play a role in generating symptoms necessary for transmission.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Repurposed potential drug for MRSA

Researchers have identified a repurposed compound, bithionol, with selective membrane-targeting properties that effectively kill MRSA persister cells without harming mammalian cell membranes. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic applications for bithionol in treating recalcitrant MRSA persister-caused infections.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Dragon heart

The study provides insight into how the Komodo dragon's DNA encodes its astounding characteristics, including its ability to detect prey from far away. The team discovered changes in genes that increase the lizard's aerobic capacity, allowing it to achieve near-mammalian metabolism.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 29, 2019

New software brings lower-resolution cryo-EM maps into focus

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new software called Emap2sec that can identify secondary structures in proteins from lower-resolution cryo-EM maps. This technique has the potential to speed up protein structure analysis and improve accuracy, enabling researchers to develop more effective drugs for various diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 29, 2019

Induced seismicity and fluid injection

Researchers developed a model forecasting earthquake hazards in Oklahoma due to fluid injection, highlighting the importance of pore pressure diffusion and poroelastic stresses. The study found that mandatory reduction in injection volumes substantially reduced earthquake probability in western Oklahoma but not central Oklahoma.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Simultaneous infection by 2 viruses the key to studying rare lymphoma

Researchers have successfully created stable, cancer-like cells in the lab by simultaneously infecting white blood cells with two viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for understanding the progression of this rare blood cancer and developing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Predicting earthquake hazards from wastewater injection

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to predict seismic activity from wastewater disposal, which can help the energy industry manage injection-caused earthquakes and reduce risks. The team's physics-based framework successfully reproduces the distribution of actual earthquakes by frequency, magnitude, and time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Researchers discover therapy to treat drug-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new combination treatment regimen enhances the immune system's ability to kill leukemias that do not respond to standard treatments. The regimen includes a therapeutic antibody designed to attract natural killer immune cells to cancer cells, resulting in increased killing of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells by up to 35%.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJul 29, 2019

DIY balloon pump takes microfluidics to the people

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a simple pressure pump made from balloons and nylon stockings that can be used to test water contaminants and blood samples. The low-cost device has been tested in various experiments, including detecting aquatic parasites and cancer cells.

SourceRMIT University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJul 29, 2019

Scientists film molecular rotation

Researchers at DESY used precisely tuned laser light to capture the ultrafast rotation of carbonyl sulphide molecules, revealing the intricate dance of quantum mechanics. The resulting 'molecular movie' provides new insights into molecular dynamics and has potential applications for studying other molecules and processes.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

Supposed disorder is not disorder after all

A team of researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum has shown that the supposed disorder in the HMGA1a protein is not disorder after all. The protein adopts dynamic, more compact structures that depend on its phosphorylation state. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cancers caused by HMGA1a.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 29, 2019

Key gene behind hallmark of Lou Gehrig's disease identified

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have pinpointed the RPS25 gene as a key player in the formation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) protein aggregates. Inhibiting this gene's function reduced toxic protein levels by 50 percent, suggesting a potential target for treating ALS and extending lifespan.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2019

Infants expect leaders to right wrongs, study finds

A new study by University of Illinois psychology professor Renée Baillargeon and graduate student Maayan Stavans found that infants as young as 17 months old expect leaders to right wrongs in their social groups. In experiments with bear puppets, infants stared longer when a leader ignored wrongdoing than when she rectified it.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Discovery could lead to new treatments for Parkinson’s, other brain diseases

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the alpha-synuclein protein's function in repairing DNA breaks, which may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The study reveals that alpha-synuclein plays a critical role in binding broken strands of DNA within the cell's nucleus.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 29, 2019

Deep brain stimulation modifies memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that stimulating the cingulate cortex worsened memory recall in epilepsy patients. However, deep brain stimulation also modified hippocampal brain waves and demonstrated a direct role for the cingulate cortex in memory encoding.

'Mommy bloggers' study reveals factors that drive success in social influencer marketing

A recent study from the University of Notre Dame reveals that attention-grabbing content and weekend posting on Facebook can increase engagement, while excluding giveaways and focusing on high-expertise bloggers may yield better results. The research provides a framework for successful influencer marketing campaigns by considering plat...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 29, 2019

Oddball edge wins nanotube faceoff

The Rice team found that the Janus configuration, with a half-circle of zigzags opposite six armchairs, allows for tight contact with solid catalysts and preserves continuous nanotube growth. This discovery advances understanding of growth mechanisms and has implications for designing efficient catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 29, 2019

Continuing the Apollo legacy

Scientists have recalculated the Moon's age to approximately 50 million years after solar system formation, based on hafnium-tungsten systematics from Apollo samples. This new estimate significantly differs from earlier research findings and sheds light on planetary evolution.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 29, 2019

Camera can watch moving objects around corners

The new camera system uses a high-powered laser to capture reflected light from objects around the corner, allowing for real-time monitoring of movement in 3D. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate tracking of objects beyond visible light spectrum, with applications in autonomous cars and robots

Travelling towards a quantum internet at light speed

Researchers successfully transferred and verified angular momentum basis of quantum information from laser light to an electron trapped on a quantum dot. This achievement marks a significant step towards realizing a quantum internet with secure and rapid quantum information transmission.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

New insights into how the brain works

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that removing inhibitory interneurons' ability to regulate excitatory neurons dramatically changed odor responses. The study highlights the need for better understanding cell type relationships in brain function.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

Candida auris is a new drug-resistant fungus emerging globally and in the US early detection is key to controlling spread of deadly drug-resistant fungus

Candida auris is a highly contagious, deadly fungus that causes severe infections; its emergence has highlighted gaps in fungal identification capacity worldwide. Early detection is crucial to controlling the spread of this drug-resistant fungus, which can be transmitted between patients in healthcare settings.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 29, 2019

Study shows power of refocusing student stress in middle school transition

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers finds that proactively addressing students' anxieties with reassuring classroom activities can lead to higher grades, better attendance, and fewer behavioral problems. The intervention boosts students' sense of belonging and reduces fears about fitting in.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Who dominates the discourse of the past?

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women and professionals outside of university settings are underrepresented in high-impact, peer-reviewed archaeology publications. The authors suggest that structural barriers, lack of time and resources, and limited opportunities contribute to this disparity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateJul 29, 2019

It pays to explore in times of uncertainty

A study examining fishing boat captains found that those who explored new territory experienced less impact from disruptions when popular grounds were closed, suggesting the benefits of exploration in uncertain environments. This strategy may provide a way to future-proof livelihoods by drawing on knowledge of alternatives.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

Study: Black students receive fewer warnings from teachers about misbehavior

A study by University of Illinois social work professor Kate M. Wegmann found that black middle school students were significantly less likely to receive verbal or written warnings from their teachers about behavioral infractions. Black students were also more likely to experience exclusionary forms of discipline, such as suspensions a...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateJul 29, 2019

Energy from seawater

The Stanford group's battery captures blue energy by releasing sodium and chloride ions, then reincorporating them through rapid wastewater and seawater exchanges. The technology has shown 97% effectiveness in capturing salinity gradient energy over 180 cycles.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS Omega·DateJul 29, 2019

A catalyst for sustainable methanol

Scientists at ETH Zurich developed a new catalyst technology converting CO2 and hydrogen directly into methanol, enabling the production of fuels and chemicals from renewable resources. The approach has significant potential to close the carbon cycle and produce sustainable methanol on an industrial scale.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

African smoke is fertilizing Amazon rainforest and oceans, new study finds

Research found that African biomass burning is a substantial source of phosphorus deposition to the Amazon, Tropical Atlantic Ocean, and Southern Ocean. This discovery has significant implications for understanding Earth's climate and may impact primary productivity and carbon dioxide drawdown in both ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Cannabidiol reduces aggressiveness, study concludes

A Brazilian study found that cannabidiol attenuates social isolation-induced aggression in mice by facilitating the activation of serotonin and CB1 receptors. The researchers used a resident-intruder test model to demonstrate that lower doses of cannabidiol inhibit aggressive behavior, while higher doses have little effect.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2019

Uncovering the roots of discrimination toward immigrants

A new study in Germany found that religious differences can drive anti-immigrant bias, even when immigrants follow local social norms. The researchers used an experimental approach to measure bystanders' behavior and found that Muslim immigrant women who wore a hijab received less assistance than native German women.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019