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Science News for July 9, 2019


MPFI researchers develop newly devised strategy that allows the linking of phenotype to genotype

The Taniguchi Lab at MPFI has developed a novel protocol combining laser microdissection with single-cell genotyping to accurately link observed phenotypes to underlying genetics. This approach enables the reliable determination of exact genetic causes, particularly for genes in the brain that have subtle effects.

New technique developed to detect autism in children

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The technique analyzes eye-gaze data to identify how children with ASD scan a person's face differently than neuro-typical children.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateJul 9, 2019

Smells like love...to sea lampreys

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that spermine, an odorous compound in male semen, attracts mature female sea lampreys and helps them select suitable mates. This finding could potentially be used to control invasive sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2019

Study identifies the best healthy eating nudges

A meta-analysis of real-life experiments found that behavioural nudges can reduce daily energy intake by up to 209 kcal, equivalent to 21 cubes of sugar. Cognitive and affective nudges were less effective, with average reductions of 64 kcal and 129 kcal respectively.

SourceINSEAD·JournalMarketing Science·DateJul 9, 2019

Scientists identify new virus-killing protein

Researchers discovered a new protein called KHNYN that works together with the known virus-killing protein ZAP to target viral genomes and destroy viruses. This natural antiviral system has potential applications in developing new vaccines and treatments for cancer.

SourceeLife·DateJul 9, 2019

Cleaning up the cosmic neighborhood

Vestigo Aerospace LLC is developing drag sail technology to remove small satellites and launch vehicle stages from orbit, addressing the growing risk of on-orbit collisions. The company aims to reduce energy and debris impact zones through targeted reentry.

Fear of predators increases risk of illness

Research at Lund University reveals that prey animals with a weaker immune system have an increased risk of illness due to chronic stress from predator presence. The study found that bold individuals with a greater need for defense exhibit a better immune response.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 9, 2019

Scientists reveal close connections between the Northern Hemisphere mid-high latitudes and East Asia

Research findings show that mid-high latitude climate variability significantly impacts the East Asian monsoon, with a synergistic effect on predictability sources. Chinese scientists propose new concepts to explain combined effects of regional climate variabilities on East Asian climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019

Deep learning-powered 'DeepEC' helps accurately understand enzyme functions

A deep learning-powered computational framework called DeepEC has been developed to predict enzyme commission numbers with high accuracy and efficiency. It uses convolutional neural networks and homology analysis to identify EC numbers, which is essential for understanding enzyme functions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019

Tungsten as interstellar radiation shielding?

Researchers discovered a nanoscale tungsten-microbial interface that enables the growth of heat-loving microorganisms. This finding has implications for the survivability of microorganisms in outer space and the potential use of tungsten as interstellar radiation shielding.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 9, 2019

Mathematical modeling for translational research of new CRSD medication

A mathematical modeling study reveals that photosensitivity and PER2 level affect the efficacy of a clock-modulating drug, enabling precision medicine for circadian disruption. The researchers identified adaptive chronotherapeutics to identify precise dosing regimens that can restore normal circadian phase under different conditions.

On-demand control of terahertz and infrared waves

Graphene's ability to control infrared and terahertz waves using magnetic fields has been confirmed experimentally, opening up new possibilities for opto-electronics, telecommunications, and medical diagnostics. The research also shows that graphene can be used to observe molecular chirality and search for life on exoplanets.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 9, 2019

New antibacterial fillings from Tel Aviv University may combat recurring tooth decay

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed novel dental restoratives that display potent antibacterial capabilities, potentially preventing recurrent cavities and tooth decay. The resin-based composites incorporate antibacterial nano-assemblies to hinder bacterial growth and viability on dental restorations.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 9, 2019

Elbows key for walkers' efficiency

Researchers found that walkers who use straight arms conserve energy and reduce their cost by 11% compared to bending their elbows. However, the study did not find any significant difference in energy costs between arm postures for runners. The exact reason behind runner's bent arm posture remains a mystery.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 9, 2019

How to equip the brake of immunity

Researchers at Toho University found that mice lacking JunB develop severe autoimmune disorders due to reduced Treg cell number. Injecting high doses of IL-2 can mitigate colitis by expanding Treg cells, suggesting a potential novel strategy for treating inflammatory diseases.

SourceToho University·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateJul 9, 2019

Cyborg-like microchip valve driven by earthworm muscle

The team of researchers from RIKEN BDR and Tokyo Denki University have developed a bio-MEMS that is driven by real muscle, which could be useful in surgical implants. The new study successfully demonstrates an on-chip muscle-driven valve that can open and close without any external power source.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2019

Aphrodisiac pheromone discovered in fish semen

Researchers identified a potent pheromone called spermine in the semen of sea lampreys that attracts only ovulatory female sea lampreys. The discovery may reveal a new mechanism for male animals to recruit mates through chemical cues in semen, potentially with implications for conservation and management of sea lamprey populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 9, 2019

Lovebirds ace maneuvers in the dark

Researchers at Stanford University found that lovebirds can navigate through extreme crosswinds in both bright and dark environments, challenging long-held assumptions about bird navigation. By stabilizing their gaze and twisting their necks, the birds actively control their flight towards a light beacon.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019

New analysis shows drug slows down respiratory decline

Eteplirsen shows supportive results in delaying respiratory decline in DMD patients, with slower rates of decline observed in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. This may have notable positive implications on quality of life and potentially delayed mortality.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·DateJul 9, 2019

Old protein, new tricks: UMD connects a protein to antibody immunity for the first time

Scientists have discovered a newly found function of the US11 protein that impairs antibody immunity, allowing human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to evade white blood cells and potentially leading to birth defects and immune system dysfunction. This breakthrough has significant therapeutic prospects for treating autoimmune diseases like lupus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 9, 2019

Small-volume, high-throughput organic synthesis

A new method for synthesizing and evaluating large numbers of potential drug leads has been developed by the University of Groningen. This technique uses acoustic dispensing to create thousands of variant molecules in a high-throughput system, making it possible to quickly identify promising candidates.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 9, 2019