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Science News for June 18, 2019


Witnessing uncivil behavior

A new study from Washington State University found that witnessing poor customer service can prompt bystanders to punish the employee through lower tips, regardless of whether they were directly affected. However, a manager's intervention with an apology can help reestablish trust and reduce hostility.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateJun 18, 2019

IDIBELL researchers relate the amplification of a chromosomal region with resistance to to a chemotherapeutic drug in breast cancer

IDIBELL researchers have discovered a biomarker that predicts resistance to the chemotherapy drug docetaxel in triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that tumors with an amplified chromosome 12 region are more likely to develop resistance to docetaxel, but may be vulnerable to alternative treatment with carboplatin.

Appearance of deep-sea fish does not signal upcoming earthquake in Japan

A new statistical analysis published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America has found no correlation between deep-sea fish appearances and earthquakes in Japan. Despite long-held folklore suggesting otherwise, researchers have only identified one potentially correlated event out of 336 sightings and 221 earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJun 18, 2019

Methods in belowground botany

Current research in belowground botany is advancing our understanding of plant root systems, their structure, and function. New technologies like digital imaging of root traits are enabling scientists to study root systems more effectively.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

Rebirth of the Japanese black tea market: challenges for entrepreneurial green tea farmers

The Japanese black tea market has seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by innovation and demand for high-quality products. However, the shift towards direct-to-consumer sales presents unique challenges for farmers, including access to feedback from consumers and adapting production techniques to meet evolving consumer preferences.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Economic Structures·DateJun 18, 2019

Redundancies in T cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich discover that T cells can activate using either SHP-2 or SHP-1 when PD-1 is inhibited, highlighting the need for dual-targeted therapies in cancer immunotherapy. The study provides new insights into the biochemical signaling pathway of PD-1 and its implications for immunology.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 18, 2019

'Hot spots' increase efficiency of solar desalination

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to increase the efficiency of solar-powered desalination systems by concentrating sunlight into 'hot spots' using inexpensive plastic lenses. This approach boosts output by more than 50% and increases purified water production, addressing global water scarcity issues.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

How to keep fish in the sea and on the plate

A new study suggests that periodic closures of fishing grounds can promote fish stock recovery while still providing enough to eat. The researchers found that well-managed fisheries with pulse harvests achieved better outcomes than those with permanent no-take MPAs.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 18, 2019

Leaving microbes out of climate change conversation has major consequences, experts warn

Experts warn that leaving microbes out of the climate conversation has major consequences. Microbes are crucial in regulating climate change, supporting animal and human health, agriculture, and the global food web. Climate change impacts microbial populations, exacerbating disease spread and threatening global food supplies.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJun 18, 2019

Cell division at high speed

A team of researchers from the University of Würzburg has discovered a connection between two important regulators of cell division in lung cancer. The interaction between YAP and MMB protein complexes may be a key target for cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 18, 2019

Pushing the bounds of memory

University of Houston researcher Margaret Cheung is exploring the molecular structure of memories at the precise moment they are formed in single neurons. She aims to understand how calcium signaling and calmodulin affect cellular processes, including human cognition.

Foreign investment limits cost Canadian economy almost $10 billion a year says new study

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that Canada's restrictive foreign investment policies are stifling innovation and productivity, resulting in lost jobs and earnings worth $9.6 billion annually. Relaxing these restrictions could boost productivity by 0.79% and create up to 137,400 new jobs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of International Business Policy·DateJun 18, 2019

Quantum music to my ears

Scientists have successfully recorded and played back music using Rydberg atoms, which respond to radio waves, enabling potential improvements in audio data transmission. The research could lead to better noise-picking capabilities and improved security in deep space communications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 18, 2019

Locally based Haitian social entrepreneurs empower disaster-stricken villagers to rebuild and improve their communities

Research in Haiti highlights the need for longer-term approaches to rebuilding, focusing on local community empowerment and trust development. Locally-based social entrepreneurs like Steve and Gabi have successfully mobilized villagers to build new schools, toilet centers, and farmers' cooperatives.

SourceAalto University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJun 18, 2019

Researchers link gene to cannabis abuse

A specific gene associated with a lower amount of a certain nicotine receptor in the brain increases the risk of cannabis abuse. The study, conducted by Aarhus University, analyzed the complete genome of over 2,000 cannabis abusers and found a strong association between the genetic variant and cannabis abuse.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 18, 2019

Women's awareness of alcohol's role in breast cancer risk is poor

Research published in BMJ Open reveals that only one in five women attending breast clinics and screening appointments know that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer. The study suggests that understanding modifiable risk factors for the disease needs to be increased, particularly through brief information on health risks associat...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 18, 2019

Sea otters have low genetic diversity like other threatened species, biologists report

A team of life scientists at UCLA discovered that sea otters have low genetic diversity, which could endanger their health. The researchers found evidence of potentially harmful genetic variation and mating between closely related ancestors in the sea otter genome, similar to other endangered species with small population sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJun 18, 2019

A dietary supplement improves skills of an atypical Rett syndrome patient

A dietary supplement called L-serine has been shown to improve the neuronal function of a patient with a mutation associated with atypical Rett syndrome. The study, led by Dr Xavier Altafaj, found that supplementation with L-serine reversed alterations caused by the mutation and improved the patient's motor and communicative abilities.

Many parents struggle for years to adjust after learning a child's sexual orientation

A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that many parents experience significant difficulty adjusting to their child's sexual orientation, with some struggling for years. The researchers suggest that interventions can help speed up the adjustment process and improve the relationship between parents and children.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJun 18, 2019

Advanced computational modeling of the gut for biodefense

A new high-performance computing-driven model of the gut predicts emerging behaviors and responses to biological threats, simulating cell phenotype changes, signaling pathways, and immune responses. The model identifies key factors that delineate the outcome of infection, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

SourceNIMML·JournalGigaScience·DateJun 18, 2019

Parental support is key when autistic adolescents want to learn to drive

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that autistic adolescents need the support of their parents or guardians to prioritize independence and develop life skills before learning to drive. Driving instructors emphasize the importance of parent-supervised practice, individualized training, and prioritizing independent living.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateJun 18, 2019

Collegiate affirmative action bans tied to rise in smoking among minority high schoolers

A new study from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that college affirmative action bans may increase rates of smoking among underrepresented minority high school students. The study also showed a potential long-term impact on health behaviors, with the students more likely to smoke into young adulthood.

Drug boosts growth in youngsters with most common form of dwarfism, new study finds

A groundbreaking drug has shown significant growth benefits for children with achondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder affecting about one in every 25,000 infants. The four-year study found that the drug vosoritide increased height by up to 50% per year and was well-tolerated with no adverse effects on body proportion.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 18, 2019

Coral bleaching causes a permanent change in fish life

A long-term study in the Seychelles found that repeat coral bleaching caused lasting changes to fish communities, with large predator fish declining and being replaced by seaweed-loving fish. The study suggests that under current levels of ocean warming, permanent changes to reef fishes are likely on most coral reefs globally.

SourceLancaster University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 2019

Uncovering hidden protein structures

Scientists at the University of Konstanz develop a new method to study the interaction between p53 and poly(ADP-ribose) and DNA, providing insights into molecular reactions to cellular stress and cancer development. The research reveals distinct changes in protein structure induced by these interactions.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 18, 2019

Wearable device reveals how seals prepare for diving

Researchers used a non-invasive device to investigate blood volume and oxygenation in freely diving harbor seals, finding that they constrict peripheral blood vessels and increase cerebral blood volume before submersion. This suggests that seals have cognitive control over their circulatory systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 18, 2019