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Science News for June 6, 2019


Emerging frontiers in phenological research

This special issue of Applications in Plant Sciences presents cutting-edge methods to study plant phenology, including automated scoring from herbaria collections and standardized ontology for data integration. These innovations enable large-scale datasets to be generated, addressing the urgent need to understand ecosystem responses to...

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

Counting the uncounted

Researchers developed a new approach to estimate population abundance from simultaneous counts of unmarked individuals over multiple sites. The methodology works best in scenarios with few sites, large variation in abundance among sites, and individuals moving between sampling sites.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalConservation Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Creating new molecular sieves

A team of researchers from the University of Delaware and Jilin University has synthesized the most stable crystalline porous material on record, a polyarylether-based covalent organic framework. This material can sift antibiotic residue out of water in a pH ranging from 1 to 13 and is stable up to 400 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 6, 2019

Study shakes up sloth family tree

Two studies published in Nature Ecology & Evolution challenge long-standing sloth classification, revealing new relationships between ancient ground sloths and modern species. The findings use proteins in fossils to map an entire lineage for the first time, rewriting our understanding of sloth evolution.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019

New research shakes up the sloth family tree

Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Montpellier have reached almost identical results in two separate studies, overturning a longstanding consensus on sloth evolutionary relationships. The combined molecular evidence suggests that ancient sloths may have been at home on both land and in trees.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Special issue: Organoids open frontiers in biomedicine, as design challenges are addressed

Recent advances in organoid technology are revolutionizing cancer research, allowing for personalized drug testing on individual patient cells. Meanwhile, integrating organoids with organ-on-a-chip technology may overcome control challenges and enhance physiological realism, paving the way for more advanced biomedical applications.

Magnetism discovered in the Earth's mantle

Researchers from Germany, France, Denmark, and the USA have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's magnetic field. By studying iron oxide hematite under extreme conditions, they found that it retains its magnetic properties even deep in the mantle, challenging the long-held assumption of its non-magnetic nature.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2019

3D microchannels promote self-assembly of ordered emulsions at low droplet concentrations

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design have discovered a method to achieve self-assembly of low-density droplets in microfluidic flows using three-dimensional microchannels. The study shows that by introducing a gradual increase in height, droplets can accumulate and assemble into ordered structures.

Manipulating nanoscale light in nanocavity of scanning tunneling microscope junctions

A research team at the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin demonstrated manipulation of nanolight spectrum by shaping plasmonic gold tips with a focused ion beam milling technique. The spectral response was investigated using scanning tunneling luminescence, revealing precise control over Fabry-Pérot type interference of surface plasmon po...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

UBC researchers find ways to hackproof smart meters

Researchers at UBC have developed a program to improve the security of smart meters and protect against software-interference attacks. The method addresses vulnerabilities that can be carried out by an attacker with low-cost equipment, found nine types of attacks within an hour through code-level analysis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACM Transactions on Embedded Computing Systems·DateJun 6, 2019

New research helping to reveal more about megaviruses

Researchers from Swansea University have published a study examining the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae. The findings provide valuable information on how these viruses may be linked to some forms of pneumonia, paving the way for new treatments and understanding their biology.

SourceSwansea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2019

New computer attack mimics user's keystroke characteristics and evades detection, according to Ben-Gurion University cyber researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new attack called Malboard that mimics a user's keystroke characteristics to evade detection. The attack can be carried out by a remote attacker or an insider using wireless communication, and it is capable of injecting malicious software into the keyboard.

Ultimate destiny

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019

Mathematics of plant leaves

A new mathematical model, EDC2, explains the peculiar 'orixate' leaf arrangement pattern of a Japanese plant, suggesting that older leaves have stronger inhibitory signals. The findings support the accuracy of the formula and shed light on the genetic and cellular machinery behind plant development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Could climate change make Siberia habitable for humans?

A recent study suggests that climate change may make parts of Asian Russia habitable for humans by the late 21st century. The research found that warming temperatures and increased precipitation could improve food security in the region, but development depends on infrastructure investments.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 6, 2019

Parents of depressed teens in treatment may also benefit from counseling

A new Northwestern University study suggests that parents of depressed teenagers should also receive counseling to address their marital relationships and parent-child conflicts. The research found that while the teenager's depression was being treated, parental marriages and conflict remained stable, but worsened after treatment ended.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJun 6, 2019

Probing semiconductor crystals with a sphere of light

Tohoku University researchers have developed a technique that improves on current photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques, allowing for the measurement of larger semiconducting crystals. The new approach uses a hollow sphere to minimize photon loss and test internal quantum efficiency, a key property of semiconductors.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJun 6, 2019

Translation of genes more complex than expected

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute developed a new microscopy method to visualize gene translation in living cells, revealing out-of-frame translation occurs surprisingly frequently. This discovery suggests thousands of previously unknown proteins may be encoded in our DNA with unknown functions.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2019

Toward a low-cost industrialization of lithium-ion capacitors

Lithium-ion capacitors combine large storage capacity and rapid charging capabilities. Researchers have proposed a new approach using two additives to facilitate incorporation of lithium into capacitors, enabling cost-effective development of these components. This method has the potential to increase energy storage efficiency.

SourceCNRS·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 6, 2019

A home-based weight management program benefits both children and parents

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a home-based weight management program improved the health of both children and their parents. The Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) curriculum led to modest reductions in body mass index for children and signif...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 6, 2019

Is sex primarily a strategy against transmissible cancer?

Researchers suggest that sexual reproduction prevents invasion of transmissible cancer by generating genetic variation and detecting foreign cells. This theory proposes a novel explanation for the evolution of sex in multicellular organisms, shifting our understanding of evolutionary biology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Breaking down pathological protein aggregates

Scientists at ETH Zurich found that a cellular mechanism called SCF detects and targets alpha-synuclein fibrils for breakdown. This mechanism could be used to develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Gene therapy and stem cell transplantation may also offer new options.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 6, 2019

New study finds microplastic throughout Monterey Bay

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that microplastic particles are common throughout Monterey Bay, from the surface to the seafloor. The research found that small ocean animals are consuming microplastic, introducing it into food webs and highlighting a growing concern for marine ecosystems.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

Dogs mirror owner's stress

A new study from Linköping University found that dogs and their owners share similar stress levels, with high-stress owners having high-stress dogs. The study examined 25 border collies and 33 Shetland sheepdogs and found no correlation between dog personality traits and stress levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 6, 2019

New global warming model highlights strong impact of social learning

A new climate modeling approach suggests that social processes strongly affect global warming predictions, and mitigation efforts should account for this influence. The rate at which people learn about climate mitigation strategies via social interactions can raise warming predictions by over 1 degree Celsius.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

Scientists get a grip on sloth family tree

Researchers use cutting-edge techniques to extract ancient protein sequences from fossilized bones, revealing a common ancestor between two-toed sloths and giant ground sloths like Megatherium. The study challenges decades of scientific opinion on sloth evolution and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of animals.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019

Do we judge chocolate by its wrapper?

A new study found that participants associated stronger emotions with the packaging than the actual taste, affecting their willingness to purchase. The researchers discovered a moderate positive correlation between liking packaging and taste when it was described with positive terms.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateJun 6, 2019

Ultrasound method restores dopaminergic pathway in brain at Parkinson's early stages

Researchers developed a novel technique using transcranial ultrasound and microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier, enabling drugs to penetrate the brain and restore dopaminergic pathways. The method has been approved by FDA for clinical trials in Alzheimer's patients and shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease at early stages.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 6, 2019

How flow shapes bacterial biofilms

Researchers discover that fluid flow significantly impacts bacterial biofilm architecture, with dense formations in weak flows and sparse colonies in strong ones. This study provides insights into the role of physical principles guiding biofilm organization and its implications for bacterial physiology and evolution.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2019

If you teach them, they will care

Researchers developed an innovative curricular approach to educate undergraduate nursing students in geriatric care, using interactive learning assignments to increase understanding, confidence, and competence. The program was well-received by students and provided them with multiple learning activities to master geriatric content.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalNurse Educator·DateJun 6, 2019

Shaking up the sloth family tree

New molecular evidence contradicts long-held views on sloth relationships, suggesting that tree sloths and extinct kin are more closely related than previously thought. The research uses both mitochondrial genome and protein collagen data to support convergent origins of adaptations in the six living tree sloth species.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 6, 2019