Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2019


Plasma protein may hold promise for wound scaffolds

A team of researchers from Germany has successfully developed a new method for creating wound-healing tissue scaffolds using plasma protein. The scaffold can be attached or detached from a surface and retains the properties of the protein, making it suitable for various biomedical applications such as blood coagulation and drug screening.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateMar 4, 2019

Using sleep disorder to predict Parkinson's disease

A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateMar 4, 2019

The random anti-laser

Researchers have developed a method to build an anti-laser based on random scattering, which can absorb light of a specific color and dissipate energy. The new approach has been confirmed by experiments in cooperation with the University of Nice and opens up possibilities for various scientific and engineering applications.

Cocoa may help curb fatigue typically associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Researchers found that high flavonoid cocoa powder improved fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis by reducing mental and physical fatigue. Participants who drank the high flavonoid version showed a moderate effect on fatigability and improvements in pain symptoms, while those drinking low flavonoid cocoa saw no significant benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2019

Researchers uncover new facets of HIV's 'arms race' with human defense system

A new study reveals the crucial role of a protein called Nef in allowing HIV to thrive within human cells despite the immune system's efforts to combat it. The research team showed that Nef antagonizes another protein called TIM, effectively reducing its power to protect human cells and making it easier for the HIV virus to release.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Honey bee-inspired drug patches

Microfabricated surfaces with hair-like micropillars can entrap particles at five times the density of commercial patches, enabling higher drug contents and potential biomedical applications. The technology could also be used for industrial purposes, building on the unique properties of honey bee legs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers at Yale University have developed a technique to pre-treat laser beams, allowing them to penetrate opaque surfaces undisturbed. This breakthrough has potential applications for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetics, where light is used to probe and manipulate cells in living tissue.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 4, 2019

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Study: Landlord disclosure of bedbugs cuts infestations, creates long-term savings

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Plant traits and drought tolerance

A field experiment in California's 2017-2018 winter drought revealed a strong correlation between seedling root length and mortality. In contrast, easily measurable adult traits showed only weak correlations with seedling mortality, suggesting that traditional plant traits may not predict ecosystem responses to environmental stress.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

'Broken heart' syndrome may originate in the brain

A study found that brain regions involved in emotional processing and controlling the body's unconscious workings do not communicate as well in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a condition known as 'broken heart' syndrome. This decrease in communication may contribute to the development of TTS, which is triggered by emotional stressors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019

Want to save the planet? Stop trying to be its friend

A new theory suggests that our relationship with the environment is like a social exchange, leading to the belief that eco-friendly behavior can cancel out harmful ones. Researchers argue that this mindset can lead to misguided quick fixes and that stricter legislation and immediate feedback on environmental impact are needed.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 4, 2019

Mapping past solar system dynamics

Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 4, 2019

Let the sperm races begin

A new method has been developed using a microchip device that sorts sperm based on their swimming potential, allowing for faster and cheaper selection of viable sperm. This technology may improve IVF success rates, especially in women under 35 who have low chances of successful fertilization.

Researchers find potential new source of rare earth elements

A study published in the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics found that organic acids produced by bacteria can extract six rare earth elements from synthetic phosphogypsum. This method could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, benefiting the US clean energy and electronics industries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 4, 2019

'A gift from the city to itself'

Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Policy·DateMar 4, 2019

Pumping iron could save your life

Researchers found that sarcopenia is significantly associated with poor response to cancer treatments, including PD-1 inhibitors. Increasing muscle mass prior to treatment may predict treatment effectiveness and improve long-term outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Steroid use during cardiac bypass surgery did not reduce risk of severe kidney injury

A randomized controlled trial conducted across 18 countries found that steroid use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients at high risk of death. The study included 7286 patients and found no significant difference between those receiving steroids and those on placebo.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

SourceNOAA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Sonar disturbs blue whales feeding

A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 4, 2019

The case of the over-tilting exoplanets

Researchers propose that obliquity is a key factor in the formation of pairs of over-tilting exoplanets, leading to extreme seasons and weather patterns. The study could have significant implications for estimating the structure, climate, and habitability of these planets.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 4, 2019

Biodiversity crisis: Technological advances in agriculture are not a sufficient response

A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.

India's stubble burning air pollution causes USD 30 billion economic losses, health risks

A new study estimates that living in districts with intense crop residue burning increases the risk of acute respiratory infection three-fold among children. The study also found that crop burning causes an estimated USD 30 billion annual economic loss due to exposure to air pollution. Implementing targeted government initiatives can i...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 4, 2019

Should patients be considered consumers?

Patient-centered care has merged with the concept of patients as consumers, potentially causing harm. The consumer metaphor fails to account for health care's distinct characteristics, such as lack of information and time to select options. Instead, costs are driven by physician compensation and government failure to negotiate prices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 4, 2019

Turning algae into fuel

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid and efficient method to extract lipids from algae, making it a more viable alternative fuel source. The new process uses a specially-designed jet mixer that extracts the lipids with much less energy than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemical Engineering Science X·DateMar 4, 2019

Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory explaining why monolayer crystal islands align on vicinal substrates, allowing for large-scale growth of 2D materials like graphene and h-BN. The 'digital filter' mechanism helps to overcome small indentations in the steps, enabling seamless merging of the crystals.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

Solving a sticky problem

Tevis Jacobs will study individual nanoparticles using electron microscopy to understand atomic-scale relationships between adhesion and coarsening. The award enables the development of new methods for measuring nanoparticle attachment and stability on surfaces.

Sensory stimuli improves brain damage in mouse models of preterm birth

A new study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers shows that tactile and proprioceptive stimulation can improve the effects of perinatal hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries throughout life. In particular, male mice benefited from sensory stimulation with reduced neurological damage and improved functional capacities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 2019

A faster, more accurate way to monitor drought

A new monitoring method uses thermal stress measurements to identify drought conditions sooner, enabling conservation measures and reducing damage. The method, developed by Duke University researchers, combines surface and air temperature data from thousands of weather stations and satellite images.

SourceDuke University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateMar 4, 2019

Sacrificing the climate for reelections

A new study suggests that incumbent politicians often negotiate weak treaties to improve their reelection chances, rather than prioritizing effective climate change mitigation. This analysis from the Journal of Political Economy explores how domestic policymakers' incentives and election fears drive treaty outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 4, 2019

California fires, precipitation, and jet stream

Researchers found past associations between jet stream dynamics, winter precipitation, and fire activity in California, with dry extremes linked to weaker NPJ zonal velocity. Future climate simulations suggest increasing temperatures will lead to reduced snowpack, drier summers, and increased fire risk under high CO2 conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New quantum sensor could improve cancer treatment

The new quantum sensor developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo promises significant advancements in long-range 3D imaging and monitoring the success of cancer treatments. The sensors can detect single particles of light with high timing resolution, speed, and efficiency over an unparalleled wavelength range.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 4, 2019

North Pacific jet stream, moisture and fires change with fire suppression

Recent widespread fires in California suggest a shift in climate-fire relationships, where increased temperatures and drier summers will override the dynamical influence of the North Pacific Jet. The researchers reconstructed over 400 years of North Pacific Jet variability, finding that fire suppression may be responsible for this change.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New hurdle cleared in race toward quantum computing

Purdue researchers have successfully probed interference of quasiparticles using a new device. The device, built with molecular beam epitaxy, overcomes technical challenges to observe quantum mechanical effects. This breakthrough may be key to developing topological qubits and advancing quantum computing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 4, 2019