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Science News for November 26, 2019


Key to rubustness of plants discovered

Researchers at Graz University of Technology and Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology have discovered the mechanism behind Apiose production, a key factor in plant robustness. The enzyme UAXS selectively catalyzes four reaction steps, enabling plants to build strength properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 26, 2019

Saving bats from wind turbine death

A survey of stakeholders in the wind energy field reveals a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity protection over climate change concerns. Stakeholders agree that measures to make wind energy production ecologically sustainable should be taken, with most suggesting increased research and improved efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 26, 2019

Turning key metabolic process back on could make sarcoma more susceptible to treatment

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to make sarcoma cells more susceptible to treatment by slowing down their growth through a key metabolic process. By reactivating the FBP2 enzyme, researchers were able to stop cancer cell proliferation and leave them vulnerable to targeted therapies.

Building a better flu shot

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that cellular RNA levels change significantly following infection or vaccination. The study's findings could help identify new targets for building better flu vaccines and aid in the design of a universal vaccine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 26, 2019

Life, liberty -- and access to microbes?

A new essay in PLOS Biology argues that poverty compromises health by creating unequal access to beneficial microorganisms. People living in low-income communities lack essential factors promoting healthy microbiomes, leading to poor health outcomes such as obesity and mental health disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2019

Study pinpoints possible cause of noise-related blood vessel damage, heart disease

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has identified a potential mechanism linking long-term exposure to environmental noise and cardiovascular disease. The research found that high noise levels lead to activation of the amygdala, a deep brain structure, triggering changes that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 26, 2019

A novel pathway to target colorectal cancer

A new study published in Gastroenterology reports that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer through the microRNA MIR675-5p, which silences the expression of p53. Researchers found that mice treated with PGE2 had increased metastases compared to controls, and tumor cells expressed more MIR675-5p and less p53.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 26, 2019

Changes in pupils after asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts indicate changes in brain function

Researchers discovered measurable changes in pupillary parameters following asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts. The study suggests that nonconcussive head impacts may affect intrinsic brain reflex pathways and reflect biological injuries, paving the way for a potential inexpensive and rapid method of determining brain injury.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 26, 2019

Japanese anime and zoos boost public interest in conservation of real-life animal characters

A new national analysis in Japan highlights the potential of entertainment-conservation partnerships to increase public interest in wildlife. The research found that animated shows with animal characters can boost donations to zoo conservation programs, with Kemono Friends being a notable example of its positive impact on public interest.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 26, 2019

Autism and ADHD share genes

Researchers from iPSYCH discovered that autism and ADHD share changes in the same genes, particularly the MAP1A gene involved in nerve cell formation. The study found a significantly increased risk of developing autism and/or ADHD for those carrying mutations in this gene.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 26, 2019

Ternary acceptor and donor materials increase photon harvesting in organic solar cells

Researchers have developed ternary organic solar cells with non-fullerene electron acceptors or polymer donors, improving spectral response and photon-harvesting capabilities. The addition of these third components enhances energy and charge transfer, leading to increased efficiency and potentially semi-transparent solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 26, 2019

Leftover grain from breweries could be converted into fuel for homes

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a low-cost technique to convert brewery waste into carbon, which can be used as a renewable fuel or in water filters. The method creates activated carbon and carbon nanotubes from barley waste, reducing emissions linked with the agriculture sector and creating a high-value product.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateNov 26, 2019

Human migration out of Africa may have followed monsoons in the Middle East

A new study suggests that summer monsoons from Asia and Africa reached the Middle East at least 125,000 years ago, providing suitable corridors for human migration. This finding corresponds with cyclical changes in Earth's orbit that brought increased summer precipitation, supporting animal and human migration into the region.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2019

Analysis of US life expectancy

Analysis of US life expectancy reveals a nearly 10-year increase from 69.9 years in 1959 to 78.9 years in 2016, driven by factors such as drug overdoses, suicides, and organ system diseases among working-age adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 26, 2019

A record-setting transistor

Researchers created a high-electron mobility transistor with record-low gate leakage current, high on/off current ratio, and high current gain cutoff frequency. The device has the potential to expand bandwidth for wireless communication systems, enabling more information transmission in less battery life.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateNov 26, 2019

Mommy drinking is on the upswing -- but women without children still drink more

A study found that women without children increased their binge drinking from 21% to 42% between 2006 and 2018. In contrast, men without children reported the highest levels of binge drinking, while young men with children experienced a decline. The researchers suggest physicians should screen all adults for alcohol use disorders.

New modeling will shed light on policy decisions' effect on migration from sea level rise

A new modeling approach can help researchers, policymakers and the public better understand how policy decisions will influence human migration as sea levels rise. The approach suggests that global policy decisions about greenhouse gas emissions and coastal policies will determine whether people need to migrate and where they may go.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 26, 2019

We love coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks so much, caffeine is literally in our blood

A study by Oregon State University found that 18 batches of supposedly pure human blood serum contained caffeine, cough medicine, and anti-anxiety drugs, highlighting potential issues with contaminated blood transfusions. The research also tested for interactions between botanical supplements and prescription drugs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·DateNov 26, 2019

LSE study calls for improved mental health support

The study found that the current system of immediate psychological help after a terrorist attack is inadequate, with most people seeking external help and expressing dissatisfaction with their GP's response. The researchers recommend improving the system to provide better support sooner.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateNov 26, 2019

Did human hunting activities alone drive great auks' extinction?

A study published in eLife analyzed ancient genetic data to investigate the decline of great auks. The findings suggest that intense hunting by humans likely caused their rapid extinction, even if the birds weren't already under threat from environmental changes. This highlights the potential for industrial-scale exploitation to drive ...

SourceeLife·DateNov 26, 2019

Scientists dissect and redesign protein-based pattern formation

Researchers dissected protein pattern formation into its main functional modules and rebuilt the process from scratch, identifying the minimal ingredients needed for self-organisation. The new system produces less regular patterns than native systems but is still sufficient for reproducing basic biological processes.

SourceeLife·DateNov 26, 2019

Building a better battery with machine learning

Argonne researchers used a machine learning algorithm to relate known molecular structures to larger data sets, reducing computational costs while maintaining precision. The approach improved the accuracy of predictions about battery electrolyte candidates, enabling scientists to identify potential materials for next-generation batteries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMRS Communications·DateNov 26, 2019

Using fungi to search for medical drugs

Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute and Utrecht University have set up a library of products derived from over ten thousand fungi to find new therapeutic compounds. They found 34 known compounds, including the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin, using zebrafish embryos as a test subject.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2019