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Science News for February 12, 2020


Lane change in the cytoskeleton

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism for communication between microtubule and actin networks, enabling color change in amphibians and fish. A theoretical model supports the findings, highlighting the regulatory efficiency of cytoskeletal interactions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2020

New air-pressure sensor could improve everyday devices

A new air-pressure sensor developed by Binghamton University researchers uses a micro-switch mechanism to improve the performance of various devices, including those monitoring barometric pressure and oxygen levels in hospitals. The sensor's design allows for faster response times and longer lifespans compared to conventional sensors.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateFeb 12, 2020

Scientists find ally in fight against brain tumors: Ebola

Researchers have found that a component of the Ebola virus can selectively target and kill glioblastoma brain tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this deadly form of cancer. The Ebola glycoprotein MLD helps protect normal cells from infection while allowing cancer cells to be targeted by the immune system.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateFeb 12, 2020

Preparing for climate change

Scientists are developing new ways to mitigate climate change while enabling people and ecosystems to survive and thrive. Researchers are reengineering crops to increase yield and resist disease, modifying coral DNA to make reefs more resilient, and creating innovative solutions for cities to protect infrastructure from extreme weather.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 12, 2020

Mind the trust gap: it's wider than you think

A study from York University reveals a wide trust gap between Americans in southern and northern regions. The gap persists even after considering internal migration, with southerners generally exhibiting lower trust levels due to the region's collectivist culture.

SourceYork University·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateFeb 12, 2020

Human language most likely evolved gradually

Researchers question the idea that human language arose instantaneously through a single gene mutation, proposing instead a gradual evolution through accumulation of smaller biological changes. They argue that the cognitive operation Merge, key to human language, evolved gradually over time.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2020

Algae team rosters could help ID 'super corals'

Researchers have discovered that coral colonies with similar groups of algae survive better under stress. The study found that the symbiotic community diversity of dinoflagellates in good-performing corals is more constrained and works well together with their host, while poorly performing corals have less coordinated communities.

SourceRice University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 12, 2020

Children's fingertip injuries could signal abuse

A Rutgers study found that children with a documented history of abuse or neglect were 23% more likely to suffer a fingertip injury before age 12. The researchers analyzed medical records from 79,108 children and identified a link between fingertip injuries and abuse or neglect.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Hand Surgery Global Online·DateFeb 12, 2020

Identified a brain circuit that could indicate the risk of developing Alzheimer's

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has identified a brain circuit that could indicate the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Researchers discovered that poor connectivity between the brainstem and cerebellum may be predictive of Alzheimer's risk, specifically targeting those with a family history.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateFeb 12, 2020

Circular reasoning

Researchers discovered that lower circHomer1a levels in the brain's frontal cortex are correlated with schizophrenia symptoms and impaired cognitive flexibility in mice. The study suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression, potentially serving as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2020

New data shows rising repeat ER visits for opioid-related emergencies

A study analyzing 9,295 patients in four Indiana hospital systems found that those with multiple ED visits, heroin use, and Medicaid or uninsured status were more likely to have future emergency department encounters. Consolidating patient information can improve risk assessment and treatment opportunities for at-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

New study shows Deepwater Horizon oil spill larger than previously thought

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill spread beyond the known satellite footprint, impacting a wider range of marine wildlife. The research team developed a new framework to better manage future oil spills, taking into account invisible and toxic oil.

Study: One-third of plant and animal species could be gone in 50 years

A new study by University of Arizona researchers estimates that one in three plant and animal species may face extinction by 2070 due to climate change. The study analyzed data from hundreds of plant and animal species surveyed around the globe, finding that maximum annual temperatures are the key variable driving local extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2020

New Argonne etching technique could advance the way semiconductor devices are made

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new molecular layer etching technique that could help fabricate and control material geometries at the nanoscale. The technique uses pulses of gas to remove thin films, potentially opening new doors in microelectronics and extending beyond traditional Moore's Law scaling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 12, 2020

Hybrid microscope could bring digital biopsy to the clinic

Researchers developed a hybrid microscope that combines optical and infrared measurements with machine learning algorithms to create digital biopsies. The hybrid microscope closely correlates with traditional pathology techniques and outperforms state-of-the-art infrared microscopes in terms of resolution, consistency, and coverage.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2020

Researchers find test to ID children at higher risk for cystic fibrosis liver disease

A multi-center study has identified a research-based ultrasound screening method that can predict which children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for advanced liver disease. The test shows promise in identifying patients who could benefit from targeted therapies to prevent the development of this life-threatening condition.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 12, 2020

Predators to spare

Marine biologists found that redundancy in urchin predators and protection afforded to them help keep sea urchin populations in check, particularly in protected areas. The study highlights an underappreciated benefit of marine reserves and offers a new perspective on strategies to manage ecosystems for resilience.

Designer probiotic treatment for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have designed a novel probiotic strain that can seek out solid tumors and safely deliver immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to tumor regression. The probiotic platform can also be used to deliver multiple immunotherapies simultaneously, enabling effective therapeutic combinations for difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

Mount Sinai discovers new drug combo to induce high rates of human beta cell regeneration

Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered a novel combination of two classes of drugs that cause the highest rate of human beta cell proliferation without harming most other cells in the body. This finding is an important step toward a diabetes treatment that restores insulin production. The study, published in Science Translational Medici...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

AAAS announces Advanced Devices & Instrumentation as fifth journal in Science Partner Journal Program

Advanced Devices & Instrumentation, the fifth journal in AAAS's Science Partner Journal program, publishes high-impact breakthroughs in electronics, photonics, and artificial intelligence. The journal aims to provide a platform for valuable research outcomes in fields like sensor technology, internet-of-things and energy management.

NIST researchers link quartz microbalance measurements to international measurement system

Researchers at NIST have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip fabrication directly to the recently redefined International System of Units (SI), increasing users' confidence in their measurements. The device, a quartz crystal microbalance, is critically important to industries that rely on precision c...

Cracking the code for hookworm infestation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism that enables hookworms to evade the human immune system. By understanding how these parasites destroy neutrophil extracellular traps, scientists may be able to develop vaccines to boost immunity and prevent reinfection.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 12, 2020

Graphene forms under microscope's eye

Researchers at Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new method to produce laser-induced graphene (LIG) with features more than 60% smaller than traditional macro versions. This technique creates LIG with almost 10 times smaller dimensions, making it ideal for flexible electronics applications. The scientists su...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 12, 2020