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Science News for January 15, 2020


How cells assemble their skeleton

Scientists from Heidelberg University discovered the formation of spiral-shaped microtubules using state-of-the-art cryo-EM. The study reveals how the gamma-tubulin ring complex serves as a structural template for microtubule assembly, enabling quick regulation of division and cell growth.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

Alcohol tax reform needed

La Trobe University researchers found introducing a minimum unit price of $1.30 per standard drink in Australia could dramatically reduce alcohol consumption. This policy, already proven successful in Canada and Eastern Europe, could see a 10.7% fall in overall consumption and a 14.2% reduction among harmful drinkers.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAddiction·DateJan 15, 2020

Blue light can help heal mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered that early morning blue light exposure therapy can aid in the healing process of people impacted by mild traumatic brain injuries. The study found that improved sleep quality led to improvements in cognitive function, reduced daytime sleepiness, and actual brain repair.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateJan 15, 2020

Imprinted color patterns

Chinese researchers create an azopolymer that allows light-induced nanoimprinting at room temperature, overcoming heat-dependent issues in traditional photolithography. The technique enables the creation of structurally colored surfaces and has potential applications in nanofabrication and electronics industry.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 15, 2020

Predicting the year in chemistry

The American Chemical Society forecasts a year marked by environmental improvements, such as reducing plastic use and recycling. Regulatory actions are also expected, including updated chemical risk assessments and classification of PFAS as hazardous materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 15, 2020

B-cell enrichment predictive of immunotherapy response in melanoma, sarcoma and kidney cancer

Researchers found that B-cell markers were associated with improved overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma and soft-tissue sarcomas. B cells located within specialized immune-cell clusters (TLS) were predictive of response to checkpoint blockade, suggesting a dynamic interaction between immune components.

Pathogenic Alzheimer's disease cascade is activated by faulty norepinephrine signaling

Scientists discovered a key mechanism underlying Alzheimer's pathology, revealing how amyloid-beta oligomers hijack norepinephrine signaling to activate GSK3-beta and hyper-phosphorylate tau protein. This rewiring of the alpha-2A adrenergic receptor may explain the failure of previous clinical trials targeting amyloid protein buildup.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

It's 2020: Time to teach teens 'safe' sexting

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire suggest teaching youth 'safe' sexting practices to prevent long-term consequences. They provide 10 specific, actionable messages to share with adolescents to exercise wisdom and discretion when sharing explicit images.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 15, 2020

Competing crabs don't fight over 'homes'

Two hermit crab species, Coenobita rugosus and C. perlatus, coexist on the same beaches by selecting differently shaped shells as their homes. The study found that C. rugosus prefers short, spherical shells, while C. perlatus prefers elongated shells with a narrow opening.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateJan 15, 2020

Dresden biologists make living sperm glow

Researchers used a label-free technique to investigate the metabolism of living biological tissues in fruit flies. They found that sperm had a highly glycolytic metabolism similar to that of cancer cells, which may contribute to their ability to remain fresh in female bodies. The study also suggests potential clinical applications for ...

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2020

Astronomers reveal interstellar thread of one of life's building blocks

Researchers have traced the journey of phosphorus from star-forming regions to comets, revealing where molecules containing the element form and how it's carried in comets. This discovery provides crucial insights into the origin-of-life puzzle, suggesting that phosphorus monoxide played a key role in starting life on Earth.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 15, 2020

Immigration and transition: Emerging trends in spina bifida care

As demographics change, spina bifida patients' needs are evolving, highlighting the need for research on quality of life and social determinants. The article discusses emerging trends in spina bifida care and the importance of addressing health disparities among minority populations.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Spinning quantum dots

Physicists Sanjay Prabhakar and Roderick Melnik modelled the interplay between electric fields and electron spins in slowly moving quantum dots. They revealed that spin-orbit coupling occurs, inducing a magnetic field in the absence of an external one.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 15, 2020

Blood stem cell research

University of Delaware biomedical engineer Emily Day is developing a platform technology that can transform the treatment of benign and malignant blood disorders. Her research uses nanoparticle carrier systems to target and deliver cargo to blood stem cells, potentially replacing bone marrow transplants.

A new 'cool' blue

Researchers developed a new class of 'cool' blue pigments that are inexpensive, durable, and more environmentally friendly than traditional cobalt blue. The pigments, inspired by the crystalline structure of hibonite, show a range of intense blue colors and reflect near-infrared light.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 15, 2020

Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards

A new method has been developed to remove harmful compounds from waste printed circuit boards. The technique, known as ball-milling, uses a rotating machine to grind up materials and reduce the presence of brominated flame retardants. By breaking down these potentially toxic substances, scientists aim to minimize environmental pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 15, 2020

Faster, cheaper tests for myopia possible

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new method to measure myopia, using OCT to identify irregularities in the eye's shape. This approach could lead to more effective monitoring and prevention of vision loss, as high myopia is expected to become the leading cause of blindness worldwide by 2050.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Dating a galaxy crash

A team of researchers used a single star affected by the Milky Way-Gaia-Enceladus collision to determine its age and date the event to approximately 11.5 billion years ago. The study provides insights into the impact of galaxy collisions on their evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 15, 2020

Good connections key to startup success

A new study suggests that young startups with strong professional connections are more likely to achieve long-term economic success. The research used a visual network to analyze connections between companies and employees, finding that central positions in the network predicted future success.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2020

New assessment of gas locked in ice in European waters

A study has mapped several sites in Europe containing gas hydrate, a relatively clean fuel that could play a role as a substitute for coal in the coming decades. Gas hydrate is stored in an ice-like form beneath the seabed, with potential deposits found off Greenland, Svalbard, Norway, Ireland, and the Mediterranean Sea.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalMarine and Petroleum Geology·DateJan 15, 2020

Neandertals went underwater for their tools

Neandertals used clam shells as scrapers and pumice stones as abrading tools, collecting resources from the beach and coastal waters of Italy. The study found that nearly a quarter of the shells had been collected underwater, suggesting Neandertals waded or dived into coastal waters to gather materials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Irrigation alleviates hot extremes

A new study finds that irrigation has a significant cooling effect during warm extremes in regions such as Southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. This effect partly offsets the warming caused by global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the likelihood of hot extremes by a factor of 2-8 in some areas.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2020

Scientists breach brain barriers to attack tumors

Scientists have found a novel method to combat glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor, by introducing VEGF-C into the cerebrospinal fluid of mice. This approach significantly extended survival rates when combined with immune system checkpoint inhibitors, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

How coworkers impact the value of your skills

A recent study by Harvard's Growth Lab analyzed administrative data on Sweden's 9 million inhabitants, finding that workers with complementary coworkers earn high wages and returns on education, comparable to having a college degree. The research offers a tool to assess the right and wrong coworkers in fields of expertise.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 15, 2020

Tennessee review: 2% of providers account for 25% of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions

A study found that in Tennessee, a small percentage of providers account for the majority of pediatric antibiotic prescriptions. The study identified that high prescribers tend to be older and general pediatricians, and researchers are exploring ways to address this issue. The research aims to improve antibiotic stewardship in the state.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 15, 2020

New neutron detector can fit in your pocket

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

How zebra finches learn to sing

Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

Be wary of online probiotic health-benefit claims

A recent study highlights the unreliable sources of probiotic information online and how health-benefit claims are often not supported by robust scientific evidence. Most websites providing probiotic info are from commercial sources or news outlets, which provide incomplete information on potential side effects and regulatory issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Pachacamac Idol of ancient Peru was symbolically painted

The Pachacamac Idol, a sacred icon worshipped for nearly 700 years, was symbolically painted with red, yellow, and white colors using cinnabar pigment. The study confirms the idol's polychromatic design and sheds light on pre-Columbian cultural practices in South America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020