Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 26, 2020


New testing system predicts septic shock outcomes

A new testing system developed by researchers at the University of Chicago can quantify bacteria, antibiotic-resistant genes, and immune molecule levels in sepsis patients, predicting patient outcomes with high accuracy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment strategies and may improve patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Metal collector made of bacteria

Research by Dirk Tischler's group has identified potential applications for bacterial siderophores, including treating iron overload disease and creating biosensors. The team has also developed semi-artificial compounds using genetic information from these microorganisms.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNatural Product Reports·DateMay 26, 2020

Cold-adapted enzymes can transform at room temperature

Cold-adapted enzymes from low-temperature organisms exhibit distinctive properties that enable them to function in freezing conditions. However, they often stop functioning at around room temperature, until they start melting. Researchers have now explained this phenomenon through extensive computer simulations.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Mapping the neurons of the rat heart in 3D

A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive 3D map of the rat heart's intrinsic cardiac nervous system, allowing for precise study of its structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for severe heart disease and advancements in bioelectronic medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateMay 26, 2020

Lymph node metastases form through a wider evolutionary bottleneck than distant metastases

A new study reveals that lymph node and distant metastases develop through different evolutionary mechanisms, with lymph nodes being a genetically highly diverse group. This suggests that metastasis formation in locoregional lymph nodes is comparatively easy and can be achieved by many cells, whereas dissemination to and outgrowth in d...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 26, 2020

Battling disease with ultraviolet light

The study aims to develop optical radiation products used in large-scale sanitation processes and create a lamp with both germicidal and lighting elements. Researchers will test different wavelengths of ultraviolet light against coronaviruses like COVID-19.

Evidence insufficient regarding interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, teens and young adults

The US Preventive Services Task Force has concluded that current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation regarding primary care-based behavioral counseling interventions to prevent illicit drug use in children, adolescents and young adults. Illicit drug use contributes to the leading causes of death among young people ages 10...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 26, 2020

Researchers discover how protein can inhibit cancer development in mice

A new study by the University of Copenhagen's researchers has revealed that the protein PP2A inhibits cancer development in mice by turning off an enzyme called ADAM17. This finding has significant implications for understanding the role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor and exploring potential therapeutic applications.

Novel electric impulses relieve the pain

Researchers at TU Wien and MedUni Vienna have developed a novel method for electric stimulation of the vagus nerve in the ear. A microanatomical study revealed the optimal placement of tiny electrodes to stimulate the nerve, resulting in effective pain relief. The triphasic signal pattern was found to be particularly effective.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Neuroanatomy·DateMay 26, 2020

Bumblebees speed up flowering

Researchers found that bumblebee damage stimulates flower production in plants, accelerating their blooming. This phenomenon may help overcome challenges posed by climate change, which threatens to disrupt timing of mutualistic relationships between plants and insect pollinators.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 26, 2020

Miniature rock art expands horizons

Australian archaeologists have discovered rare, small-scale rock art in the form of miniature stencils in a rockshelter traditionally owned by the Marra people. The discovery adds another dimension to the Australian and global rock art record, highlighting the use of beeswax as a material for making these tiny artworks.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAntiquity·DateMay 26, 2020

Birds, bees and butter -- new study shows biodiversity critical for shea crop in Africa

A new study by Trinity College Dublin reveals that a diverse range of trees and shrubs in West African parkland habitats supports fruit production and pollination services, ultimately benefiting the shea crop and local communities. The findings have important implications for managing this critical crop and conserving pollinators.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 26, 2020

Women with Neandertal gene give birth to more children

Researchers found that women inheriting a Neandertal gene variant have lower rates of early miscarriages, fewer bleedings during pregnancy, and higher birth rates. The study suggests the variant has a favorable effect on fertility, with increased progesterone receptor production leading to greater sensitivity and protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 26, 2020

Directed protein evolution with CRISPR-Cas9

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 method to optimize proteins in mammalian cells, producing the fluorescent protein mCRISPRed that labels lysosomes. This technique enables targeted protein diversification and validation within organelles, opening new possibilities for biosensors, receptors, and therapeutic proteins.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMay 26, 2020

Chromosomal speciation in wild house mice

A new study on wild house mice from Southern Italy suggests that Robertsonian fusions play an active role in speciation. The researchers found three identical chromosomal rearrangements in both island and mainland populations, showing large-scale genetic mutations occur independently.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 26, 2020

Controlling superconductors with light

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science develop new method to study superconductors using optical tools, enabling exploration of fluctuating superconductivity. Theoretical model shows significant changes in electric conductivity and light absorption near critical temperature.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2020

Ear infections discovered in remains of humans living in levant 15,000 years ago

Researchers discovered evidence of ear infections in 15,000-year-old human remains from the Levant, peaking around 6,000 years ago due to environmental factors. The study suggests that changes in living conditions, such as increased population density and poor hygiene, contributed to the prevalence of ear infections.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateMay 26, 2020

Bullying among LGBTQ youth who died by suicide

A study using postmortem records found that LGBTQ youth ages 10-19 who died by suicide were more likely to be bullied compared to non-LGBTQ peers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support services to address bullying and promote mental health among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMay 26, 2020

Bricks made from plastic, organic waste

Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new method to create sustainable building blocks, including bricks made from recycled PVC and organic waste. The 'green' bricks can be repeatedly ground up and recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 26, 2020

New method reveals where DNA is at risk in the cell

A new sequencing method has been developed to map the spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus, revealing areas prone to mutation and damage. The technique identifies a continuum of increasing activity from the nuclear periphery towards the center, challenging previous assumptions about inactive chromatin's location.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 26, 2020

Mathematics can save lives at sea

Researchers developed an algorithm to predict coastal currents using dynamical systems theory and ocean data. This new tool promises to enhance search and rescue techniques at sea, potentially saving lives.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

How exposure to negative feedback in influences goal-directed consumer behaviors

A new study finds that exposure to negative feedback motivates consumers to pursue proving goals, such as demonstrating competence, but reduces motivation for enjoyment goals, like having fun. This phenomenon suggests a complex relationship between self-esteem threats, consumer behavior, and marketing strategies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMay 26, 2020

Ocean virus hijacks carbon-storing bacteria

A newly discovered ocean virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant organism on Earth, Prochlorococcus marinus. The virus alters the ability of P. marinus to store carbon and counter the greenhouse gas effect, potentially preventing gigatons of carbon from being taken out of the air annually.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 26, 2020

Renewable energy advance

University of Delaware researchers have developed a technique to visualize the three-dimensional structure of materials in detail while maintaining context. This approach enables scientists to study specific particles on the material's surface and observe how they evolve over time under different conditions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Study investigates sexual activity in lockdown

A UK study investigated sexual activity during COVID-19 lockdown and found that only 39.9% of British adults surveyed engaged in any form of sexual activity. The study suggests that promoting sexual activity as a way to maintain physical and mental health could be an important public health message.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 26, 2020

Warming climate is changing where birds breed

A recent study found that birds in eastern North America are shifting their breeding ranges in response to climate change. Some species, such as Carolina wrens and red-bellied woodpeckers, may be resilient to future changes, while others, like Neotropical migratory birds, are experiencing range contractions. The research highlights the...

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2020

Up to 60% of students in some schools vaped in past month

A University of Michigan study found that up to 60% of students in certain schools vape daily, highlighting the importance of understanding individual and school-level factors driving e-cigarette use. The study's findings suggest that tailoring interventions to specific school environments can be effective in reducing vaping prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMay 26, 2020

Flow-through electrodes make hydrogen 50 times faster

Researchers at Duke University have developed flow-through electrodes that can store hydrogen more efficiently than conventional electrolyzers. The new design increases the surface area of the electrode to allow for faster and more productive water electrolysis, with potential implications for affordable renewable energy storage.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 26, 2020