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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 35


Page 35 of 376

Unravelling the mystery of gamma-ray bursts

Researchers at Cardiff University are exploring a new method to detect the origins of gamma-ray bursts using giant space 'microphones' that can pick up gravitational waves created by black holes. By analyzing these waves, scientists may uncover information about the mass and collision history of star and black hole systems.

SourceCardiff University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 20, 2014

Breakthrough in managing yellow fever disease

Researchers have determined that the yellow fever virus replicates primarily in the liver, causing significant damage to liver cells. This knowledge could help identify an earlier clinical outcome measure of disease severity, enabling doctors to provide more aggressive supportive care for patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 20, 2014

New approach for treating ALS

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism that explains why many ALS drugs fail as the disease progresses: the brain's pumps become more active and remove both toxins and medicine. Blocking these pumps improves drug efficacy in mouse models.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 20, 2014

Study: Obesity fuels silent heart damage

A study found that obesity causes subclinical heart muscle injury and increases the risk for heart failure, even in people without overt heart disease. Obesity was independently associated with increased troponin levels, a marker of heart damage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2014

Study: Volunteering can help save wildlife

A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateNov 20, 2014

Out of India

Researchers uncover fossils of Cambaytherium thewissi, a 54.5-million-year-old animal that provides a window into the common ancestor of horses, rhinos, and tapirs. The discovery supports the idea that Perissodactyla evolved in India while it was an island.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2014

Heterosexuals have egalitarian views on legal benefits for same-sex couples, not on PDA

A study by Indiana University PhD candidates found that heterosexuals are equally supportive of legal benefits for same-sex couples as they are for heterosexual couples, but are less supportive of PDA. Gay and lesbian individuals were also found to be less supportive of certain public displays of affection due to safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 20, 2014

Out of danger: A neural basis for avoiding threats

A neural pathway in the habenula enables animals to predict dangers and update their expectations based on actions and new outcomes. The study's findings have implications for understanding anxiety and panic disorders, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving behavioral learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNeuron·DateNov 20, 2014

In full view

Scientists have determined the complete structure of the influenza virus polymerase, a key machine that makes copies of the virus' genetic material and reads out instructions. The high-resolution structure reveals how the polymerase works as a whole, providing new insights into its function and potential targets for drug design.

Research finds tooth enamel fast-track in humans

Research reveals that human incisors grow quickly in the second trimester of fetal development, allowing them to erupt at six months. This rapid growth is thought to be an adaptation for early weaning, as it enables babies to transition from breast milk to solid foods sooner.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 20, 2014

Researchers report way to target hard-to-hit site in disease pathway

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a class of lead compounds that successfully recognize a key target in the Ras signaling pathway, opening the door to future development of therapies. The lead compound NSC-658497 was found to be effective at blocking SOS1-mediated molecular signaling in the Ras...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

China's new 'Great Wall' not so great

China's vast seawall, covering over half its coastline, faces criticism for ecological costs and lack of protection. The wetland ecosystems support millions of migratory birds and produce 28 million tons of fishery products, underappreciated services that threaten with unsustainable development

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2014

Testosterone plays modest role in menopausal women's sexual function

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that testosterone has a limited impact on menopausal women's interest in sex and sexual function. Psychosocial factors such as emotional well-being and intimate relationships are found to be stronger contributors to sexual health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2014

Epidemic spreading and neurodegenerative progression

A model inspired by epidemic disease spreading is used to analyze over 700 Amyloid-beta protein imaging datasets, concluding that misfolded protein propagation can be mathematically described. The study identifies genetic and demographic factors influencing this phenomenon in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 20, 2014

US policy that gives priority to prior organ donors who need a transplant is working

A US policy giving priority to prior organ donors has been shown to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the quality of organs received. Living donors who later need a transplant experience much shorter waits and receive higher-quality kidneys compared to those on the waiting list without donation history.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 20, 2014

The STING of radiation

A team of researchers reveals that dendritic cells activate killer T cells through a protein named STING, which links DNA damage to interferon-β production. This suggests novel strategies for boosting radiotherapy effectiveness and combining it with immune system therapies.

Job authority increases depression symptoms in women, decreases them in men

A study by the American Sociological Association finds that job authority increases symptoms of depression among women due to interpersonal tension and negative stereotypes. In contrast, having job authority decreases symptoms of depression among men, as they are viewed as strong leaders with consistent status beliefs.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014