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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 32

New genes associated with extreme longevity identified

Researchers found five genetic loci associated with successful aging, involved in cell senescence, autoimmunity, and Alzheimer's disease. These genes may provide clues about physiological mechanisms for healthy aging and have the potential to improve health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 17, 2015

Journal of Comparative Effectiveness research discusses oncology treatment sequences

The Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research discusses new recommendations from the Center for Medical Technology Policy's Green Park Collaborative for evaluating oncology treatment sequences. The framework developed by GPC-USA aims to fill evidence gaps and identify patient-important outcomes, ultimately improving cancer patient ...

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalJournal of Comparative Effectiveness Research·DateDec 17, 2015

Autism breakthrough

Researchers found that individuals with autism have lower levels of GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, which suggests a breakdown in the signaling pathway. This breakthrough could lead to early intervention efforts through visual screening tests for younger children.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Snake bellies help scientists get a grip

Researchers studied three species of snakes to understand how their unique belly shapes aid in climbing. Brown tree snakes have sharp-edged keels that allow them to grip and propel themselves up trees efficiently, a trait also seen in some corn snakes but not boa constrictors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Scientists create atomically thin boron

Researchers have successfully synthesized a two-dimensional sheet of boron, known as borophene, with metallic properties at the nanoscale. The material's unique atomic configuration and anisotropy result in a high tensile strength, making it a promising candidate for applications in electronics and photovoltaics.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

Scientists blueprint tiny cellular 'nanomachine'

Researchers have successfully mapped the structural map of a tiny cellular nanomachine called diacylglycerol kinase, which plays a critical role in bacterial cell wall synthesis. The nanomachine's evolution is an extraordinary feat of nature, and its molecular blueprint has shed new light on how it performs its cellular duties.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2015

A gene for new species is discovered

A University of Utah-led study identified a long-sought 'hybrid inviability gene' responsible for dead or infertile offspring when two fruit fly species mate. The discovery sheds light on the genetic and molecular process leading to formation of new species, and may provide clues to how cancer develops.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015

The fiscal impact of refugees in Sweden

The study found that the net fiscal redistribution from the non-refugee population to refugees in Sweden corresponded to 1.0 percent of Swedish GDP in 2007. This is due to lower public per capita revenues from refugees compared to the total population, largely attributed to their lower employment rate.

SourcePopulation Council Journals·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2015

Dogs give friends food

A study by Friederike Range and colleagues found that dogs donated food to familiar partners more often than to unfamiliar ones. The researchers also discovered that the degree of familiarity among the dogs influenced this behavior, with prosocial behavior exhibited less frequently towards unfamiliar dogs.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 16, 2015

High fat/low carb diet could combat schizophrenia

Research by James Cook University scientists found a ketogenic diet reduces animal behaviors resembling schizophrenia, potentially providing an alternative energy source and circumventing cellular energy pathways. The diet has also been shown to lead to weight loss and lower blood glucose levels in mice.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateDec 16, 2015

Greenland Ice Sheet during the 20th Century -- a missing link in IPCC's climate report

Researchers have made direct observations of the Greenland Ice Sheet's reduction and melting over the past 110 years. The study reveals that some areas have lost considerable amounts of ice during the twentieth century, with mass loss along the southeastern and northwestern coast contributing significantly to global sea level rise.

A molecular light switch?...Just add water

A team of scientists has discovered a way to control ultraviolet light emission from a complex oxide material by adding a water molecule to its surface. This discovery enables the potential for improving chemical sensors, computing, and information storage.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 16, 2015