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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 16


Page 16 of 31

Study: Door-to-door campaign linked hepatitis C patients to care

A new study shows that a door-to-door campaign in a medically underserved area of Philadelphia was able to help vulnerable patients overcome hurdles and access specialized treatment for hepatitis C. The effort involved a comprehensive approach to nonclinical testing, immediate access to confirmatory testing, and patient navigation to e...

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2015

NUS pioneers novel strategy to prevent progression of inflammation-associated cancers

A team of NUS researchers developed a novel strategy to prevent inflammation-associated cancers by targeting the interaction between FAT10 and MAD2. This approach facilitates the development of cancer drugs with fewer side effects, as it targets specific pathological functions without affecting other physiological functions.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2015

BGRF announces in silico method to predict effectiveness of cognitive enhancers

The Biogerontology Research Foundation has developed an in silico method to predict the effectiveness of cognitive enhancers. The research uses gene expression data to evaluate activated or suppressed signalling pathways in the brain. This approach can help identify potential geroprotectors that also enhance cognitive function.

SourceBiogerontology Research Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2015

Would you take dieting advice from a friend?

Researcher Lora Cavuoto's study found that people who achieve weight loss or wellness success are more likely to influence their friends, while charismatic but unsuccessful individuals have a lower impact. This approach is taking precedence in new diet and exercise programs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Healthcare Engineering·DateFeb 13, 2015

Dogs know that smile on your face

Researchers found that dogs could distinguish between emotional expressions in humans, even with unfamiliar faces. The dogs' discriminatory abilities were tested in four types of trials, including novel faces and previously trained faces.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Screen name matters in the online dating game

Choosing a screen name with a letter starting in the top half of the alphabet can maximise online dating success. A 70:30 ratio of who you are and what you're looking for is also key, while humour, physical fitness, and genuine profiles can increase likability. Men and women have different preferences when it comes to names and traits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEvidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2015

NSF@AAAS

NSF staff and scientists present findings on gender in STEM policy, practice and research, as well as graduate science education and broader impacts of research. The session includes discussions on reducing the gender gap, innovative pathways to science careers and strategies for effective broader impacts work.

The neural basis of 'being in the mood'

A study in female mice reveals the brain region where hormonal state and social interaction are integrated, providing insights into human attraction and rejection behaviors. The researchers found that neurons dedicated to socio-sexual behavior were active only when females were receptive to males.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 12, 2015

Here's looking at you

Researchers found that dogs can discriminate between happy and angry human faces, even when only showing the eye region. Dogs trained to choose happy faces mastered the task faster than those trained to choose angry faces, suggesting they use stored memories to recognize emotions.

Curious monkeys share our thirst for knowledge

Researchers found that rhesus macaques were willing to give up a significant portion of a potential prize to quickly find out if they selected the winning option in a game of chance. The study suggests that the brain's Orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing curiosity and evaluating rewards.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 12, 2015

Data-storage for eternity

Researchers have developed a new method to store large volumes of data using DNA and silica, which can potentially survive for over a million years. The technique uses an algorithm to correct errors and encases the information-bearing segments of DNA in silica, providing a robust storage solution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 12, 2015