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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 14


Page 14 of 28

New antibodies for cancer treatment

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered ten new antibodies that can inhibit blood vessel formation near tumors, cutting off oxygen and nutrient supply. The antibodies appear to work effectively in laboratory tests and show promising therapeutic potential.

Poor social integration = poor health

A recent study by Concordia University researchers found that individuals who experienced prolonged social isolation had decreased heart rate variability, a marker of poor physical health. In contrast, those who formed strong social connections showed increased heart rate variability and improved overall health.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 20, 2015

Scientists identify important mechanism involved in production of mosquito eggs

Researchers at UC Riverside have identified microRNA-8 as a crucial regulator of mosquito reproduction, which plays an essential role in the female mosquito's 'fat body'. Depletion of miR-8 results in severe defects in egg development and deposition, highlighting its potential as a novel control strategy for mosquito populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Living longer, not healthier

A UMass Medical School study found that long-lived C. elegans mutants spend more time in a frail state than healthy ones, challenging the assumption that longevity and health are linked. The researchers identified genes that control 'healthspan' as separate from those influencing lifespan.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2015

Researchers identify rare shared genetic mutation for disease in Inuit

A Canadian-Japanese research team has identified a shared genetic mutation responsible for an inherited metabolic disorder, glycogen storage disease type IIIa, in Inuit populations in northern Quebec. The mutation affects approximately 1 in 2500 people in Nunavik and can cause enlarged livers, hypoglycemia, and muscle weakness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 19, 2015

First successful organ donation from newborn carried out in UK

A UK hospital performed the world's first successful organ donation from a newborn, involving kidney and liver cell transplants. The donor was just over 3 kg at birth and had poor brain oxygenation, leading to her death; however, her parents agreed to donate her organs for other patients in need.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJan 19, 2015

Fossil ankles indicate Earth's earliest primates lived in trees

Researchers found evidence of arboreality playing a key role in primate evolution, suggesting subtle changes allowed for easier navigation and better access to food in the trees. The discovery challenges traditional textbook illustrations and provides the oldest fossil evidence to date for this concept.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Study: Melting glaciers have big carbon impact

Researchers estimate that 50% more organic carbon will be exported in glacier outflow over the next 35 years, equivalent to half of the Mississippi River's annual organic carbon influx. This increase has major implications for high-latitude marine ecosystems, particularly those surrounding ice sheets.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 19, 2015

Predatory sea snails produce weaponized insulin

A new study reveals that cone snails add a unique form of insulin to their venom cocktail, which disrupts blood glucose levels and causes hypoglycemic shock in fish. The snail insulin may help unlock secrets of insulin function and energy metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Early parental program improves long-term childhood outcomes

A Penn State study found that a prenatal program aimed at enhancing couples' co-parenting relationship improved children's adjustment and school engagement at age seven. The intervention focused on fostering positive co-parenting, leading to better emotional security and well-being for the child.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJan 19, 2015

Know your enemy: Combating whooping cough requires informed vaccine booster schedules

A mathematical model identified booster schedules that result in the greatest reduction in whooping cough disease with the lowest economic cost. The most effective strategies varied depending on the underlying causes of the resurgence, including insufficient vaccine coverage, low vaccine efficacy, waning immunity, and leaky vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Cellulose with Braille for cells

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a method to produce pre-structured cellulose materials with three-dimensional micro-structures, enhancing biocompatibility. This leads to reduced inflammation and rejection reactions when using artificial implants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 19, 2015

A voyage from the Earth's crust to its mantle and back again

Researchers analyzed mid-ocean ridge basalts to understand the uranium isotope cycle, revealing a 'fingerprint' of the element in oceanic crust. The study suggests that uranium has been transported from the surface to the deep mantle through subduction, providing insights into Earth's evolution over billions of years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2015

Twist1: Complex regulator of cell shape and function

Researchers discovered that Twist1, a developmental regulator, primes cells for stem-cell-like properties when activated transiently. This leads to cellular plasticity and regenerative potential. Conversely, chronic Twist1 activity promotes invasive, non-proliferative phenotypes in tumor cells.

Giant atmospheric rivers add mass to Antarctica's ice sheet

A team of researchers from KU Leuven has made a significant discovery about the impact of atmospheric rivers on Antarctica's ice sheet. They found that these long, narrow water vapor plumes can rapidly transport large amounts of moisture and cause devastating precipitation when they hit coastal areas.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 19, 2015

New laser for computer chips

Scientists have created the first germanium-tin semiconductor laser for silicon chips, enabling faster data transfer and reducing energy consumption. The new material can be applied directly onto a silicon chip, paving the way for high-speed data transmission.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 19, 2015

Self-destructive effects of magnetically-doped ferromagnetic topological insulators

A new study reveals extreme disorder in a fundamental property of the surface electrons known as the Dirac mass in ferromagnetic topological insulators. The research found that the disorder is directly related to fluctuations in the density of magnetic dopant atoms on different parts of the crystal surface.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Hidden cell types revealed

A new statistical method for RNA-seq analysis has identified and corrected for hidden structure between cells, revealing new subtypes that may have distinct functions. This breakthrough allows researchers to create more accurate gene-expression profiles and explore cell types in cancers and diseases.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 19, 2015