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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 4


Page 4 of 35

Risk factors for prostate cancer

New research analyzed data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify prostate cancer risk factors. The study found that age, race, and family history are significant risk factors for prostate cancer, while obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking show a protective effect.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics·DateSep 29, 2015

Wrangling proteins gone wild

Researchers at McGill University have developed a suite of computer programs to speed up the process of drug discovery for diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's. The Fibrilizer program analyzes billions of possible genetic mutations to find weak spots in toxic protein strands, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBioinformatics·DateSep 29, 2015

People with genetic variant increasing vitamin D metabolism improve blood sugar control with high protein weight loss diet

Research shows that people carrying specific genetic variants of vitamin D metabolism can benefit from a high-protein weight loss diet, leading to improved insulin resistance and blood sugar control. The study found significant interactions between the DHCR7 variant and dietary protein, but not with other genetic variants or dietary fat.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateSep 29, 2015

Hopes of improved brain implants

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 29, 2015

Resilient personality of cities could help in a recession

A recent study found that cities fared better during the 2008-09 recession in regions with stronger emotional stability and entrepreneurial personality profiles. Cities like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif., and Jackson, Tenn., exhibited higher scores for entrepreneurial personality and emotional stability, while others struggled.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 29, 2015

New research into completers and non-completers of offending behavior programs

A University of Leicester study found that high-risk and impulsive offenders require extra support to complete rehabilitation programs, with non-completers exhibiting higher levels of non-planning impulsivity. The research suggests that these offenders may benefit from additional pre-programme work or ongoing support during the program.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·DateSep 28, 2015

Study: Ancestral background can be determined by fingerprints

A study found that fingerprint characteristics can identify an individual's ancestral background, with significant differences between European American and African American ancestry. Researchers analyzed right index-finger fingerprints of 243 individuals from diverse backgrounds to determine if patterns were specific to sex or ancestry.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 28, 2015