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Science News Archive 2016


Page 1 of 423

Scientists establish first map of the sea lion brain

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a detailed map of the California sea lion's brain, highlighting its unique somatosensory system. The study revealed specific areas in the brain responsible for processing touch information from whiskers and flippers, similar to those found in mice and humans.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateApr 27, 2016

Researchers urge caution around psilocybin use

A recent survey of 1,993 people who experienced negative reactions to psilocybin found that 10.7% reported putting themselves or others at risk for physical harm. Despite this, most respondents described their experience as 'meaningful' and ranked it among the top five most significant experiences in their lives.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateDec 30, 2016

Ancient DNA can both diminish and defend modern minds

A recent study published in The FASEB Journal found that the Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) allele, associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline in industrialized societies, may actually improve cognitive function in individuals exposed to high levels of parasites in a traditional foraging environment. This su...

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 30, 2016

Fossil fuel formation: Key to atmosphere's oxygen?

A new study links rapid increase in sediment burial of carbon-rich organic matter to the surge in atmospheric oxygen during the Cambrian explosion. This process prevented dead plant material from burning and allowed oxygen to build up. Fossil fuel formation played a crucial role in supporting advanced animal life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateDec 30, 2016

Diamonds are technologists' best friends

Scientists from Lomonosov Moscow State University have developed a technology to produce small diamond crystals in needle- and thread-like shapes, which could be used in sensors, quantum optical devices, and other areas of science and technology. The technique involves heating polycrystalline diamond films to oxidize most of the materi...

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 29, 2016

Image-based modeling

Researchers developed a novel image-based simulation approach that accounts for realistic architectural non-idealities and flow physics in tissue engineering scaffolds. This technology allows for correlating cell behavior and tissue growth with flow, tracking relationships over time via repeated scanning.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateDec 29, 2016

Penn experts call for expansion of molecular imaging in precision cancer care

Molecular imaging techniques have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment by providing non-invasive alternatives to traditional biopsies. By identifying specific biomarkers, these methods can help doctors choose the most effective treatments, minimize side effects, and predict patient outcomes.

Endometrial cancer mutations are detectable in uterine lavage fluid before cancer diagnosis

Researchers discovered cancer-driving gene mutations in uterine lavage fluid of women with and without endometrial cancer. The study's findings suggest that these pre-cancerous mutations can be detected using advanced genomic technologies, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

Scientists opened a new chapter in the study of malaria mosquitoes

Scientists have successfully cultivated a new species of malaria mosquito in the laboratory, allowing for more accurate investigation of their physiology and ability to transfer the disease. The study also found that the species has an expanded habitat range across Eurasia, with populations declining in some areas due to climate change.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalJournal of Vector Ecology·DateDec 29, 2016

Flood threats changing across US

A new study by University of Iowa engineers finds that flood risk is growing in the northern US and declining in the southern half, due to shifting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. The research suggests regional variations can be attributed to changes in rainfall and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 29, 2016

Hubble gazes at a cosmic megamaser

The galaxy IRAS 16399-0937 hosts a double nucleus, with the northern nucleus featuring a black hole of massive proportions and a starburst region in the southern part. Hubble's observations reveal the intricate structure of this cosmic megamaser, shedding light on its unique composition and energetic processes.

Fenofibrate may reduce heart disease risk in some patients with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that fenofibrate therapy may be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes who take statins but still have high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests a potential benefit of combining fenofibrate with statin treatment for this specific patient population.

Magnetic stem cells for gene engineering

Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed magnetic stem cells that can target cancer cells with precision and deliver medication directly to the tumor site. The technology uses patient's own magnet-controlled cells, which are not rejected by the immune system and cause less harm.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateDec 28, 2016