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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 28


Page 28 of 39

Fathers plays a critical role in family values for Mexican-origin youth

A father's family values can predict the family values held by Mexican-origin youth as well as the amount of time they spend with their families, according to new research. The study also found that parental acceptance and warmth play a crucial role in determining the link between family time and young adults' depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 11, 2016

New findings reveal social thinking in the infant brain

Researchers investigated how infants process others' actions and found that brain activity in the motor system predicts imitation of others' actions. The study provides evidence for intelligent social behavior in infants as young as 7 months old, shedding light on neural processes contributing to this complex behavior.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 11, 2016

Omega factor: Novel method measures mortality risk when multiple diseases threaten

Researchers developed a novel method to measure mortality risk in elderly cancer patients with multiple diseases, providing a more accurate assessment than current survival rates. The approach uses machine learning and calculates the 'omega factor,' which compares a patient's cancer mortality risk to their overall mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 11, 2016

PET scans guiding chemo boosts remission for Hodgkin patients

A clinical trial found that using PET imaging to guide chemotherapy significantly increases remission rates and reduces toxic side effects in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The study showed a promising approach to tailor treatment to individual patients, leading to a potential new standard of care.

SourceSWOG·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 11, 2016

New way to smell a rat means end for rodents

Scientists at Simon Fraser University have developed a new method to exterminate rats by replicating the male brown rat's sex pheromone. This attracts female brown rats, allowing for effective trapping. The discovery forms part of a three-pronged rat control tactic that also exploits sound communication and food preferences.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 11, 2016

Small nerve fibers defy neuropathy conventions

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that even prediabetes can cause nerve damage in people with small fiber neuropathy, challenging the conventional wisdom of how nerves deteriorate. The research showed that patients with prediabetes lost about 10% of their nerve fiber density each year, similar to those with diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 11, 2016

Fatty liver disease is common

A large study found that fatty liver disease is common among liver transplant recipients, with a significant increase in prevalence over time. The condition is linked to various risk factors, including high body mass index, elevated blood triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes, but does not affect short-term patient survival.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateApr 10, 2016

Hi-tech opens up Earth's secrets

Geologists now track tectonic plate motion to understand ocean and mountain range formation, as well as animal species distribution. The technology reveals new geological relationships in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, with implications for predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateApr 10, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

Controlling 'bad cholesterol' production could prevent growth of tumors, study finds

Researchers found that cancer cells can regulate the body's lipid metabolism to increase production of lipids. Minimizing liver production of LDL can deprive tumors of their constant supply and reduce growth. The study aims to test existing medications for hypercholesterolemia on patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Novel optogenetic tool

Scientists have created an optogenetic tool that can control specific G-protein-coupled signalling pathways in the brain with high temporal precision. By using different-coloured light, researchers can switch these pathways on and off, offering new insights into the role of certain signalling pathways in disease.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 8, 2016

Simultaneous cocaine, alcohol use linked to suicide risk

A new study found that simultaneous cocaine and alcohol use is a red flag for suicide risk, with the risk being 2.4 times higher among those using both substances. The study also showed that substance misuse was less likely an indicator of suicide risk among whites and women, but more likely among older adults.

SourceBrown University·JournalCrisis·DateApr 8, 2016