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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 24


Page 24 of 38

Targeting the gut-brain connection can impact immunity

A study by Duke University researchers found that manipulating dopamine signaling can control inflammation in the gut, providing a proof of principle for using drugs originally designed to target the nervous system to treat immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Health behaviors and management critical for spinal cord injury patients

Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTopics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation·DateAug 11, 2016

Disrupting mitochondrial function could improve treatment of fungal infections

Researchers have identified a potential antifungal mechanism by targeting mitochondrial respiration in pathogenic fungi, which could enable combination therapy with fluconazole and prevent drug resistance. The approach has shown promise in treating severe invasive fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 11, 2016

Study finds Hispanic men in California need more screening for colorectal cancer

A recent study by the University of California - Davis Health found that Hispanic men in California have lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer compared to white men. The study suggests that increased screening can help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of the disease among this population.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 11, 2016

Autophagy under the microscope as never before

Scientists have dissected the autophagy process in unprecedented molecular detail using live imaging and super resolution microscopy. The study reveals how the first autophagy structure forms and clarifies protein and membrane associations leading to its development into a fully-fledged autophagosome.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2016

Dietary compound linked to heart disease may be influenced by gut microbiome

A recent Cornell University study suggests that circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may be a biomarker of differences in the gut microbiome rather than a cause of heart disease. Researchers found that healthy men with elevated TMAO levels after consuming eggs and beef also had high counts of firmicutes, a type of bacteria that co...

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateAug 11, 2016

Your brain on Google Glass

Researchers at Drexel University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity while participants navigated a college campus with Google Glass. They found that users had higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than those using an iPhone, but also experienced cognitive tunneling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2016

Directly reprogramming a cell's identity with gene editing

Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 11, 2016

High and low levels of 'good cholesterol' may cause premature death

A large-scale study found that both high and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of premature death. Intermediate levels, however, may increase longevity. The research used data from over 1.7 million male veterans and showed a U-shaped curve relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and mortality.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 11, 2016

How did primate brains get so big?

A new study reconstructs virtual brains from ancient primate skulls, showing that early primates developed larger brains after specialization in vision and neurological functions. The findings suggest that modern primates' large brains are a result of evolutionary adaptations rather than innate traits.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

More gorilla than chimp

A recent study on the internal anatomy of a fossil human relative's heel bone reveals greater similarities with gorillas than chimpanzees. The researchers discovered that this fossil, from the StW 352 Australopithecus africanus, exhibited gorilla-like levels of joint mobility and structural reinforcement.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 11, 2016

Does marriage affect drinking? A new study provides insights

A University of Virginia study found that married individuals tend to drink less frequently and in fewer drinks than single or divorced people. In contrast, singles are more likely to drink more often and in larger quantities. The researchers suggest that intimate relationships may provide a protective effect against excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 11, 2016

Disregarded plant molecule actually a treasure

Research by Salk Institute scientists reveals phaseic acid's unexpected role as a plant hormone crucial for drought resistance and survival traits. The study suggests that phaseic acid may inform the development of new, hardier crops to weather climate change-induced natural disasters.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateAug 11, 2016