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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

Hormone activation of genes takes teamwork

A team of Duke scientists used DNA-sequencing and computerized biology to study the glucocorticoid receptor's signaling system. They found that only 13% of binding sites directly respond to hormones, while the remaining 87% act as clusters that amplify signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·DateAug 25, 2016

Graphene under pressure

Researchers discovered that the shape and dimensions of graphene nano-bubbles provide information on its elastic strength and interaction with substrates. The balloons can be created intentionally to make tiny pressure machines capable of withstanding enormous pressures.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2016

Dartmouth Institute-led team developing universal toolkit to predict hospital readmission risk

A Dartmouth Institute-led team is developing a universal electronic medical record (EMR) toolkit to predict hospital readmission risk. The toolkit will integrate with existing EMRs to monitor and measure risk of readmission, focusing on patients at highest risk, particularly those hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Hurricanes are worse, but experience, gender and politics determine if you believe it

Researchers analyze data from a survey of Gulf Coast residents to understand how their perceptions of hurricane threat vary depending on their gender, belief in climate change, and recent experience. The study found that those who have recently experienced severe hurricanes are more likely to perceive the increasing violence of storms.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateAug 25, 2016

Israeli lifestyle and environment may pose exceptional risks for Hodgkin's lymphoma

A large-scale migrant cohort study found that being born in Israel significantly increases the risk of nodular sclerosis HL, with elevated risks also observed among women, those born more recently, and taller stature. The study suggests exposure to unidentified elements of the Israeli environment may contribute to the disease's etiology.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLeukemia & Lymphoma·DateAug 25, 2016

Perfluorinated compounds found in African crocodiles, American alligators

Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2016

How Lyme disease bacteria spread through the body

Researchers have developed a live-cell-imaging-based system that reveals the molecular and biomechanical mechanisms of Lyme disease bacteria's ability to spread through blood vessels. The study found that BBK32 plays a crucial role in stabilizing bacterial-vascular interactions, and bacteria use bungee-cord-like tethers to move along e...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 25, 2016

More than a few good men

A University of Utah study contradicts traditional expectations by finding that surpluses of men are associated with higher levels of marriage, relationship commitment and paternal involvement. This challenges the prevailing notion that an abundance of single men lead to outcomes of crime, violence and broken homes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 24, 2016

Climate analysis makes sense of Antarctic puzzle

Scientists warn that global warming signals are masked by random weather variations, but expect increased snowfall in Antarctica due to higher moisture levels. The study concludes that the human influence on Antarctic surface mass balance will become detectable within the next few decades.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

Barcodes show the blood family tree

Scientists at Lund University have developed a barcode system to track the development of immune cells, revealing that stem cells undergo different stages of maturation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding leukemia and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalImmunity·DateAug 24, 2016