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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 32

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are concerns for older kidney transplant recipients

Rates of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are higher among older kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. Older patients with kidney failure who receive a kidney transplant are at increased risk of developing these conditions, which can threaten both their transplanted organ and survival.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2016

Genetic variants are associated with susceptibility to mouth and throat cancer

A specific group of genetic variants in the human leukocyte antigen genomic region is linked to enhanced protection against HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The study found eight loci associated with susceptibility to oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer, including seven that had not been previously linked to mouth or throat cancer.

Dental hygiene, caveman style

A study of 1.2-million-year-old tartar reveals that ancient humans used a kind of toothpick to clean their teeth, while consuming a balanced diet of meat and starchy foods. The analysis also suggests they ate grass seeds and had access to forests.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateDec 15, 2016

National Academy of Medicine launches 'action collaborative' to promote clinician well-being and combat burnout, depression, and suicide among health-care workers

The National Academy of Medicine has launched a wide-ranging initiative to promote clinician well-being and resilience. The collaboration aims to identify priorities and collective efforts to advance evidence-based solutions and promote multidisciplinary approaches to combat burnout, depression, and suicide among healthcare workers.

More exact, ethical method to tell the sex of baby chickens

Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

New report calls for forward-looking analysis and a review of restoration goals for the Everglades

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend a re-examination of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's original goals due to changing environmental conditions. The report emphasizes the need for forward-looking, systemwide analysis of Everglades restoration outcomes across various scenarios.

Understanding X-chromosome silencing in humans

Scientists have discovered a new long RNA molecule, XACT, which accumulates with XIST on active X-chromosomes in human embryos. This finding explains why XIST is unable to trigger X-chromosome silencing until later stages of development. The research also reveals that XACT restrains XIST activity before chromosome silencing occurs.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 15, 2016

Groundbreaking discovery has potential to improve therapies for cancer and other diseases

A study by Lawson Research Institute has discovered that the Retinoblastoma protein works with EZH2 to silence repetitive DNA sequences, potentially leading to enhanced therapies for cancer and HIV. The research suggests that targeting these proteins could reveal viral hiding places in immune memory cells, allowing for new treatments.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 15, 2016