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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 32

Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine

The synthesized compounds showed potent anticonvulsant activity in the MES test, with Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine being more effective than thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The log P values revealed a positive correlation with activity, with the most potent compound being benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCentral Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2016

Why can't monkeys speak?

A computer model revealed monkeys could easily produce many different sounds, implying a basic form of spoken language could have evolved without changes in vocal anatomy. Monkeys' ability to vocalize was found to be unrelated to their speech capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2016

Older women with breast cancer report better cosmetic satisfaction with less radiation, less surgery

A study published by University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that older women with breast cancer who underwent less radiation therapy reported improved cosmetic satisfaction. However, reduced radiation was also associated with a slightly increased risk of disease recurrence. The researchers suggest that there may be an opti...

Study finds capuchin monkeys produce sharp stone flakes similar to tools

Researchers have discovered that capuchin monkeys in Brazil produce sharp-edged conchoidal flakes with smooth rounded facets, resembling the shape of scallop shells. These unintentionally produced flakes exhibit identical characteristics and morphology to intentionally produced hominin tools, dating back to 2.6 million years ago.

Cow gene study shows why most clones fail

A new study by researchers from the U.S. and France finds that multiple anomalies in gene expression, including failure to implant and placenta development, contribute to the high rate of pregnancy failure for cloned embryos. The study reveals critical developmental genes and hormonal signaling issues that lead to these failures.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2016

NIH scientists develop new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis

Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have established a new mouse model to study Salmonella meningitis. The model mimics the progression of the disease from the gastrointestinal tract to the brain, providing a new tool for investigating this potentially life-threatening illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 9, 2016

Hydrogen from sunlight -- but as a dark reaction

Scientists have developed a biomimetic photosynthesis approach using graphitic carbon nitride material to store and release light-generated electrons for catalytic hydrogen production. This technology enables the production of storable solar fuels independent of solar irradiation intermittency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

Dipole orientation: New dimension in super-resolution microscopy

A new polarization-dipole azimuth-based super-resolution technique has been proposed, addressing a long-standing debate on the role of fluorescence polarization in super-resolution imaging. The technique uses SDOM technology to improve spatial resolution and detection accuracy, revealing interesting findings in biological samples.

Metaphoring the police: It's all about the right choice of word

Experiments reveal that using the protective concept of 'guardian' instead of 'warrior' to describe police can influence people's attitudes towards law enforcement. Participants who saw the police as 'guardians' felt the justice system was more fair and effective than those who considered them 'warriors'.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 8, 2016

Shooting, gang violence exposure leads to PTSD

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant connection between exposure to gang violence and severe depression, with 36% of women exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research highlights the often-overlooked impact of traumatic experiences on mental health in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateDec 8, 2016

Soil pHertility

Researchers create a global map of soil pH, revealing an abrupt transition zone between acidic wet climates and alkaline dry climates. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as the ideal neutral range soils are found in areas like Iowa and Ukraine, which are intensively farmed.

New method helps compare cholera vaccine costs

Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 8, 2016

Researchers create hidden images with commercial inkjet printers

Scientists developed a method to print hidden images with commercial inkjet printers that can be revealed only with specific illumination, making it ideal for security-related applications. The technique uses silver and carbon ink to create arrays of rods with varying conductivities, allowing for the encoding of information.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 8, 2016

Anxiety measure for children with autism proven reliable

A new method devised by Drexel University professor Connor Kerns to diagnose anxiety symptoms in children with autism has been proven effective. The Autism Spectrum Addendum (ASA) adds new questions to the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule - Child/Parent, helping determine behaviors related to autism versus anxiety.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateDec 8, 2016

Study furthers research on protein involved in kidney disease

A study reveals that the liver is the primary source of Apol1, a protein linked to kidney disease, and finds a significant association between APOL1 gene variants and increased risk in individuals of recent African ancestry. The findings provide new insights into the biology of Apol1 and its potential role in health and disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 8, 2016

Key regulator of bone development identified

Researchers at Penn State University have identified Speckle-type POZ Protein (Spop) as a key regulator of bone development. The study reveals that Spop positively regulates Hedgehog signaling during bone formation, leading to reduced bone density and brachydactyly-like symptoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2016

Jumping water striders know how to avoid breaking of the water surface

Researchers discovered that jumping water striders adjust their leg movements to prevent the water surface from breaking, allowing them to achieve maximum jump speeds. By studying the biomechanics of these near-vertical jumps, scientists built a mathematical model to explain the behavior and verified its predictions with actual data.