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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 9


Page 9 of 32

Multi-social millennials more likely depressed than social(media)ly conservative peers

A national survey found that young adults who use seven to 11 social media platforms have more than three times the risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who use zero to two platforms. Multitasking, navigating platform rules, and committing social media faux pas may contribute to these negative outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 19, 2016

Low-carb diet alleviates inherited form of intellectual disability in mice

A low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet has been shown to alleviate symptoms of a rare inherited intellectual disability in mice genetically engineered with a Kabuki syndrome-like condition. The study suggests that correcting an imbalance in chromatin's open and closed states may improve mental function, offering new hope for treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

The transgender 'bathroom bill': Who wants it -- men or women?

A study analyzed public comments on online news articles about transgender individuals using female-only bathrooms. Men were found to be more concerned about safety and privacy, while women expressed muted concerns about potential 'perverts'. The study's findings suggest that male transphobia may be linked to traditional masculine roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalGender Issues·DateDec 19, 2016

Exhausted T cells

LJI researchers identified key factors controlling T cell fate, shedding light on molecular mechanisms behind T cell exhaustion. This study offers new approaches to clinical intervention strategies to modulate T cell activity and improve immune function.

Hypoxia signaling plays a physiological role in the formation of the heart

Scientists have discovered that hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) establish metabolic boundaries between cardiomyocytes to regulate maturation and contraction of the muscle. This pathway challenges previous models on heart metabolism, playing a critical role in correct formation of ventricles.

Mimicking biological movements with soft robots

Researchers have developed a method to automatically design soft actuators for complex motions, enabling the creation of soft robots that can bend and twist like living tissues. This breakthrough streamlines the process of designing soft robots, allowing for the creation of robots with enhanced mobility and dexterity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Newly identified pathway in mitochondria fuels tumor progression across cancer types

Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel protein pathway in mitochondria that controls energy production for cell invasion and metastasis across multiple cancer types. This pathway, previously observed in neurons, has strong clinical implications and represents a potential therapeutic target for several types of cancer.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2016

Investing in fisheries management improves fish populations

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that successful fisheries management is critical to maintaining productive fish populations. The research found that science-based stock assessments, limits on fishing pressure, and adequate enforcement are key attributes of effective management systems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016