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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 30


Page 30 of 39

A new role for vitamin B6 in plants

Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in nitrogen metabolism, informing plants of their ammonium content and helping regulate its use. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to prevent overuse of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which harm the environment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016

National underutilization of preemptive and early kidney transplants

A new study by Mayo Clinic reveals that only one-third of patients receive preemptive or early living donor kidney transplants, despite research suggesting improved patient outcomes. The study highlights the need for education and access to information about living donor kidney transplantation to improve long-term outcomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 8, 2016

Clean energy from water

A team of researchers led by Catherine Housecroft and Edwin Constable developed a water oxidation model that simulates fuel cells powered by light radiation. The model uses compounds of ruthenium as a catalyst, enabling the self-assembly of individual components in a hierarchical structure.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 8, 2016

Device hits pancreatic tumors hard with toxic 4-drug cocktail, sparing the body

A new implantable device delivers a toxic 4-drug cocktail directly to pancreatic tumors, limiting widespread side effects and increasing drug delivery by at least three times. This innovative approach shows promising results in halting tumor growth and shrinking tumors, offering new hope for patients with this deadly cancer.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

More detailed analysis of how cells react to stress

A new method called 'ADPr-ChAP' allows researchers to identify chromatin sites modified by ADP-ribosylation in response to cell stress, enabling a better understanding of the cellular stress reaction. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of intervening in disease-making processes such as chronic inflammation and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 8, 2016

Electron's 1-D metallic surface state observed

A group of researchers created a unique 1D nano electronic system on the surface of a solid and observed its electronic state using photo-emitted electrons. This discovery will help elucidate the mystery of unique electronic properties of 1D nano metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2016

'Cannibalism' between stars

Researchers discovered that stars undergo sharp stellar brightening caused by gravitational instabilities in massive gaseous disks, leading to a new understanding of star formation and evolution. The discovery may imply that our Sun experienced several such episodes, affecting the formation of giant planets.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 5, 2016

New solution to economic eyesores?

Researchers are testing whether recycling and repurposing building materials can revitalize a distressed Great Lakes community. The project aims to create an economic cluster by identifying industries that can maximize material reuse and resale. By doing so, it could provide jobs and boost local economy.

Assessing the biosimilarity of protein drugs: New study shows method's precision

A new study published in Nature Biotechnology reports that a 2D-NMR spectroscopy method can reliably assess the atomic structures of biologically similar products, yielding equivalent fingerprints. The method's precision is demonstrated through an interlaboratory comparison of four versions of a therapeutic protein drug.

Where infants sleep may affect how long they are breastfed

A study of 678 women found that frequent bed-sharing with infants and a strong motivation to breastfeed were linked to longer breastfeeding durations. This challenges recommendations against bed-sharing due to SIDS fears, suggesting these practices may hinder some mothers from achieving their breastfeeding goals.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateFeb 5, 2016

First reported autopsy of patient with MERS coronavirus infection provides critical insights

The article presents findings from the first reported autopsy of a patient with MERS coronavirus infection, revealing diffuse damage to lungs and identification of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies in specific cells. These results contradict previous assumptions and suggest that lung targeting is crucial for infectious control strategies.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 5, 2016

Cells that show where things are going

Scientists have identified four classes of nerve cell involved in calculating directionally selective signals in fruit flies, unlike previously proposed models. These cells, including T5 cells, perceive the direction of motion and receive input from four upstream cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 5, 2016

Scientists discover molecular link between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes

Researchers have discovered a molecular link between psychiatric disorders and type 2 diabetes, with the DISC1 gene playing a critical role in pancreatic beta cell function. The study found that disrupting the DISC1 gene led to increased beta cell death, impaired glucose regulation, and reduced insulin secretion.

A flawed measure

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that 34.4 million Americans considered overweight by BMI are actually healthy, and 19.8 million who are considered obese are also healthy. The research reveals that BMI mislabels millions of individuals as unhealthy, while overlooking those with 'healthy' BMIs who a...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 5, 2016

Health care for older adults should honor diversity

By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 5, 2016

The mystery of the Red Sea

Biologists from Moscow State University found new luminescent creatures in the Red Sea, with unique fluorescent patterns that can help identify different species. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals insights into the role of glow in attracting prey and exploring symbiotic relationships.

Online shopping might not be as green as we thought

A multi-year regional study at the University of Delaware suggests that home shopping has a greater impact on transportation sector than previously believed. The study found that online shopping leads to increased wear and tear on pavements and higher environmental pollution due to more delivery trucks on the roads.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology·DateFeb 5, 2016