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Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 32


Page 32 of 39

Meaningful media may push altruism across bounds of race and age

Researchers found that watching meaningful entertainment can boost altruism, especially towards people from different age and racial groups. The study suggests that this is due to the production of warm, uplifting feelings known as 'elevation', which lead to increased willingness to help others.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 4, 2016

Mitochondria shown to trigger cell aging

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that eliminating mitochondria from aging cells can rejuvenate them, highlighting the critical role of mitochondria in cellular aging. The study's findings shed light on how mitochondrial biogenesis drives cellular aging and pave the way for targeted therapies to counteract this process.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 2016

Predicting periodontitis at state and local levels in the United States

Researchers estimate US periodontitis prevalence at state and local levels using a novel SAE method, revealing high risk areas in the southeast and southwest, including Native American reservations. The study informs oral health policy decisions and intervention strategies to increase access to care for populations at higher risk.

The test that reveals cancer sooner

Researchers developed a new test that detected mesothelioma 4-10 years before symptoms appeared, using a specific protein marker. The ONCOblot test detected the ENOX2 protein in serum samples from asbestos-exposed individuals, paving the way for earlier cancer detection and potentially reducing deaths.

SourceONCOblot Labs·JournalClinical Proteomics·DateFeb 4, 2016

New material lights up when detecting explosives

Scientists have created a material that turns fluorescent when detecting explosives in its vicinity. This discovery could lead to improved e.g., airport security measures. The new material consists of molecules held together by weak bonds, which are easily influenced by their surroundings and can be used to detect explosives.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 4, 2016

Scientists bridge different materials by design

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have designed and constructed interfaces between materials with different structures, leading to improved physical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of better batteries, fuel cells, and other devices that rely on well-ordered interfaces between materials.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 2016

Antibiotic's killer strategy revealed

Researchers at Princeton University discovered the mode of action of antibiotic tropodithietic acid (TDA), revealing its ability to kill cancer cells. TDA's unique mechanism involves disrupting cell membrane function, rendering it a potential anticancer agent.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2016

UT study measures impact of removing Planned Parenthood from Texas women's health program

A recent UT study found a decrease in highly effective contraceptive services and an increase in Medicaid-paid childbirths after Planned Parenthood was removed from a Texas women's health program. The researchers also discovered that the removal led to a significant drop in claims for long-acting, reversible contraceptives like implant...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2016

The evolution of Dark-fly

Researchers discovered that Dark-fly has a competitive advantage in reproduction over its wild-type counterpart when bred in the dark. The team sequenced the genome of Dark-fly and identified 28 genetic regions responsible for its unique adaptations, including genes involved in pheromone synthesis and circadian rhythms.