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Science News Archive January 2016 - Page 11


Page 11 of 31

Soybean meal produced in US has greater energy values when fed to pigs than previously estimated

Research at the University of Illinois found that US-grown soybean meal contains at least 200 kcal more digestible, metabolizable, and net energy than current estimates. This increases its economic value and can reduce diet costs if used in pig feed formulations.

Guidelines for human genome editing

McGill University researchers suggest a model for guiding policy on germline gene editing, based on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis after in vitro fertilization. The PGD model provides a robust approach to regulation, outlining medically determined requirements and substantial risk of occurrence for genetic testing.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2016

Smithsonian botanist discovers new ground-flowering plant in Panama

The discovery of Calathea galdamesiana highlights the importance of botanical research and conservation efforts in Panama. The new species is distinguished by its unique leaf shape and ground-dwelling inflorescences, and was discovered during a biological diversity inventory organized by the Panamanian Ministry of the Environment.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas·DateJan 21, 2016

Diagnosing depression before it starts

A new brain imaging study from MIT and Harvard Medical School may lead to a screen that could identify children at high risk of developing depression later in life. The researchers found distinctive brain differences in children known to be at high risk due to family history of depression, suggesting an early intervention strategy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2016

Personal history with street gangs sparks U. of I. graduate student's research

A recent study by University of Illinois graduate student Gabriel Merrin found that youths who resisted pressure to join street gangs were more likely to perceive fair treatment by teachers and have at least one adult in their life for support. These findings underscore the importance of positive educational experiences and supportive ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateJan 21, 2016

Glowing tumors could help surgeons cut out cancer

Researchers have made significant progress in developing fluorescent chemical probes that can target specific cancer cells, allowing for more accurate tumor removal. These probes have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 21, 2016

Mitochondrial DNA levels in the blood may predict risk of developing kidney disease

A study found that high levels of mitochondrial DNA in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The researchers analyzed data from over 9,500 participants and discovered that individuals with higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers had a 25% lower risk of CKD compared to those with lower levels.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 21, 2016

60 genetic disorders affect skin and nervous system

Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center identified 60 genetic diseases that involve the skin, central nervous system, and/or peripheral nervous system. These conditions, including neurofibromatosis, can cause a range of symptoms such as tumors, learning disabilities, and bone deformities.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCurrent Neurology and Neuroscience Reports·DateJan 21, 2016

New insights into the supercritical state of water

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study supercritical water, revealing differences in hydrogen bond networks between three states: liquid water at room temperature, high-density and low-density supercritical states. The study aims to interpret experimental results using terahertz spectroscopy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 21, 2016

Study: Controlling parents create mean college kids

A new study by University of Vermont psychologist Jamie Abaied found that college students whose parents exert psychological control are more likely to engage in hostile behavior with their peers. The study suggests that parental control can stunt independence and lead to relational aggression, which involves harming feelings or damagi...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJan 21, 2016

Why are habits so hard to break?

New research by Duke University scientists suggests that habits like sugar addiction manifest in the brain's basal ganglia circuitry, leading to a 'go' signal that primes cravings. The study found that mice with formed habits had altered brain activity patterns, including a change in timing between go and stop signals.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateJan 21, 2016

When it comes to newborns, age matters

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a reliable method to estimate an infant's gestational age using a metabolic profile derived from routine newborn screenings. This technique can help doctors determine if a baby was born on time or prematurely, which is crucial for deciding medical care and identifying potential health is...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 21, 2016

Examining genetic diversity of T. cruzi from California kissing bugs

The study reveals a low prevalence of T. cruzi parasites with limited genetic diversity, contradicting previous assumptions about the parasite's presence in the US. This suggests that local transmission of Chagas disease may be lower than previously thought, but also highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 21, 2016