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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 19


Page 19 of 36

Solving a plant-based Rubik's cube puzzle

Researchers at John Innes Centre discover a key 'twist' in producing heteroyohimbine compounds, which could lead to new and effective pharmaceuticals. The study reveals the importance of specific amino acid sequences in controlling stereoselectivity during compound synthesis.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2016

New protocol enables analysis of metabolic products from fixed tissues

A team of scientists at Helmholtz Munich developed a protocol to analyze metabolite composition in fixed tissues using mass spectrometry imaging. This method allows for the study of spatial distribution of molecules with high precision, enabling the identification of new predictive, diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Selecting good 'drug-like' properties to optimize small molecule blood-brain barrier penetration

Researchers review physicochemical properties necessary to penetrate the BBB and conclude a list of properties that can increase the chances of small molecule penetration into the brain. The study emphasizes the importance of retaining the pharmacophore and working it into a structure that emphasizes the presented properties.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2016

Study points to fast-acting drug for OCD

A Duke University study found a single chemical receptor in the brain responsible for OCD symptoms in mice. The receptor, mGluR5, was found to be overactive in mice with Sapap3 gene deletion, which mimics human OCD. When blocked, symptoms abated immediately.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2016

Race, not gender, is key factor in NIH awards

A new study led by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that race is the key factor influencing NIH awards, with black and white applicants facing significant gaps in funding. White women have a slight advantage over men in receiving NIH Type 1 awards, while women of color face disadvantage due to racial bias.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJul 15, 2016

Protein pairs make cells remember

Researchers have discovered that protein pairs are essential for cellular memory, allowing cells to store and recall information. The formation of these pairs enables cells to respond more quickly to environmental stimuli and differentiate into specialized cells.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 15, 2016

'Noah's Ark' ex silico

An international team of researchers is using big-data approach to plan effective conservation by modeling climate-change response of over 100,000 species. The project aims to identify regions and ecosystems that preserve biodiversity and critical ecosystems, reducing extinctions due to climate change.

Proteins team up to turn on T cells

Researchers at Caltech investigate the genetic switch that directs cells to become T cells, discovering a multi-tiered process involving four proteins that work together in three distinct steps. This finding has potential applications in boosting T-cell populations and fighting diseases such as AIDS.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 15, 2016

Early echocardiography to study pulmonary hypertension in mouse model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

A new mouse model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia has been developed to study pulmonary hypertension, enabling the detection of the disease at an earlier time point through echocardiography tests. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnoses and more effective treatments for premature infants.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·DateJul 15, 2016

Reopening avenues for attacking ALS

Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers found that bone marrow transplantation extended the lifespan of mice with a common ALS-causing gene mutation by 43 days. The study suggests that the gene operates at a crossroads between disease and autoimmunity, and may hold key to developing therapies for specific subpopulations of ALS patients.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 15, 2016

Penn study: Friendly competition and a financial incentive increases team exercise

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that comparing performance to peers and offering financial incentives increased physical activity among teams. The results showed that combining social comparison feedback with financial incentives led to the highest rate of achieving exercise goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJul 15, 2016

Organic computers are coming

Researchers discover a derivative of [3]-radialene, a small planar molecule, which can be used to create organic semiconductors. The molecule increases the electrical conductivity of polymers by several tens and hundreds of times, paving the way for new organic solar cells and field-effect transistors.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2016

The success of the plant-eating dinosaurs

A new study reveals that plant-eating ornithopod dinosaurs experienced four evolutionary bursts, with improved jaws and efficiency playing a key role. Despite rapid plant evolution during the Mesozoic, these herbivores remained successful, with some species even specializing in conifer digestion.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 14, 2016

Biodiversity falls below 'safe levels' globally

A recent study found that biodiversity loss is no longer within the safe limit in most parts of the world. The greatest changes have happened in areas where most people live, affecting physical and psychological wellbeing. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve remaining natural vegetation and restore human-used lands.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2016