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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 24


Page 24 of 36

Bicycling may help prevent type 2 diabetes

A cohort study of 24,623 men and 27,890 women found that habitual cycling was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants who took up habitual cycling during the follow-up period were at 20% lower risk for T2D than non-cyclists.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Diabetes challenges and inspires family members, study finds

A major international study found that family members play a crucial role in supporting individuals with diabetes, but also face significant emotional strain. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to include family members in educational sessions and provide them with resources to manage their loved one's condition.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateJul 12, 2016

Entanglement: Chaos

Researchers at UCSB have uncovered a link between classical chaos and quantum entanglement using controllable quantum systems. Their findings suggest that thermalization is the driving force behind both chaos and entanglement in quantum systems, with implications for quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 12, 2016

The telltale heart of chordate evolution: Study shows model organism making do with less

A new study shows that the planktonic organism Oikopleura dioica has lost most of its genes related to retinoic acid metabolism, a vital molecule for vertebrate physiology and embryonic development. This finding challenges the idea that evolution always requires more complexity or number of genes in living beings.

Research shows how to get more crop per drop

Scientists at TUM have discovered a plant-inherent water-conservation strategy that enables plants to absorb carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss. By activating this mode, plants can preserve moisture in the ground for later use during droughts, potentially increasing crop yields with limited water availability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2016

Genetics play role in character traits related to academic success, study says

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2016

Help at hand for people watching their weight

Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. The 'finger width' method was found to be more accurate than household measures, with 80% of food sizes assessed within 25% of their true weight.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Nutritional Science·DateJul 12, 2016

Surprising neutrino decoherence inside supernovae

A new study reveals that neutrinos produced in the core of a supernova are highly localized compared to all other known sources. Theoretical wave packet size is irrelevant in simpler cases, providing a more solid foundation for standard neutrino behavior theories.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 12, 2016

Genes versus chromosomes: A battle for expression in fly testes

A study published in PLOS Biology shows that multiple mechanisms regulate expression of genes from the single X chromosome in Drosophila testes, reflecting a balance between chromosome-wide transcriptional suppression and compensatory evolution by sex-linked genes. This balance has consequences for gene expression and genome evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

New clinical study shows exclusive e-cigarette use reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation

A new clinical study found that exclusive e-cigarette use significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation. The study measured biomarkers in urine, blood, and exhaled breath, revealing reductions of over 75% in carbon monoxide levels and over 80% in volatile organic compounds.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalToxicology Mechanisms and Methods·DateJul 12, 2016

Machine learning puts new lens on autism screening and diagnostics

Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2016

Stem cells feel the force

Researchers found that stretch-induced mechanical forces downregulate thousands of genes while increasing a few in skin stem cells. This leads to changes in DNA packing within the nucleus, affecting transcriptional activity and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

Deepest ever look into Orion

A new image of the Orion Nebula reveals an unexpected abundance of low-mass objects, including brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects, providing insight into star formation history. This discovery challenges current theories and suggests a higher proportion of low-mass objects than previously thought.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 12, 2016

Disentangling the plant microbiome

A new study led by researchers at Duke University found that breeding plants with beneficial bacteria to feed the world won't be simple. The study analyzed the microbial diversity of a wildflower and found that environmental differences had the biggest influence on the plant's bacterial makeup.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2016

Workplace climate, not women's 'nature,' responsible for gender-based job stress

A study by an Indiana University sociologist suggests that conditions associated with male-dominated professions cause token women to experience high levels of stress in the workplace. Men and women exhibit similar physiological responses to stressful workplace conditions, contradicting theories that women are more sensitive to exclusion.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 12, 2016

Discovery of mechanisms triggering excess antibody production during chronic infection

A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.

Rice wins interdisciplinary 'big data' grant

The new research training group will develop scientists with combined education in statistics and computer science to address complex data science challenges. The three-year program aims to integrate students from various disciplines, including machine learning, into a collaborative environment.

Study looks at program for Defence Force kids

A James Cook University researcher examined the impact of a program for children whose parent is deployed on active duty. The study found that some families benefit from an intermediary who understands their situation, and that the program has been effective in addressing social and emotional challenges.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalChildren Australia·DateJul 12, 2016

Tiny microchips enable extreme science

The tiny radiation-resistant chips play a crucial role in the Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument (JEDI), measuring particle speed, energy, and position with time accuracy down to a fraction of a billionth of a second. Without these microchips, satellite electronics would be much heavier and require more shielding and power.