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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

Penn researchers find one-third of patients with low flow aortic stenosis do not improve with transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Researchers found that approximately one-third of patients with low flow AS treated with TAVR continue to suffer persistent low flow AS. These patients have a 60% higher rate of mortality at one year due to poor blood flow, emphasizing the need for improved treatment and monitoring.

How the butterfly got its spots

By editing just one or two genes, Cornell University researchers have altered the patterns on a butterfly's wings, shedding light on their evolution and potential applications. The study found that the distal-less gene plays a crucial role in shaping multiple body parts, including eyespots.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2016

Stop cells in the brain

Researchers identified 'stop cells' in the brainstem of mice and lampreys that quickly end movement by activating neural networks. The study provides new insights into the neuronal control of movement termination in vertebrates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 14, 2016

Islands and their ecosystems

Biologist Juliano Sarmento Cabral's research focuses on understanding island ecosystems' diversity and its connection to the past. He simulates nature in virtual worlds to study how environmental factors affect plants and animals, including the impact of climate change on epiphytes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2016

Protein structure paves the way for new broad spectrum antifungals

A team of Duke researchers has solved the structure of an enzyme required to synthesize trehalose, a chemical cousin to table sugar that pathogenic fungi need to survive in human hosts. The research paves the way for designing new antifungal drugs against three deadly fungi: Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Origin of a myth: The second trauma cure for amnesia

Despite medical community's understanding of brain function, the double-trauma amnesia cure belief persisted due to anecdotal evidence and flawed theories. A French scientist named Francois Xavier Bichat proposed the idea that a second blow could restore memories in the late 18th century, but his claims were not backed by specific cases.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 2016

Discovery of a new mating position in frogs

Scientists have described a new mating position in the Bombay night frog, where males straddle over females' backs to release sperm without physical contact. This behavior is unique among anuran amphibians and has significant implications for understanding reproductive strategies.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 14, 2016

A new business model is needed to drive antibiotic development

A new business model is required to drive antibiotic development, driven by market failures and perverse incentives that hinder conservation efforts. The proposed delinkage of rewards from sales volume could transform the industry and ensure the development of much-needed new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Blood pressure medications reduce stroke and heart attack in peritoneal dialysis patients

A new study found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and death in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The study involved 4,879 patients and showed a 16% lower risk of cardiovascular events with...

SourceLA BioMed·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·DateJun 14, 2016

Study compares effectiveness of weight-loss drugs

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that phentermine-topiramate and liraglutide were associated with the highest odds of achieving at least 5% weight loss. The study included nearly 30,000 overweight or obese adults and identified the efficacy of five FDA-approved long-term weight loss agents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 14, 2016

Polymer 'pens'

The University of Delaware-DuPont team has received an NSF grant to investigate a new approach to manufacturing small-scale structures that are cheaper, lighter and defect-free. The research aims to create ultra-small features using self-assembling macromolecules and block copolymers.