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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

Predicting potential pharma side effects

Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateMar 8, 2016

Fifteen shades of photoreceptor in a butterfly's eye

Researchers found that Common Bluebottles have 15 photoreceptor classes, one for each wavelength of light, allowing them to distinguish millions of colors. This discovery reveals a unique system in butterfly vision, where four classes are used for routine color vision and eleven others detect specific stimuli.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 8, 2016

New therapy could treat poor blood circulation caused by peripheral artery disease

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed a potential new therapy for critical limb ischemia, a condition that causes extremely poor circulation in the limbs. The therapy, an injectable gel derived from skeletal muscle tissue, promotes muscle remodeling and improves blood flow in a rat model.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 8, 2016

Tiny fossils tell a long(ish) story

Researchers have found that the flux of organic matter to the seafloor was reduced for a shorter time than previously thought, with evidence suggesting that some food must have reached the seabed despite mass extinctions. The study used foraminiferal isotopes from a deep-sea core in the South Atlantic to investigate this paradox.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 8, 2016

Green tea and iron, bad combination

A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that green tea's antioxidant properties may be compromised when consumed with iron-rich foods or supplements. The researchers found that the main compound in green tea, EGCG, loses its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes when bound to iron.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 8, 2016

WSU receives $3.6 million NIH grant to increase underrepresented students in science majors

The WSU-IMSD program aims to facilitate the entry, persistence, and success of underrepresented minority students into science majors, guiding them to pursue careers in academics and scientific research. The program has shown significant impact, with IMSD student graduation rates at 87% and 64% pursuing further degrees.

Time to rethink your vegetable oil?

A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMar 7, 2016

Liposomes cannot penetrate the skin

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark found that liposomes cannot penetrate the human skin barrier intact. The study used a nanoscope to directly observe individual molecules and liposomes, revealing no penetration without breaking down. This challenges previous assumptions about liposome efficacy in skincare and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2016

New mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders face increased risk of suicide: Study

A comprehensive study has found that new mothers with postpartum psychiatric disorders are at a four times higher risk of death from natural or unnatural causes compared to those without the disorder. The research highlights the need for medical staff to be aware of the risk and ensure proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent suicide.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2016

Lung cancer screening: New Canadian guideline

Adults aged 55-74 with a history of current or former smoking and 30+ pack-years are advised to undergo annual low-dose CT scans up to three times. This guideline aims to detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing serious illness and death. Screening should be conducted in healthcare settings with expertise in diagnosing lung cancer.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 7, 2016

Children know best whether an allergy spray works for them

A recent study found that children aged 6-11 with seasonal allergic rhinitis reported significant symptom improvement after using MP-AzeFlu, while caregivers struggled to accurately assess symptoms. The study highlights the importance of pediatric symptom assessment in determining treatment efficacy.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateMar 7, 2016

Alzheimer's more versatile than previously known

A new study from Lund University reveals that the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain may be caused by both overproduction and problems with breaking down the protein. The research suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought, with potential implications for future treatments.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016