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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 32


Page 32 of 41

Clinician communication reduced distress related to the detection of incidental nodules

A cross-sectional survey found that detailed clinician communication can alleviate patient distress associated with incidental pulmonary nodules. Patients who received accurate information about their nodule size and diagnosis had a more reassuring experience, reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 7, 2016

'Person-on-a-chip': U of T engineers grow 3-D heart, liver tissues for better drug testing

Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed a new way of growing realistic human tissues outside the body, called AngioChip. The technology uses a three-dimensional structure complete with internal blood vessels and can be used to test drugs on lab-grown human tissues, providing a realistic model at a fraction of the cost.

Songbirds pinpoint effects of Huntington's disease

Researchers have pinpointed the effects of Huntington's disease on a specific brain area responsible for complex movements, such as talking or playing music. The study suggests that reintroducing normal patterns of activity in this area may be sufficient to restore normal behavior, offering potential therapeutic targets.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Preemies' gut bacteria reveal vast scope of antibiotic resistance

A new study found that premature infants' gut bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, with almost 800 genes identified, including those associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The study suggests that routine antibiotic use in preterm infants may not be effective and could lead to increased infection risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Team finds new approach to curbing cancer cell growth

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have identified a novel drug candidate that targets serine biosynthesis in cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. The new compound, CBR-5884, specifically targets the enzyme PHGDH, which is responsible for serine production, and shows promise in treating breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

New York harbor's oyster beds once protected against severe storm and extreme wave damage

A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers suggests that the destruction of oyster reefs in New York Harbor led to a significant increase in storm-induced overwash deposition. The authors found that before European settlement, oyster beds absorbed wave energy, providing coastal protection.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateMar 7, 2016

Shark babies remain strong in future acidic oceans

A recent study found that epaulette shark embryos can withstand ocean acidification conditions predicted for the year 2100, but may be vulnerable when gills are still developing. This suggests that sharks may be more resilient than previously thought, but their survival depends on maintaining healthy habitats.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 7, 2016

Funding boost for Zika virus research

The University of Liverpool's National Institute for Health Research has announced a £100,000 funding boost for Zika virus research to tackle the current outbreak in South America. The funding will support eight projects focusing on diagnostics, clinical studies, and understanding the disease mechanism.

Huntington's disease gene dispensable in adult mice

Researchers found that deleting the huntingtin gene in adult mice does not lead to lethal consequences, offering hope for treatment strategies involving gene silencing. The study suggests that gene suppression or editing strategies may be safe for adults, but further research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Gambling our way against climate change

Researchers used an experimental game to study how government representatives make decisions in social dilemmas. The results show that selfish representatives who contribute less than their fair share can still be re-elected and lead their countries to reach the target sum, while others contribute more. This study highlights the comple...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

'Thinking and feeling'

New research reveals that empathy is composed of two forms: cognitive (understanding) and affective (feeling). When partners have accurate knowledge but lack compassionate feelings, they tend to be less supportive. However, when both accuracy and concern are present, responsiveness increases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 7, 2016

Dementia plaques attack language center of brain

Researchers have discovered that amyloid protein build-up is greater on the left side of the brain, where language processing occurs, in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This study provides new insights into the disease process and offers hope for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 7, 2016

Molecular-level relationships key to deciphering ocean carbon

Researchers have developed new tools to understand the complex relationships between ocean-borne compounds and microbes, revealing a vast network of molecular connections that store and transform atmospheric carbon in the world's oceans. The study focuses on dissolved organic matter, or DOM, as a central carbon reservoir.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Study: Cancer cells eat their neighbors' 'words'

Researchers at Rice University discovered that cancer cells can consume amino acids directly from exosomes, tiny packets of proteins and nucleic acids, to fuel tumor growth. This finding contradicts the long-held Warburg effect theory, suggesting each type of cancer has a unique metabolic profile.