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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

Graphene makes rubber more rubbery

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a composite material that combines graphene with natural rubber and polyurethane, resulting in increased strength and elasticity by up to 50%. The added graphene enhances the materials' ability to stretch and withstand force without breaking.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCarbon·DateMay 20, 2016

Nanotubes are beacons in cancer-imaging technique

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new cancer-imaging technique that uses carbon nanotubes tagged with antibodies to pinpoint the location of tumors. The technique, known as spectral triangulation, uses non-invasive optical measurements to determine the depth and coordinates of the nanotube beacons in tissue.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 20, 2016

Computing a secret, unbreakable key

The University of Waterloo's IQC developed software to assess QKD protocol security, achieving perfect agreement with previous results and enabling exploration of new protocols. The tool enables users to analyze any protocol in seconds, a significant improvement over months-long efforts.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2016

Genes for nose shape found

A UCL-led study identifies five genes controlling nose and chin shape, providing new insights into human face evolution and potential forensics applications. The study analyzed over 6,000 individuals with varied ancestry and found specific genes influencing facial features.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Screening strategy identifies adults at risk for developing kidney disease

A targeted screening program in Canada identified a high proportion of individuals with risk factors for chronic kidney disease and many with unrecognized CKD. The See Kidney Disease (SeeKD) program successfully promoted good kidney health and provided early detection of CKD, emphasizing the importance of targeted screening.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016

Can a healthy lifestyle prevent cancer?

A large proportion of US cancer deaths might be prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles, including quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The study found that individuals who met specific criteria for a healthy lifestyle pattern had a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 19, 2016

Bright light alters metabolism

A new study found that bright light exposure increases insulin resistance compared to dim light exposure in both the morning and evening. This could lead to excess blood glucose, weight gain, and a higher risk of diabetes over time. The study suggests that lighting impacts health outcomes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 19, 2016

Commissions that reflected on Ebola outbreak highlight overlapping conclusions in new PLOS piece

A new PLOS Medicine article highlights the need for strengthened national health systems, consolidated global emergency response activities, and enhanced research and development to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The study's authors emphasize that system-wide accountability and continuous oversight are crucia...

Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2016

What the New York Times gets wrong about PTSD

Drexel researchers found the New York Times' coverage of PTSD from 1980 to 2015 neglected civilian and non-military cases, negatively framing the disorder. This narrow focus can inhibit awareness about PTSD resilience and recovery, and constrain discourse on social determinants of traumatic stress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateMay 19, 2016

Full extraction

Lomonosov Moscow State University scientists have developed a new method to extract DNA from various organisms. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of preventive vaccines against infectious diseases, allergies, and cancers.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience·DateMay 19, 2016

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics

A study published in Science reveals that a molecule called ppGpp enables bacteria to repair damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics. Adjusting the action of ppGpp may make bacteria more vulnerable to existing antibiotics, potentially yielding future solutions for antibiotic resistance and degenerative diseases.

Simple public health intervention may prevent chronic kidney disease

A simple public health intervention helped prevent many cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Pakistan by training community health workers and general practitioners on healthy lifestyle advice. After 7 years, individuals with the combined intervention had preserved kidney function, while those who received usual care experienced a ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 19, 2016