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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

Healthy intestinal flora keeps the mind sharp -- with some help from the immune system

A recent study by Dr. Susanne Wolf found that white blood cells act as an intermediary between the gut microbiome and the brain, playing a crucial role in neurogenesis and memory function. The research suggests that antibiotics may disrupt this communication pathway, leading to impaired neurogenesis and memory deterioration.

How plants conquered the land

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered a key gene, ANR, that enabled plants to tolerate extreme dehydration, allowing them to colonize land around 500 million years ago. The gene is unique to basal land plants and plays a crucial role in responding to stress hormones like ABA.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateMay 19, 2016

Electronic device detects molecules linked to cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Researchers have developed a single-layer organic nanometer-scale transistor that can detect molecules associated with neurodegenerative diseases and some types of cancer. The device uses glutathione and glutathione S-transferase to identify target molecules, offering sensitivity and potential for rapid diagnosis.

Penn Vet research suggests a way to identify animals at risk of blood clots

Researchers at Penn Vet found that a common blood test may also indicate hypercoagulability in animals. A study of hundreds of dogs found that shortened prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were associated with clinical signs of hypercoagulability, including clots and suspected pulmonary thromboembolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care·DateMay 19, 2016

How did cardinals get those bright red feathers?

Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 19, 2016

Children injured in motor vehicle crashes fare better at level I pediatric trauma centers

A new study by Children's Minnesota found that children treated at Level I pediatric trauma centers have lower risks of complications and adolescents face greater odds of death compared to adult trauma centers. Pediatric trauma centers provide conservative care approaches, leading to better outcomes for injured children.

SourceChildren's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateMay 19, 2016

Switch and stick

Researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems have discovered a new reversible adhesive using gallium that can be controlled by temperature changes. The adhesive has potential applications in various fields such as biological samples handling and industrial pick-and-place processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 19, 2016

36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes

The Fr1da study has detected an early stage of type 1 diabetes in 105 out of 26,760 children aged two to five years. The children have not shown signs of metabolic imbalance, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventive healthcare. Families are being offered comprehensive support and care.

NIH study confirms benefits of intensive blood pressure management among seniors aged 75 and older

A new analysis of the SPRINT study confirms that adults aged 75 and older with high blood pressure benefit from a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 120 mm Hg, reducing cardiovascular events by 33% and death risk by 32%. The findings suggest a more aggressive blood pressure intervention may be beneficial for this age group.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMay 19, 2016

Making injectable medicine safer

University at Buffalo researchers have created a method to strip away excess surfactants from common injectable drugs, potentially making them safer and more effective for millions. The breakthrough removes potentially harmful additives, improving the formulation of anti-cancer medicine, testosterone, and other drugs.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2016

Why humans (and not mice) are susceptible to Zika

Researchers have identified a key protein in Zika virus that blocks the action of interferons in human cells, making humans more susceptible to infection. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and vaccine development by blocking the activity of this protein.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 19, 2016

A slick way to test artificial knees and hips

Researchers discovered that albumin and globulin proteins improve the tribology of artificial joint implants, suggesting a potential solution to reduce wear and tear. The findings have implications for extending the lifespan of prosthetic joints and improving patient quality of life.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Surface Science and Engineering·DateMay 19, 2016

Altered brain connectivity may explain cognitive impairment in pediatric leukemia survivors

A study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that pediatric leukemia survivors may experience cognitive impairment due to chemotherapy-induced brain damage. The research used diffusion tensor imaging to analyze the white matter connectome of ALL survivors and healthy young people, revealing significantly lower connectivity and grea...

Colors of autism spectrum described by CanChild researchers

Researchers at CanChild Centre developed an autism classification system that defines levels of social communications ability among children with autism spectrum disorder. The new system, called the Autism Classification System of Functioning: Social Communication, provides a standardized and simplified way for clinicians to talk about...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalDevelopmental Medicine & Child Neurology·DateMay 18, 2016

How depression and antidepressant drugs work

Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMay 18, 2016