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Science News Archive May 2016 - Page 22


Page 22 of 38

Is sleeve gastrectomy a good choice for people with a sweet tooth?

A study published in Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques found that sleeve gastrectomy is effective for individuals classified as moderate or severe sweet eaters before the surgery. The procedure has shown promising weight loss results, even among those with high pre-surgery sweets consumption.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques·DateMay 12, 2016

Finnish research shows inaccuracies in emission measurements of important greenhouse gas, N2O

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland and others found significant inaccuracies in traditional chamber techniques for measuring nitrous oxide emissions from soils. The eddy covariance method with modern laser technology provides more accurate continuous measurements, averaging out spatial and temporal variations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Viruses detected in Swedish mosquito larvae

Researchers at Umea University have discovered that mosquito larvae in the Västerbotten region carry viruses that can cause infectious disease, including Sindbis virus and Inkoo virus. These findings indicate that the viruses can be transferred from female mosquitoes to their eggs.

SourceUmea University·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateMay 12, 2016

Migrant money puts aid in the shade

A new study by Eric Akobeng reveals that international remittances have a significant impact on reducing poverty and inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest a 10% increase in remittances as share of GDP leads to a decline in the number of people living on less than $1.25 per day, extreme poverty, and inequality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance·DateMay 12, 2016

Bacteria are individualists

A recent study reveals that bacteria can differ significantly in their response to a lack of nutrients, allowing the group to continue growing even when some cells suffer. This phenomenon promotes flexibility and diversity within bacterial populations.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 12, 2016

Stopping cancer in its tracks

Researchers at the University of Chicago found that inhibiting autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, effectively blocks tumor cell migration and breast cancer metastasis in tumor models. Autophagy is essential for tumor metastasis, and its inhibition can be an effective approach to block metastatic dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 12, 2016

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells

Researchers at Rice University developed a method to treat composite materials with microwaves, increasing their stability and strength in wellbores for oil and gas production. The treatment involved combining graphene nanoribbons with thermoset polymers and heating them with low-power microwaves.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 12, 2016

Surgical oncology societies: Global curriculum to address training variations, inadequacies

The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·JournalEuropean Journal of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 12, 2016

When foes become friends

Researchers discovered that a few changes in the genome are sufficient to turn a fungal plant pathogen into a potentially beneficial organism. The beneficial fungus has gained new genes and lost others, leading to reduced effector proteins needed to suppress the plant's immune system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016

New innovations to combat resistant infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing novel diagnostic tests and nanopatterned surfaces to combat resistant infections. A new rapid diagnostic test can predict effective antibiotics, reducing reliance on strongest options. Novel antimicrobial surfaces could improve biomedical devices and implant success rates.

Kidney disease may increase hospitalized patients' risk of complications

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of experiencing hospital-acquired complications when hospitalized. A study of 536,549 adults found that CKD patients were 19% more likely to experience complications than those with normal kidney function, with the risk increasing as CKD severity worsened.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 12, 2016

Why animals court their own sex

A recent study by Uppsala University researchers reveals that same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is more common than thought and may have benefits in the opposite sex. SSB was found to increase reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex, suggesting a genetic mechanism driving its prevalence across various animal species.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Brain cells that aid appetite control identified

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a crucial role of NG2-glia cells in the median eminence in regulating appetite and body weight. The cells support and shelter leptin receptor neurons, enabling them to instruct the body when to stop eating, leading to potential new targeted anti-obesity approaches.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Hedgehogs are indeed not so widespread in England any more

A recent 'HogWatch' survey conducted in England has provided new insights into the country's declining hedgehog population. The study suggests a moderate decline of up to 7.4% in areas frequented by hedgehogs, with possible constraints due to habitat fragmentation.

SourceSpringer·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 12, 2016

Queen's scientists develop new treatment to prolong life of those with cystic fibrosis

Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have discovered a new molecule that can potentially prolong the life of individuals with cystic fibrosis by improving airway hydration and mucous clearance. The treatment targets the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), preventing chronic infections and inflammation that cause progressive lung damage.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 12, 2016

Study of glioma susceptibility in dogs may yield insights for humans

A genome-wide association study of 39 dog breeds with gliomas identified three candidate genes associated with the tumor's development. These genes - CAMKK2, P2RX7 and DENR - have also been linked to cancer in humans. Further research into these genes may provide insights for potential treatments of glioma in both species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 12, 2016

Eyewitnesses' memories darken skin color

Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that eyewitness memories are biased against black suspects in drive-by shootings, with incorrect recall rates as high as 80%. This study highlights the potential for wrongful convictions and emphasizes the need to consider eyewitness testimony's limitations in the justice system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 12, 2016

Rare human disease found in dogs

A rare form of pulmonary hypertension has been discovered in dogs, with similar symptoms and potentially useful as a model for human PVOD. The study, published in Veterinary Pathology, could lead to new insights into the disease and its treatment options.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalVeterinary Pathology·DateMay 12, 2016

Loneliness in midlife

A study of 16,132 participants found that midlife loneliness is associated with low income, health restrictions, and limited social interaction. High income, professional status, and good job security are protective factors against loneliness in this age group.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 12, 2016