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Science News for November 18, 2016


'Freeze-frame' proteins show how cancer evolves

Researchers capture elusive DNA reaction intermediates in living cells, discovering mechanisms underlying genome instability and a new role for an E. coli protein related to human cancer proteins. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs that prevent cancer by neutralizing these key pieces of genetic code.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2016

Using light to map the circuitry of the brain

Researchers develop space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography (SDM-OCT) to image single neurons in live tissue, enabling label-free and depth-resolved images of neural activity. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize brain mapping and provide insights into brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.

Upsalite® inhibits bacteria without penicillin

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Upsalite has strong bacteriostatic effect on Staphylococcus epidermidis, an opportunistic bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections and acne. This finding opens up possibilities for development of materials inhibiting bacterial growth without antibiotics.

SourceUppsala University·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 18, 2016

Diaphragm much older than expected

Researchers found evidence of a diaphragm-like structure in early pelycosaurs, dating back over 300 million years. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the evolution of respiratory systems and warm-bloodedness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2016

Giant 'great valley' found on Mercury

A newly discovered valley on Mercury is about 250 miles wide and 600 miles long, with steep sides that dip as much as 2 miles below the surrounding terrain. The valley likely formed due to rapid cooling of Mercury's interior, which would challenge previous assumptions about the planet's geologic past.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2016

The key to a better mood for young men is a nut

A recent study by UNM Nutrition Professor Peter Pribis has found that consuming walnuts can significantly improve the mood of young men. The randomized trial involved 64 students aged 18-25 who were given either banana bread with walnuts or without for 16 weeks, with their mood measured at the end of each eight-week period.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNutrients·DateNov 18, 2016

Multinational study finds high rates of acute kidney injury in children admitted to ICUs

A multinational study found that nearly one-fourth of children admitted to pediatric intensive care units worldwide develop acute kidney injury (AKI), which increases the risk of death. The study also revealed that severe AKI is associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, highlighting the...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2016

Soybean plants with fewer leaves yield more

Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.

Brazil has improved health care for all, but inequalities persist

A special edition of the International Journal for Equity in Health examines Brazil's improved access to medical care and highlights areas where health inequalities persist. The study finds disparities in healthy life expectancy, chronic diseases, mental health care, and violence across different regions and socioeconomic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateNov 18, 2016

How social media impacts consumer spending

A study by University at Buffalo School of Management found that social media popularity, even negative posts with high engagement, significantly impacts purchases. Combining social media with traditional TV and email marketing efforts boosts customer spending and cross-buying.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 18, 2016

Outreach to cirrhosis patients doubles early screening rates for deadly liver cancer

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients doubled their screening rates for liver cancer. The study successfully improved early detection and survival rates among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes. Only one-fourth of cirrhosis patients are currently screened every six mo...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 18, 2016

Worrying traces of resistant bacteria in air

Researchers have found worrying traces of resistant bacteria in the air, which could lead to the development of last-resort antibiotic-resistant infections. The study analyzed DNA from humans, animals, and environments worldwide and found a wide mix of resistance genes, including those that make bacteria resistant to carbapenems.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 18, 2016

UNIST researchers turn waste gas into road-ready diesel fuel

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have created a new delafossite-based catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels, including diesel. This breakthrough process removes harmful CO2 from the atmosphere and offers a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateNov 18, 2016

Precut salad may encourage growth of Salmonella

A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also boost the pathogen's ability to attach to the salad's plastic container, doubling its motility and allowing it to multiply rapidly.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 18, 2016