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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Uncombable hair gene discovered

Researchers found mutations in three genes involved in forming the hair shaft, which causes uncombable hair syndrome, a rare condition affecting around 100 documented cases worldwide. The discovery provides insights into mechanisms of healthy hair formation and secures clinical diagnosis with molecular genetic methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 17, 2016

Scientists develop new mouse model to aid Zika virus research

Researchers have developed a new mouse model that can be used to study the Zika virus and its effects on the body. The model, which employs mice with functioning immune systems, has been shown to develop symptoms of neurological disease after infection, providing valuable insights into potential treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 17, 2016

Shared epigenetic changes underlie different types of autism

Research reveals that over 68% of individuals with different types of autism share a common set of epigenetic modifications in the brain. This finding suggests that a single global epigenetic pattern could underlie diverse manifestations of the psychiatric disease. Epigenetic drugs may hold potential as novel treatments for ASD.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 17, 2016

Scientists discover how bacteria induce 'NET' release

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that flagellar motility of P. aeruginosa is the main factor required to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The researchers developed an assay to quantify the levels of P. aeruginosa flagellin and found that immotile strains failed to stimulate NET formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 17, 2016

E-cigarettes may harm teens' lung health

New research found an association between e-cigarette use and persistent cough, bronchitis, and congestion in teenagers. The study suggested that even non-smoking e-cigarette users may experience respiratory symptoms, highlighting the need for further study on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 17, 2016

3-D imaging technique maps migration of DNA-carrying material at the center of cells

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D imaging technique that maps the reorganization of genetic material in cell nuclei, providing a new understanding of how chromosomes are compacted and genes are activated or silenced. This breakthrough uses X-ray microscopy to visualize the structure and movement of chromatin in real-time.

How the heart turns into bone

Researchers at UCLA discovered that cardiac fibroblasts, which give rise to scar tissue after injury, can also produce bone-like cells. By blocking an enzyme involved in bone mineralization, they prevented calcification in mice, offering a potential new approach for treating abnormal calcium deposits in the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 17, 2016

Does traffic-related air pollution increase asthma risk by stimulating immune mediated inflammation?

A study of 577 children living in Puerto Rico found that closer proximity to major roads was associated with higher levels of interleukin 31, a cytokine promoting allergic inflammation. This increase in IL-31 levels is linked to increased asthma risk and severity in genetically susceptible children.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPediatric Allergy and Immunology·DateNov 17, 2016

Cameroon's cholera outbreaks vary by climate region

Researchers discovered that cholera follows distinct outbreak patterns in different climate subzones of Cameroon, with varying relationships between rainfall, temperature, and disease transmission. Locally targeted interventions are necessary to control the spread of the disease, according to the study's findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 17, 2016

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Donor lungs could be kept alive for substantially longer with new lung preservation technique

A new study found that a combination of cold preservation and ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) can extend donor lung preservation time to over 12 hours without jeopardizing recipient outcomes. This technique has the potential to increase organ availability by reducing geographical limitations and enabling longer-distance transports.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateNov 17, 2016