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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 16


Page 16 of 38

Fear of gaining weight may influence contraception choices

Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to use hormonal birth control methods, opting for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants instead. This preference is driven by fear of weight gain associated with the pill and shot, despite LARCs not containing estrogen.

SourcePenn State·JournalContraception·DateNov 17, 2016

Neurons in the human eye are organized for error correction

A study reveals that neurons in the human eye work together to correct errors and improve visual signal accuracy. The research used a mathematical model to analyze retinal ganglion cell activity and found that collective signals are more reliable than individual cell signals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 17, 2016

Chemical origami yields new plant compounds with therapeutic and economic potential

Researchers developed a method to alter plant enzymes, producing new natural compounds with disease-resistance properties and potentially useful as anti-foaming agents or natural sweeteners. This breakthrough could revolutionize the production of complex compounds in the lab.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2016

Tracking the flow of quantum information

Researchers have developed a formula to understand where quantum objects land when transmitted, offering insights for controlling open quantum systems. The formula suggests that 'rain gutters' and 'gates' can be engineered to manipulate quantum objects, either after they land or during their flow.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 17, 2016

Molecular imaging hack makes cameras 'faster'

Rice chemist Christy Landes and her team have created a new microscopy technique called super temporal resolution microscopy (STReM), which captures images of molecules at a frame rate 20 times faster than typical lab cameras. This enhancement allows researchers to study fast processes without needing more expensive cameras, extracting...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2016

Solving the riddle of putrid camel pee could aid millions affected by sleeping sickness

Biochemists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered indolepyruvate, a metabolic by-product of trypanosome activity, which may offer possibilities for developing anti-trypanosome drugs. Inhibiting its production could be key in fighting the parasite, which causes sleeping sickness and kills millions in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2016

Updated ASTRO guideline expands pool of suitable candidates for APBI

The updated guideline suggests that more breast cancer patients can benefit from accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), including younger patients and those with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The guideline provides direction for the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early-stage breast cancer patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateNov 17, 2016

Kidney failure patients' advance directives are often inadequate

A recent study found that nearly half of kidney failure patients receiving dialysis had advance directives, but only a small minority specifically addressed dialysis management at the end of life. The simple presence or absence of an advance directive is not enough to fully address important aspects of dialysis patients' end-of-life care.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 17, 2016

Nutty stimulant revealed as anticancer tool

Arecoline, an analog of nicotine, has been identified as an inhibitor of the enzyme ACAT1, which contributes to the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Researchers found that arecoline steers cells' metabolism away from glycolysis, inhibiting growth in human lung cancer and leukemia cells.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 17, 2016

Optical clock technology tested in space for first time

Researchers successfully tested an optical clock in space, demonstrating its potential to improve GPS accuracy and enable global sensing applications. The compact frequency comb laser system operated smoothly under microgravity conditions, paving the way for future space-based precision clocks.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 17, 2016

Reducing salt intake may help protect kidney patients' heart and kidney health

A new study found that reducing sodium intake significantly reduced albuminuria and blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease. The combination of paricalcitol and a low sodium diet resulted in the lowest albuminuria levels in patients, indicating a strong reduction in kidney function decline and heart benefits.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 17, 2016

Matchmaking for coffee?

Researchers found that intercropping Arabica coffee with macadamia tree HAES 816 improves environmental conditions and increases coffee production. The partnership reduces competition between crops and provides a source of income for farmers, making it a promising strategy for Brazilian coffee producers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 16, 2016