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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 34


Page 34 of 38

Why bad genes aren't always bad news

A team of scientists discovered a comprehensive set of suppressive mutations in yeast cells, which could help explain how some people remain healthy despite carrying catastrophic mutations. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between genetic suppression and disease-causing mutations.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateNov 3, 2016

Words matter when talking about Alzheimer's

Researchers suggest shifting from 'curing' Alzheimer's to building resilience, acknowledging the disease is intertwined with aging processes. They propose education, infrastructure support and proper care as key components of societal response.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateNov 3, 2016

Scientists decode the genome of Chinese licorice

Researchers have decoded the genome of Chinese licorice, a plant crucial in traditional Chinese medicine and natural sweetener. The study reveals the plant's genetic blueprint, which may facilitate the creation of sustainably bred strains with high glycyrrhizin content.

SourceRIKEN·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateNov 3, 2016

Gene regulation: Shaping up to make the cut

Researchers have discovered that distinct conformations of a protein essential for spliceosome assembly on mRNA precursors significantly influence splicing efficiency. The findings suggest that different structural configurations adopted by the large subunit of U2AF regulate splicing operations, affecting protein synthesis rates and fi...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2016

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Scientists identify genetic markers of resistance to frontline malaria drug that could help control outbreaks

Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with resistance to the antimalarial drug piperaquine, which could help track and contain outbreaks in Southeast Asia. The findings suggest that amplification of plasmepsin genes is linked to piperaquine resistance and may be used to identify patients at risk of treatment failure.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 3, 2016

How your diet can influence your environmental impact

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly decrease the environmental impact and phosphorus footprint, with a potential reduction of 72% in phosphorus fertilizer requirements. This change has a moderate effect on reducing phosphorus excreted by the environment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateNov 3, 2016

New metabolomic screening method detects multiple inborn errors of metabolism in urine

Researchers have developed a new metabolomics-based screening approach that can identify multiple different inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) in a single urine sample. This method has the potential to detect numerous IEMs, which were previously detected in various bodily fluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateNov 3, 2016

Why some songs get stuck in your head

A study published by Durham University found that earworms, or songs that get stuck in your head, tend to have faster tempos, common melodic contours, and unusual interval structures. The researchers also identified specific songs with these characteristics, including Bad Romance and Don't Stop Believing.

WSU study reveals non-invasive prenatal genetic test is accurate five weeks into pregnancy

The WSU study reveals a non-invasive testing method, Trophoblast Retrieval and Isolation from the Cervix (TRIC), that offers accuracy similar to invasive tests like amniocentesis. TRIC can be performed five to 10 weeks earlier than current testing modalities and has the potential to identify pregnancies at risk for complications.

Blood pressure may open door to personalized medicine for PTSD

A new study reports that soldiers with higher blood pressure before starting prazosin treatment experience better symptom reduction. The study identifies blood pressure as a biomarker that can predict individual response to the medication, potentially leading to personalized medicine approaches for PTSD treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 3, 2016