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Science News Archive November 2016 - Page 4


Page 4 of 38

Mysteries of enzyme mechanism revealed

An international team has made a breakthrough by trapping an intermediate in the mechanism of heme peroxidase enzymes and determining its structure using neutron beams. This finding could change our understanding of how these enzymes work, shedding new light on their role in biochemical processes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2016

UA researcher explores male perceptions about HPV

A University of Arizona researcher is investigating how men perceive their role in preventing the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV). Her study found that most college-age males had heard of HPV but lacked knowledge about a vaccine that could prevent related cancers for both males and females. The researcher emphasizes the importance...

Bumpy surfaces, graphene beat the heat in devices

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to dissipate heat in next-generation microelectronic devices by using bumpy surfaces with graphene. The interface between gallium nitride semiconductors and diamond heat sinks was improved, allowing phonons to disperse more efficiently. This improvement can lead to better reliabil...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2016

Evidence of brain injury found in young NFL players

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found evidence of brain injury and repair in young NFL players compared to a control group. PET imaging revealed higher levels of a biomarker associated with brain injury in eight of the 12 brain regions studied, suggesting a link between concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 29, 2016

Use of prescription analgesics differs significantly between persons with and without Alzheimer's

A recent study found that approximately one-third of Alzheimer's patients use prescription pain relievers, comparable to those without the disease. However, the type and frequency of analgesics used differed significantly between groups. Paracetamol was most commonly used, while anti-inflammatory medications were less frequent.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateNov 29, 2016

Enzyme research provides a new picture of depression

Researchers found that individuals lacking the CYP2C19 enzyme have a lower risk of depression and larger hippocampi in adulthood. Increased expression of the enzyme is associated with higher suicidal incidences in depressed patients, suggesting that early life influences may contribute to depression's development.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2016

Ants communicate by mouth-to-mouth fluid exchange

Researchers discovered that ants share proteins and hormones through trophallaxis, allowing them to collectively influence colony growth and development. This process enables ants to cast 'quantitative ballots' for their colony's future by administering different amounts of growth-promoting components to their larvae.

SourceeLife·DateNov 29, 2016

Learning makes animals intelligent

Researchers have developed an associative learning model that explains how animals create effective behaviors, such as self-control and tool use. The model suggests that genetic regulation of learning influences species-specific behavior and intelligence.

SourceStockholm University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 29, 2016

Military environment

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed models to improve environmental conservation on military bases, resulting in a 21% increase in military readiness and environmental protection. The study found that by considering the cost-effectiveness of project selections, the DoD can achieve significant benefits with reduced costs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalLand Economics·DateNov 29, 2016

Shorebirds studied in 'Noah's ark'

Researchers analyzed incubation rhythms of 32 monogamous shorebird species across 729 nests, finding significant within- and between-species diversity. The study suggests that the risk of egg loss from predators is a key factor determining incubation bout lengths, with cryptic nest behavior influencing this relationship.

Researchers develop novel wound-healing technology

A WSU research team has successfully used a mild electric current to kill drug-resistant bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, responsible for chronic and serious infections in lung diseases and wounds. The technology uses an antibiotic in combination with the electric current to disrupt biofilm matrices, damage ...

SourceWashington State University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateNov 29, 2016