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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 20


Page 20 of 44

Adapting to the heat

Researchers have identified a critical survival mechanism that allows animals to quickly respond to and escape from noxious thermal landscapes. The study found that thermosensory neurons in the brain are responsible for sensing the rate of temperature change, with a fast response triggered by rapid increases in temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 17, 2016

Bait worms are a valuable marine resource

The annual global weight extracted is estimated at 120,000 tonnes of bait worms, with extraction having significant physical impacts on shore sediment and wading bird populations. The researchers encourage sustainable management to minimize environmental impacts.

SourceWiley·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateOct 17, 2016

Talking to terminally ill adolescents about progressing disease

A review article explores the ethics of discussing disease prognosis with terminally ill adolescents, emphasizing the importance of gentle but persistent conversation. Clinicians are advised to engage patients directly, allowing time for exploration of values and goals, while balancing the need for truth-telling with emotional distress.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 17, 2016

Bacteria: Third RNA binding protein identified

Scientists at University of Würzburg have discovered a third RNA binding protein, ProQ, which controls gene activity and allows bacteria to quickly adapt to changing conditions. ProQ binds to nearly 100 regulatory RNAs in Salmonella enterica, influencing their activities.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2016

New breakthrough for IBS patients

A new study has found that faecal bacterial profiles can be used to predict which IBS patients are most likely to benefit from a low-FODMAP diet. The research identified differences in gut bacteria composition between those who responded and did not respond to the diet.

UMD biologists first to observe direct inheritance of gene-silencing RNA

Researchers from the University of Maryland have observed molecules of double-stranded RNA being passed directly from parent to offspring in Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting a key mechanism for non-genetic inheritance. The study reveals that dsRNA can silence genes in offspring even if it doesn't match the parent's genes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2016

Cold medicine could stop cancer spread

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug used for treating colds can suppress the spread of bladder cancers and reduce chemoresistance in mice. The study identified the metabolic enzyme aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1) as a key player in cancer progression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2016

Exercising the elderly heart: No value in overexertion

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that frequent participation in multiple types of leisure activities reduces heart-related deaths among seniors. Engaging in low-intensity daily physical activity can provide cardiovascular protection.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 17, 2016