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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 29


Page 29 of 44

'Poring over' DNA

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a new electronic DNA sequencing platform using biologically engineered nanopores, enabling highly scalable, accurate single-molecule DNA sequencing. The method can transform precision medicine by dramatically lowering the cost of sequencing while increasing accuracy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2016

Female brains change in sync with hormones

Scientists discovered that female brain structures change monthly in response to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the hippocampus which plays a crucial role in memories and emotions. The study aims to better understand premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by examining the brain's monthly rhythm.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 11, 2016

Women recruited to run for office don't expect any help

A recent study by Brigham Young University's Jessica Preece found that women are less likely to respond to recruitment efforts due to biased assumptions about help and support. Meanwhile, adjusting the tone of messages can increase women's political interest and participation. To address these disparities, parties must be cautious of b...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateOct 11, 2016

Catalyst from the microwave

Researchers develop new microwave-assisted thermolysis method to produce highly crystalline g-C(3)N(3) catalysts with remarkably few defects. This results in improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from sunlight.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016

Lack of opportunities promotes brood care

Researchers found that a single white-browed coucal parent can successfully raise its brood, unlike black coucals which form pairs and share parental duties. The study suggests that females only form pairs due to lack of opportunities to find additional male partners.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 11, 2016

Astroglia zip the 2 halves of the brain together

A study published in Cell Reports reveals that astroglial cells play a crucial role in forming the corpus callosum, a bridge-like structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. Without this cellular support, callosal agenesis occurs, affecting 1 in 4,000 people and leading to developmental disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 11, 2016

Transplantation with induced neural stem cells improves stroke recovery in mice

Researchers found that induced neural stem cells promoted survival and functional recovery in mice modeled with ischemic stroke. The study also discovered that early administration of iNSCs protected the brain from ischemia-related damage, reducing infarct volume and enhancing sensorimotor function.

Temporary extinction reprieve for some frogs

Researchers found that three frog species in the protected Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Area might have sufficient time to conserve before extinction due to climate change. The study suggests that conservation managers could intervene successfully with translocation programs.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 11, 2016

Maternal chronic disease linked to higher rates of congenital heart disease in babies

A Taiwanese study of almost 1.4 million births found that pregnant women with maternal chronic diseases have a higher risk of giving birth to babies with severe congenital heart disease. The study also found a slightly increased risk of mild congenital heart disease in offspring of mothers with diabetes and other chronic conditions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 11, 2016

Flexing while clotting

Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed a microfluidic testing ground to measure individual platelets' strength by squeezing protein dots together. This could help diagnose bleeding disorders and develop blood thinning drugs.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 10, 2016

How children inherit discrimination's effects

A new study led by University of Arizona researcher Katharine Zeiders found that families experiencing ethnic discrimination and acculturation stress have a negative impact on children's behavior and academics. Children exhibited more behavioral problems and worse academic performance by age 5, according to the research.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 10, 2016

UNC researcher develops test scenarios for sustaining ecotourism in the Galapagos

A new paper describes a research team's models forecasting potential outcomes in the Galapagos Islands, developed to help the Ecuador government balance economic development and resource conservation. The models use real data and social-ecological processes to predict sustainable growth by 2033.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016

Rise in oropharyngeal cancer incidence not solely driven by HPV in United Kingdom

A study in the UK found that the rise in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma incidence was not solely driven by human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. The proportion of HPV-positive and -negative cases remained static, suggesting multiple factors contribute to OPSCC, including HPV infection, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 10, 2016

Doc versus machine

A new study led by Harvard Medical School researchers found that human physicians vastly outperform digital diagnosticians in clinical diagnosis. Physicians made a correct diagnosis more than twice as often as commonly used symptom-checker apps, with an accuracy rate of 72% compared to 34%. The study suggests that computer-based algori...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 10, 2016

Brain modulyzer provides interactive window into the brain

A new tool developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory enables researchers to interactively explore brain hierarchical processes and shed light on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Brain Modulyzer combines multiple views of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to provide context for brain connectivity data.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalIEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics·DateOct 10, 2016

Costs of similarly effective breast cancer treatments vary widely

A new study finds that breast cancer chemotherapy regimens with similar efficacy have significantly varying costs, affecting patients' financial burden. The study highlights the need for accessible information to inform treatment decisions and promote well-informed shared decisions regarding treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 10, 2016