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Science News Archive September 2016 - Page 9


Page 9 of 12

Biobank storage time as important as age

A new study from Uppsala University found that biobank storage time is a crucial factor in medical research, rivalling the importance of blood donor age. The researchers analyzed 380 samples from 106 women, isolating the impact of storage time to show its significant influence on test results.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateSep 5, 2016

Lizard study finds global warming data not enough to predict animal extinction

A new study found that current climate models may be too simplistic in their predictions, as the spatial distribution of shade plays a crucial role in an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature. The research uses lizards as test subjects and found that smaller patches of shade allowed for more efficient thermoregulation.

SourceClemson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

An exceptional palaeontological site going back 100,000 years is unearthed in Arrasate

The Artazu VII site contains at least 40 species of micro- and macro-vertebrates, including extinct species like cave lion and steppe bison, preserved in anatomical connection. The site reflects the fauna in the area during the Upper Pleistocene epoch, providing high-resolution palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental insights.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalComptes Rendus Palevol·DateSep 5, 2016

Obesity linked to improved survival in kidney

Researchers found that overweight patients with metastatic kidney cancer had significantly longer survival and decreased risk of death compared to normal-weight counterparts. FASN gene expression was also found to be decreased in obese patients, which could explain their better treatment outcomes.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 5, 2016

Browsing antelope turned ancient African forests into grassy savanna ecosystems

A recent study suggests that the arrival of browsing medium-sized antelopes in Africa was a key factor in replacing ancient forests with open savannas. The researchers found that thorn trees evolved around the same time as antelope, coinciding with the diversification of spiny plants and the opening up of forests to grass invaders.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

Warmer, wetter climate would impair California grasslands

A new study reveals that warmer, wetter climate conditions in California would impair grassland productivity. The research found that average conditions from the past 40 years are near optimal for grass production, and any significant deviation toward warmer or wetter conditions will cause land to be less productive.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

The Lancet: Whole brain radiotherapy offers little benefit to people whose lung cancer has spread to the brain, despite its widespread use

Researchers found that whole brain radiotherapy had no beneficial effect on survival or quality of life compared to best supportive care and steroids. The trial included 538 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who had spread to the brain, and showed that WBRT did not extend survival or improve quality of life.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 4, 2016

One vent just isn't enough for some volcanoes

Mount Etna's unusual crater formation is attributed to eastern flank instability, causing new stresses and pressures on the volcano's structure. This makes it a prime subject for study, with recent research monitoring its behavior over ten years to predict future eruptions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateSep 2, 2016

Memory for future wearable electronics

Researchers at IBS developed a two-terminal tunnelling random access memory (TRAM) with highly reliable performance, long retention time, and flexibility. The device stores data by keeping electrons on its graphene layer, enabling flexible and stretchable applications for wearable smartphones, eye cameras, and biomedical devices.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2016

Large investment into brain research at Umeå University

Anna Rieckmann at Umea University has received a 5-year ERC Starting Grant to study the neural basis of cognitive functions using a new imaging technique combining fMRI and PET. This project aims to understand biological processes underlying brain activity, with potential implications for aging-related cognitive decline.

New knowledge about the building blocks of life

Researchers at Lund University have discovered the binding mechanism of DNA building blocks to an enzyme, a key step in controlling its function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting nosocomial infections, with potential applications for treating chlamydia.

SourceLund University·JournalStructure·DateSep 2, 2016

Circulating immune cells as biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

A study by Helmholtz Zentrum München found that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are increased in the blood of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), correlating with lung function decline. MDSC may serve as a biomarker for IPF diagnosis and disease progression.

Parametric analysis on collapse-resistance performance of reinforced-concrete frame with specially shaped columns under loss of a corner column

The study found that increasing beam section height and lower steel bar rebar ratio significantly improves collapse-resistance capacity. Meanwhile, lengthening the specially shaped column limb only enhances stiffness, while slab upper and lower steel bar rebar ratios increase the frame's stiffness and collapse-resistance capacity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Construction and Building Technology Journal·DateSep 2, 2016

Osteoporosis: Antibody crystallized

Scientists at University of Würzburg have crystallized an antibody effective against Sclerostin, a protein involved in bone metabolism. The findings offer a promising treatment option for osteoporosis, a condition that affects elderly women and increases the risk of fractures.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateSep 2, 2016

Turn down the volume

A new IUCN guide outlines environmentally responsible seismic survey practices to minimize negative impacts on marine species. The guide provides a structured approach for planning and conducting low-noise surveys, reducing disruption of communication, stress, and behavioral changes in whales and other cetaceans.