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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 461

Researchers report altered brain functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder

A study published in Brain Connectivity found significant differences in functional architecture and interactivity of the default mode network in adolescent and young adult males with autism spectrum disorder compared to those without ASD. These findings could lead to the development of new imaging-based diagnostic markers for autism.

Study identifies genes involved in tolerance following kidney transplantation

Researchers found genes associated with B cell receptor signaling and activation in tolerant kidney transplant recipients, suggesting an active immune regulation of B cells. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind tolerance induction in renal transplantation, potentially leading to minimization of immunosuppression.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 30, 2017

Fish oil component preconditions vision cells to survive future injury or disease

A LSU Health New Orleans study found that DHA in fish oil 'preconditions' photoreceptor and RPE cells to survive future insults, reducing the risk of retinal degeneration. The researchers also discovered that daily omega-3 supplementation may provide an opportunity for halting debilitating eye diseases.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·DateNov 30, 2017

Judging a 'clean face' for trachoma

Researchers trained staff in Tanzania to assess facial cleanliness and found reliable measures of clean faces. These findings suggest adding facial cleanliness assessments to trachoma surveys in developing countries where the infection is a public health problem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Cancer drug leads to 'drastic decrease' in HIV infection in lung cancer patient

A recent study has found that a cancer drug called nivolumab can drastically decrease the reservoirs of HIV-infected cells in the body, a key step towards potentially eradicating the virus. This breakthrough has been observed in a single patient with lung cancer, who showed a sustained reduction in HIV reservoirs after treatment.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateNov 30, 2017

Recurring nightmares could reflect your daily frustrations

Research suggests that people's daily frustration with life can lead to recurring nightmares, where they experience falling, failing, or being attacked in their dreams. The study found that those whose psychological needs were not met reported more negative dream themes and struggled to interpret their dreams positively.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateNov 30, 2017

HIV also targets the brain

Researchers at Stellenbosch University found that HIV affects the brain in early stages of infection, leading to decreased blood flow and brain functional impairment. The study used fMRI scans to compare brain activity of people with and without HIV, revealing a link between frontal lobe atrophy and cognitive symptoms.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalAIDS·DateNov 30, 2017

People with disabilities more likely to be arrested

Research at Cornell University found that people with disabilities are nearly 44% more likely to be arrested by age 28 compared to those without disabilities. Black men with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of arrest, highlighting the need for police training and healthcare improvements.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 30, 2017

Shifting protein networks in breast cancer may alter gene function

A new study found that breast cancer proteins can have altered functions in tumor cells due to changes in protein interaction networks. This shift affects the number of genes performing each function, not their expression levels. The study predicts patient survival and cancer subtype based on these functional shifts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

How a biophysical simulation method might accelerate drug target discovery

Researchers developed a computational simulation method to predict protein sequence changes for efficient membrane insertion, correlating improved insertion efficiency with increased protein yield. The new approach offers a way forward for membrane protein researchers struggling to express their proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 29, 2017

New method maps chemicals in the skin

A new chemical imaging method allows for precise measurement of substances in human skin, providing opportunities to develop pharmaceuticals and cosmetics while minimizing animal experiments. The technology enables researchers to design products with controlled skin absorption and determine safe limits for harmful levels of substances.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalContact Dermatitis·DateNov 29, 2017

Can a rude waiter make your food less tasty?

Research by Jaehoon Lee suggests that lower class individuals are more likely to assume food will be less delicious due to poor service, while higher class people do not typically make this assumption. This holistic view of life creates a 'carryover effect', leading to negative judgments about other aspects of the consumer experience.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 29, 2017