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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 437


Page 437 of 461

'Listening' to single cells may uncover cancer origins

A new technique called MATQ-seq increases the accuracy of detecting gene expression in single cells to 90%, allowing scientists to study how cancerous tumors begin and potentially uncover better treatments, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 24, 2017

What holds the heart together

Muscle stability relies on two proteins: titin and α-actinin. The TUM researchers used optical tweezers to measure the forces between these proteins, finding a bonding force of five piconewtons that stabilizes muscles and enables heart function.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2017

New sensors can detect single protein molecules

Researchers at MIT have developed sensors that can detect single protein molecules, enabling the tracking of viral infection, monitoring cellular manufacturing of proteins, and revealing food contamination. The sensors utilize chemically modified carbon nanotubes coated with DNA aptamers, which can bind to specific target proteins.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 24, 2017

Your (social media) votes matter

A recent study on Reddit found that a small group of voters can significantly impact the content users see, with up-voted posts receiving a higher final score and being more likely to reach the front page. The study highlights the importance of understanding how social rating systems curate media in our daily lives.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateJan 24, 2017

U study: Law aiding infants at risk for hearing loss

A new study by University of Utah researchers found that a state-wide screening program led to increased early identification of infants with hearing loss due to congenital CMV. The law also provided funds for educational campaigns, which is important given the virus's prevalence.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 24, 2017

Breast density research edges closer to cancer prevention

Researchers have identified a link between chronic low-level inflammation and increased breast density, raising the risk of breast cancer. By targeting this underlying factor, new approaches to treating breast density and preventing breast cancer may become available.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateJan 24, 2017

Scientists discover a way to sequence DNA of rare animals

Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a way to sequence the DNA of rare and extinct animals preserved in natural history museum collections. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze the genetic relationships among species, including those that were thought to be lost to science.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 24, 2017

An international study opens the door to personalized treatment for heart failure

A recent international multicenter study has identified a molecule that can help personalize treatment for heart failure. Researchers have found that an excess of lysyl oxidase-like 2 produces fibrosis of the cardiac muscle, impeding its normal functioning and stimulating HF development. The elimination of this excess repairs fibrosis ...

SourceUniversidad de Navarra·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

Cooperation helps mammals survive in tough environments

Researchers found that cooperatively breeding mammals better cope with droughts and food scarcity due to helping behavior. These species are more likely to occupy human-modified habitats and colonize new environments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 24, 2017

Framing by political advocacy groups may jeopardize public understanding of Zika

A new study warns that framing by political advocacy groups may compromise the public's ability to understand the dangers of Zika virus. The researchers found that viral internet images associating Zika with hot-button issues triggered polarizing reactions in people.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Risk Research·DateJan 24, 2017

Cell of origin affects malignancy and drug sensitivity of brain tumors

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a correlation between brain tumor cell origin and its growth rate, malignancy, and response to cancer drugs. The study found that tumors originating from immature neural stem cells were more aggressive and less sensitive to treatment than those from differentiated glial cells.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 24, 2017

New MRI method aids long-term concussion prognosis

Researchers used fMRI to track brain activity in 75 concussion patients and found altered patterns associated with worse symptoms months later. The study identified abnormal connectivity in frontal areas and visual networks, suggesting a higher risk for long-term post-concussive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 24, 2017

A brain wide chemical signal that enhances memory

Researchers discovered a brain-wide chemical signal released in response to attention-demanding situations, which is boosted by current Alzheimer's treatments. This signal could lead to new ways to enhance cognitive function and memory in healthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 24, 2017

Scientists discover even wasps make trade deals

Scientists at the University of Sussex discovered that wasps trade partners compete for the 'best deal', influenced by market forces. The study showed that supply and demand theory can predict insect behavior, revealing parallels between wasp populations and human business markets.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

Predator or not? Invasive snails hide even when they don't know

A University of Washington study reveals that invasive marine snails react differently to threat signals compared to native snails. Native snails use multiple sources of information before fleeing or hiding, while invasive snails respond impulsively and hide at the first whiff of danger.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJan 24, 2017

Immigration fears among Latinos can impact baby size at birth

A University of Michigan study reveals that immigration fears among Latino mothers can lead to lower birth weights and preterm births. The research found a 24% increased risk of low birth weight among Latina babies born after the historic Postville immigration raid in 2008.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 24, 2017

Finding new cancer drugs in the neighborhood

Researchers identify proteins that interact with cancer-related proteins at the center of cellular signaling networks, potentially leading to new chemotherapies. These 'first neighbor' proteins have a significant impact on cancer progression and may be useful drug targets.

SourceEarlham Institute·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateJan 24, 2017

Scientists lay foundations for new type of solar cell

Researchers have laid the foundations for a new type of photovoltaic cell that uses infrared radiation to generate electrical energy. The solid-state solar cell relies on polaron excitations, which combine electron excitation with lattice vibrations, allowing for more efficient energy conversion. By modifying and optimizing the materia...

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 24, 2017

Personality traits linked to differences in brain structure

Researchers analyzed a large dataset of brain images from over 500 individuals to identify correlations between brain cortical anatomy and the Big Five personality traits. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increased thickness in certain regions, while openness was linked to reduced thickness and increased area and folding.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJan 24, 2017

New WHO international fetal growth charts

A new study establishes World Health Organization fetal growth charts using ultrasound measurements during pregnancy in 10 countries. The research found that natural variation in fetal growth differed significantly between countries and was influenced by maternal age, height, weight, and parity, as well as fetal sex.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 24, 2017

Lung cancer patients with anxiety, depression die sooner: Study

A recent study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that lung cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression have a significantly shorter length of survival. The research, conducted by the University of British Columbia and BC Cancer Agency, controlled for various factors to confirm this link.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateJan 24, 2017

Study establishes new standard of care for pancreatic cancer patients

A new standard of care for pancreatic cancer patients has been established with a combination chemotherapy treatment, doubling five-year survival rates. The treatment, combining gemcitabine and capecitabine, was found to be effective in increasing patient survival by 29% compared to single-drug therapy.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 24, 2017

Researcher calls for conservation of ivory-billed woodpecker's habitat

A new study suggests that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker may still exist, prompting a call for conservation efforts. The bird is highly elusive and its habitat is difficult to access, making it challenging to obtain conclusive photographic evidence. Researchers believe that a more pragmatic approach is needed to document the species while...

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateJan 24, 2017

New avenue for anti-depressant therapy discovered

Finnish researchers have identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by controlling newly born nerve cells in the hippocampus. The discovery provides a fresh insight into how the brain regulates mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 24, 2017

Overall rate of death from cancer decreases in US

Cancer mortality in the US declined by 20.1% from 240 to 192 deaths per 100,000 population between 1980 and 2014. Distinct clusters of counties with high cancer mortality rates were found, varying by type of cancer and region.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 24, 2017

Antibiotics, not dirty hospitals, the main cause of C. difficile epidemic

A UK study found that overuse of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak caused by antibiotic-resistant C. difficile bugs. Reducing fluoroquinolone use resulted in an 80% fall in infections, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 24, 2017

In utero conditions can affect a teen's brain development

A study found that in utero environmental factors, such as placement in the womb and access to nutrition, affect cortical structure and lead to differences in brain volume by teenage years. Epigenetic processes also play a role in this relationship.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJan 24, 2017

Study pinpoints opportunity for oncologists to improve prognosis communication

A recent study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that oncologists often avoid discussing prognosis with their patients due to a cultural norm. By pausing to ask if patients want to talk about test results, oncologists can create an opportunity for more holistic discussions about life and death.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateJan 24, 2017

New study finds where you live may determine likelihood of dying from cancer

A new study reveals significant disparities in US cancer mortality rates among over 3,100 counties, highlighting unacceptable geographic variations and potential explanations for these differences. The analysis of 29 types of cancer shows that areas with high smoking rates and poor prevention programs tend to have higher mortality rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA·DateJan 24, 2017

An urban collection of modern-day micrometeorites

Researchers have recovered over 100 billion micrometeorites from urban areas, including Norway, and found that the majority are cosmic spherules, representing the youngest large MMs yet recovered. This study challenges the long-held belief that these particles can only be found in pristine environments.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 24, 2017

Too little food from animal sources may increase risk of preterm birth

A study of 11,216 pregnancies across 11 countries found that low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with a 21% increased risk of preterm birth. Vegans and vegetarians are particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency without supplementation.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 24, 2017

Southern Italy: Earthquake hazard due to active plate boundary

An international team of researchers published seafloor maps revealing current activity at a plate boundary off Sicily and Calabria. The study provides new insights into the geological processes in the region, which has been hit by devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the past.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJan 24, 2017

Supercool electrons

Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about the movement of supercool electrons on a liquid helium surface, shedding light on their behavior and potential applications in quantum computing. The research aims to create a scalable system with mobile qubits, paving the way for significant advancements in the field.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 24, 2017

Sequencing poisonous mushrooms to potentially create medicine

Researchers at Michigan State University have genetically sequenced two species of poisonous mushrooms, discovering that they can produce billions of compounds through one molecular assembly line. This could lead to more efficient synthesis of new compounds for treating lethal diseases.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateJan 24, 2017

Ion treatments for cardiac arrhythmia

Researchers develop a non-invasive procedure using high-energy carbon ions to treat cardiac arrhythmias, offering a gentler alternative to catheter-based surgery. The method, tested in animal studies, can permanently interrupt the propagation of disruptive impulses with pinpoint accuracy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2017

Medical, scientific image analysis vastly improved by new software

Researchers at the University of Missouri developed new software TREND that can analyze series of images much faster and more accurately than ever before. This software resolves and tracks changes among images, enabling quicker analysis of complex data.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 24, 2017

Timing of chemo affects inflammation, mice study suggests

Inflammation in mice brains and spleens differed depending on when chemotherapy drugs were administered, according to Ohio State University researchers. The study's findings could lead to more effective treatment strategies and reduced side effects for cancer patients.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2017

New discovery: Nanometric imprinting on fiber

Researchers at EPFL developed a simple technique for drawing nanometric patterns on hollow polymer fibers, overcoming previous limitations. The new method can create highly complex designs with feature sizes two orders of magnitude smaller than before, paving the way for various applications in biology, materials science, and beyond.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 24, 2017

From tiny phytoplankton to massive tuna

A new study by Nereus Program researchers found that climate change will affect energy flows in ocean ecosystems, leading to decreased fish catch in some areas. The authors used a mathematical model to explore the processes that mediate the transfer of energy from phytoplankton growth to fish growth.

SourceNippon Foundation-Nereus Program·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2017

Mummy visualization impresses in computer journal

The article describes the technology behind a visualisation table that allows visitors to interact with 3D scanned mummies in real-time. The table displays over 10,000 virtual slices of the mummy and uses rapid graphics processors to create volumetric images.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateJan 23, 2017

Serum micoRNAs may serve as biomarkers for multiple sclerosis

A new study found that serum microRNAs are associated with MRI measures of multiple sclerosis severity, suggesting they could serve as biomarkers. The research identified distinct microRNA sets linked to lesions and atrophy, which may help identify underlying disease processes and guide therapeutic decisions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 23, 2017