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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 442


Page 442 of 461

Scientists uncover the genetic history of cocoa in Brazil

A study of cocoa varieties grown in Bahia for over 200 years found that they are genetically similar and vulnerable to disease. Researchers identified resistant trees with greater genetic diversity, offering hope for combating witch's broom.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2017

A role for mutated blood cells in heart disease?

A recent study found that mutations in blood cells of elderly humans may contribute to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death. The research suggests that hematopoietic mutations could be an age-dependent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2017

Time to put TB on a diet!

Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis reprograms infected cells to feed on lipids and membranes, leading to new treatment opportunities. The study provides a promising lead in tackling the disease by starving the bacterium of its preferred high-fat food source.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 19, 2017

CRISPR meets single-cell sequencing in new screening method

A new screening method combining CRISPR genome editing with single-cell RNA sequencing enables the simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes in individual cells. This approach, called CROP-seq, allows researchers to study complex biological mechanisms and identify novel drug targets more efficiently than traditional methods.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 19, 2017

Why the lights don't dim when we blink

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that blinking prompts the brain to reposition eyeballs, keeping vision in line. This mechanism allows our brains to adapt to changes and compensate for errors in our bodies' own hardware.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

What causes sleepiness when sickness strikes

A study published in eLife reveals that a single nerve cell named ALA coordinates an organism-wide response to sickness, causing sleepiness by releasing FLP-13 and other neuropeptides. Researchers found that FLP-13 triggers sleep by turning down activity in nervous system cells that help keep organisms awake.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJan 19, 2017

Team uncovers cellular responses to bird flu vaccine

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have made a groundbreaking discovery about the human immune system's response to the bird flu vaccine. They found that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, play a previously unobserved role in vaccine response and may function as antigen-presenting cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 19, 2017

Curb your immune enthusiasm

Researchers found that inhibiting PLSCR1 controls the infected cell's antiviral response, providing long-term protection from immune attack and excessive inflammation. This discovery holds promise for virally delivered treatments, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 19, 2017

Disadvantaged women at greater risk of heart disease than men

Women from low socioeconomic backgrounds are 25% more likely to suffer a heart attack than disadvantaged men, according to a major new study. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, with an estimated 8.6 million deaths per year.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 19, 2017

New low-cost technique converts bulk alloys to oxide nanowires

A simple technique produces oxide nanowires from bulk materials at ambient temperature and pressure without catalysts or toxic chemicals. The process enables the production of low-cost 1D nanomaterials in large quantities for various applications, including thermally-stable battery membranes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2017

Accelerating fuel-efficient car production with disruptive 3-D print process

Engineers at the University of Nottingham are developing lightweight automotive components using selective laser melting (SLM), a disruptive AM technology. This process enables significant weight reductions in mass (40-80 per cent) while optimizing thermo-mechanical performance, leading to increased vehicle efficiency and reduced costs.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateJan 19, 2017

Atherosclerosis: Endogenous peptide lowers cholesterol

Researchers have identified an endogenous peptide that reduces cholesterol levels in mice, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. The protein, human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP1), binds to LDL in the bloodstream and induces rapid uptake by the liver, reducing hypercholesterolemia.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJan 19, 2017

Treated carbon pulls radioactive elements from water

Researchers at Rice University and Kazan Federal University have found a way to extract radioactivity from water using oxidatively modified carbon (OMC) material. The OMC is highly efficient at absorbing radioactive metal cations, including cesium and strontium, making it a promising solution for purifying contaminated water.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 19, 2017

Study discusses model for understanding nutrition and brain development

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a piglet model to study nutrition's effects on infant brain development and behavior. The new review article highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition, including those that assess brain development outcomes using advanced MRI methods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·DateJan 19, 2017

Sea-surface temps during last interglacial period like modern temps

A new study reveals that sea-surface temperatures during the last interglaciation period were comparable to those of today. The analysis of 104 marine sediment core sites suggests that global ocean SSTs simulated by most climate models are too low, and that oceans may respond differently to modern warming.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2017

Leaders issue 'call to action' on gun safety; urge consensus vs. confrontation

Researchers from top universities issue an agenda for action on gun safety, promoting discourse around gun safety rather than control. They propose collaborations with opponents, engaging private industry in evidence-based initiatives to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 19, 2017

Binge drinking may quickly lead to liver damage

A new UCSF study reveals that binge drinking can cause fatty liver, inflammation and enzyme changes within seven weeks. The researchers found that even a short period of excessive drinking resulted in liver dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJan 19, 2017

Quality control inside the cell

Two specific proteins recognize defective mRNAs and trigger their destruction, maintaining cell survival. The study reveals a direct competition-based approach for targeting aberrant ribosomes.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2017

NASA Goddard scientist wins 2017 GLBT Scientist Award

Matthew McGill, a NASA Goddard researcher, has made significant contributions to understanding climate change impacts through the application of lidar technology. His work on the Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instrument has been successfully operating on the International Space Station for two years.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 19, 2017

Precision medicine advances pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and treatment

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that genetic abnormalities can guide patients' treatment for pediatric brain tumors. The study analyzed over 200 tumor samples, revealing clinically relevant genetic changes in 56% of cases, which can impact diagnosis and treatment with approved drugs or agents.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJan 19, 2017

'FishTaco' sorts out who is doing what in your microbiome

A new computational method, FishTaco, integrates taxonomic and functional approaches to identify bacterial species responsible for functional imbalances in the microbiome. Researchers found that diverse combinations of species drive functional imbalances in diseases like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 19, 2017

Public health experts support federally mandated smoke-free public housing

Public health experts praise the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's new rule mandating smoke-free policies in federally funded public housing authorities. The authors highlight challenges, such as infrastructure and community support, and suggest strategies to ease the transition and encourage compliance.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 19, 2017

One night stand regrets

A Norwegian study finds that women regret casual sex encounters more frequently than men, contradicting earlier American research. Women are also less likely to be happy with the experience and more concerned about potential consequences such as pregnancy or STD infections. The researchers suggest that evolutionary differences in repro...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateJan 19, 2017

Creating atomic scale nanoribbons

A recent study demonstrates the integration of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (APGNRs) onto nonmetallic silicon substrates, overcoming a significant challenge in chip manufacturing. The 'bottom-up' approach allows for atomic-level control and uniform electronic properties.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 19, 2017

Jumbled chromosomes may dampen the immune response to tumors

A new study found that high-aneuploidy tumors have increased expression of genes involved in DNA replication and cell cycle, but decreased expression of genes characteristic of immune cells. This suggests that jumbled chromosomes in tumors may limit the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2017

Study: Technological progress alone won't stem resource use

Researchers at MIT found no evidence of dematerialization in 56 materials and goods, despite technological improvements. Despite increased efficiency, consumer demand for products continues to outpace material usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateJan 19, 2017

Caves in central China show history of natural flood patterns

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a 500-year cycle of flooding in central China, which can be used to predict broad precipitation patterns in the future. The findings provide insight into climate change over time and improve understanding of monsoon regions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2017

New theory may explain mystery of Fairy Circles of Namibia

A new theory suggests that termite engineering and vegetation self-organisation jointly create the distinctive patterns, leading to a more nuanced understanding of ecosystem interactions. The findings provide insights into regular vegetation patterns observed globally.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2017

Georgia State study uses social media, internet to forecast disease outbreaks

Researchers used social media and internet reports to analyze exposure patterns during the 2014-2015 Ebola epidemic and 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. The study found that alternative data streams can provide reliable information on disease dynamics in the early stages of an outbreak.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 19, 2017

Geosciences-inspired engineering

Researchers will develop a mechanical model to explain the behavior of dike swarms using 'swarm theory' from biology. This new approach aims to improve oil and gas stimulation methods, benefiting industry and society with lower energy costs and reduced environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJan 19, 2017

Magnetic moment of a single antiproton determined with greatest precision ever

The BASE collaboration has set a new benchmark in measuring the antiproton's g-factor, a quantity characterizing its magnetic moment, with unprecedented precision. The result is consistent with the predictions of the Standard Model and indicates that protons and antiprotons appear to be mirror images of each other.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2017

Employee wages not just linked to skills, but quality of co-workers

Research at the University of York found that high-performing co-workers raise an individual's wage by almost one percent in low-skilled occupations. The effect is driven by increased productivity due to peer pressure. In contrast, high-skilled occupations such as lawyers and doctors do not exhibit this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJan 19, 2017

Trump presidency to affect the quality of financial reporting information

Research from the University of Bath found that companies using 'creative accounting techniques' will increase in Republican-governed states and decrease in Democrat-governed states under Trump's presidency. This is due to the political alignment of the federal government, which affects earnings management.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateJan 19, 2017

Insecticides mimic melatonin, creating higher risk for diabetes

Research suggests that exposure to insecticides like carbamates can disrupt melatonin receptor signaling, leading to a higher risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The study highlights the need to assess environmental chemicals for their ability to disrupt circadian activity.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateJan 19, 2017

Roots of related genetic diseases found in cell powerhouses

Scientists have found the mechanisms behind a genetic change causing related diseases like Pearson's syndrome and Kearns-Sayre syndrome. The study reveals how errors in DNA replication result in large deletions of genetic material, leading to damage and mismanaged repair attempts.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 19, 2017

1 percent of Cambodian children live in orphanages yet have a living parent

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that nearly 80% of adolescents living in Cambodia's orphanages have one or more living parents. The research aimed to generate inclusive data to guide policy makers and service providers in recognizing and protecting these children.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 19, 2017

Motors matter: From DVD players to robotic surgeons

A team of researchers from the Polytechnic University of Bari proposes a new control scheme that improves dynamic performance and disturbance rejection. They also introduce an improved pre-filter to assist the system in maintaining attention on relevant data, enabling quicker integration and acceptance.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJan 19, 2017

Your 'anonmyized' web browsing history may not be anonymous

A study by Princeton and Stanford universities reveals that anonymous web browsing histories can be linked to social media profiles, raising concerns about internet privacy. Researchers created an algorithm that compared anonymous web browsing histories with public social media feeds to identify users with high accuracy.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateJan 19, 2017

Brain stimulation used like a scalpel to improve memory

Scientists at Northwestern University used non-invasive brain stimulation to target specific memory networks, enhancing spatial precision and retention. The treatment showed lasting benefits of up to 24 hours, outperforming previous studies on short-lived effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

Luminescent proteins provide color to ecological and cheap bio-displays

A team of scientists has designed a new display made from natural elements, including luminescent proteins. This technology enables the creation of energy-efficient Bio-displays with low production costs and high image quality, offering an ecological solution to traditional displays' limitations.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 18, 2017

Study identifies molecular signal for maintaining adult neuron

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a molecular signal that maintains adult neuron structure in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. The study found that reintroducing this protein restored nerve cell structures to some extent, suggesting potential avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

Climate change prompts Alaska fish to change breeding behavior

Three-spine stickleback fish in Alaska's Bristol Bay region are altering their breeding patterns in response to climate change, spawning earlier and more often. This shift could have wider ecological effects on the ecosystem, particularly for species like juvenile sockeye salmon.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 18, 2017

Finding ways to fix the climate before it's too late

Researchers improve climate models by incorporating industrial ecology approaches, including metal recycling, to consider a wider spectrum of mitigation options. This could enable IAMs to predict more realistic scenarios and inform policymakers about the potential impact of different strategies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 18, 2017

Heartbeat could be used as password to access electronic health records

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new way to protect personal electronic health records using a patient's heartbeat. The ECG signal is reused as the key for data encryption, providing enhanced security and privacy while minimizing costs. This innovative solution has the potential to significantly improve secure, per...

SourceBinghamton University·DateJan 18, 2017