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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 447


Page 447 of 461

Senescence promotes chemotherapy side effects and cancer relapse

Researchers at the Buck Institute found that chemotherapy induces widespread cellular senescence, contributing to persistent inflammation and cancer recurrence. Eliminating senescent cells reduced side effects, including fatigue, bone marrow suppression, and toxicity, in mice treated with common chemotherapy drugs.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJan 16, 2017

Scientists make plastic from pine trees

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a renewable plastic from pinene found in pine needles, which can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging and medical implants. The new plastic is biodegradable and produced from a waste product previously discarded in the paper industry.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJan 16, 2017

Persistent infection keeps immune memory sharp, leading to long-term protection

Researchers found that persistent infections stimulate the immune system, keeping it primed and ready for future encounters. This leads to long-term immunity, but also carries risks of reactivation and disease. The study aims to design vaccines that elicit life-long immunity without sterilizing the pathogen.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

SMiLE-seq: A new technique speeds up genetics

Scientists developed a microfluidics-based technique called SMiLE-seq to characterize DNA-binding proteins, increasing speed, accuracy and efficiency. The technique can analyze over 60 transcription factors, including nine new ones, and has the potential to be extended to other molecules.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 2017

Smoking-related imagery absent from only one James Bond movie to date

The James Bond series has conspicuously absent smoking-related imagery in only one film since its debut in 1962, according to a recent analysis published in Tobacco Control. Despite Bond himself no longer smoking, he is still exposed to second-hand smoke through his sexual partners and other characters.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 16, 2017

New study refutes how fruit flies developed their tolerance for alcohol

A new study uses transgenic organisms and biochemistry to test an evolutionary hypothesis on fruit flies' ability to metabolize alcohol. The research found that the amino acid changes in the ADH protein do not improve the fruit flies' tolerance for alcohol, challenging a previous hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 16, 2017

Climate change forecast: More intense deluges and downpours Down Under

New research predicts a 11.3-30% intensification of rainfall from extreme precipitation events in Australia with a 2°C rise in global temperatures. This will occur despite some areas becoming increasingly drought-prone, highlighting the need for infrastructure adaptation to extreme rainfall events.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 16, 2017

Tracking Antarctic adaptations in diatoms

A comparative genomic analysis of Antarctic diatom Fragillariopsis cylindrus reveals its ability to adapt to extreme cold by selectively expressing variant genes. The study provides insights into the organism's genome structure and evolution, highlighting its unique genetic features that enable survival in harsh environments.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2017

The first humans arrived in North America a lot earlier than believed

Researchers have revised the earliest known human settlement in North America to 24,000 years ago based on new radiocarbon dating from the Bluefish Caves in Yukon. The findings confirm the 'Beringian standstill hypothesis' suggesting that humans inhabited Eastern Beringia during the last ice age.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 16, 2017

Three questions climate science must answer

Researchers identify three critical areas for climate research to tackle new frontiers of climate study. They include understanding the fate of carbon in the atmosphere and accurately modeling regional climate changes. These efforts require international collaboration and significant computational resources.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 16, 2017

Considering cattle could help eliminate malaria in India

Researchers found that mosquitoes responsible for transmitting malaria often rest in cattle sheds and feed on both humans and cattle. The team suggests that extending mosquito-control efforts to include cattle sheds could help reduce transmission dramatically.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2017

Nanoparticle exposure can awaken dormant viruses in the lungs

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that nanoparticles from combustion engines can reactivate latent herpes viruses in lung tissue cells. This process can lead to increased viral proteins and acute infection patterns. Further studies aim to investigate the molecular mechanism of virus reactivation by nanoparticles.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·DateJan 16, 2017

Lessons learned when commercialization of a new soft robot fails

A company's failed attempt to bring jamming-based robotic gripper technology to market provides valuable insights into the challenges of product development and commercialization. The authors share their research and product design efforts, highlighting key factors that influenced customer purchasing decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 16, 2017

Nanoscale view of energy storage

Scientists captured real-time, dynamic visualizations of atoms moving in and out of nanoparticles less than 100 nanometers in size. The experiments provided insight into the chemical and physical sciences, revealing that nanoparticles can self-heal and become more durable energy storage materials.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2017

ACP and AAFP release new hypertension recommendations

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released a new guideline for treating hypertension in adults 60 years old and older. The guidelines recommend a less aggressive treatment target for otherwise healthy adults, with a focus on achieving a systolic blood pressure of less tha...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

For first time ever, X-ray imaging at Argonne captures material defect process

Researchers at Argonne have discovered a new approach to detail the formation of material changes at the atomic scale, capturing images of structural defects in palladium when exposed to hydrogen. This imaging capability will help validate models predicting material behavior and enable defect engineering for better materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 16, 2017

ACP & AAFP release guideline for treatment of hypertension in older adults

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend that physicians initiate treatment in adults aged 60 years old and older with persistent systolic blood pressure at or above 150 mm Hg to achieve a target systolic blood pressure of less than 150 mm Hg. The guideline notes that some ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

How China is poised for marine fisheries reform

A joint study by Chinese and international researchers recommends new institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access, and policy consistency across provinces. The authors believe that China's 13th Five-Year Plan provides a policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration of fisheries.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Every meal triggers inflammation

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that meals trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This mechanism is dependent on bacteria and nutrients ingested during meals, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition for immune function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 16, 2017

Study tracks 'memory' of soil moisture

The new data from the SMAP satellite is providing significant surprises that will help in the modeling of climate, forecasting of weather, and monitoring of agriculture around the world. The topsoil's 'memory' for weather anomalies persists for a matter of days, contrary to expectations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 16, 2017

Presumed young star turns out to be a galactic senior citizen

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum used data from the Astrophysical Journal to determine the age of the star, finding it had formed at the same time as our galaxy. The dual star system's companion star transferred matter to 49 Lib, causing incorrect age estimates.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJan 16, 2017

Viral escape hatch could be treatment target for hepatitis E, Princeton-led study finds

Researchers at Princeton University have identified a potential treatment target for the hepatitis E virus by exploiting its ability to use proteins to escape host cells. The study found that curtailing viroporin production could prevent viral particles from spreading, providing a new avenue for antiviral drugs.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

'Buying time' for natural killer cells could enhance cancer immunity

Researchers have found a protein called BCL-2 crucial in controlling the reservoir of NK cells, which may be vulnerable to new medicines that inhibit it. Boosting NK cell numbers with IL-15 could offer a valuable approach to boosting immunity against viral infections or cancer.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

How safe is that driver next to you? A trucker's poor health could increase crash risk

A new study by University of Utah Health found that commercial truck drivers with three or more medical conditions are quadruple their chance of being in a crash compared to healthier drivers. The research suggests that a driver's poor health can increase the risk not only for themselves but also for others around them.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

Liverpool scientists to develop liquid antennas

Researchers aim to overcome traditional antenna limitations with liquid materials, enabling flexible and compact devices. The project will test liquids for stability and frequency transmission across various temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateJan 16, 2017

New tools will drive greater understanding of wheat genes

A vast collection of genetically modified wheat seeds with over 10 million sequenced mutations has been developed to aid in the study and improvement of wheat plants. This new resource is freely available to researchers and breeders worldwide, enabling them to develop crops with enhanced nutritional value, yields, and climate resilience.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Study finds high survival rate for elderly patients with implantable defibrillator

The study found that almost 80% of elderly patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator survived two years after a sudden cardiac arrest or near-fatal arrhythmia. The researchers also noted substantial care needs among the oldest patients, with high hospitalization and skilled nursing facility admission rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 16, 2017

Left wingers twice as likely to punish companies for tax avoidance, study finds

A recent study published in Journal of Business Research found that left wing consumers are twice as likely to punish companies for tax avoidance. The study revealed a significant decrease in purchase intentions among left wingers, with an average drop of 16%, compared to 8% among right wingers.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJan 16, 2017

Self-assembling particles brighten future of LED lighting

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a technique to create ultra-fine grained films using self-assembling nanoparticles, leading to more efficient and stable perovskite-based LEDs. This advancement brings perovskite technologies closer to commercialization and could speed the adoption of lower-cost and environmentally fri...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 16, 2017

HIV therapy could be contributing to syphilis outbreak: UBC study

A new UBC study found that medications used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV may be reducing the body's immune response to certain diseases, including syphilis. Researchers suggest this could be contributing to the recent surge in syphilis cases worldwide.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJan 16, 2017

New study reveals the structure of DNA helicase at the replication fork

A new study reveals the structure of DNA helicase at the replication fork, reversing a long-held assumption about its orientation. The findings provide a crucial piece in understanding how life propagates and may lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancers and anemias.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' show worrisome ability to diversify and spread

Researchers found a wide variety of CRE species and genetic traits enabling resistance, with traits transferring easily among species. The findings suggest that CRE may be transmitting from person to person asymptomatically, highlighting the need for increased genomic surveillance.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Light source discovery 'challenges basic assumption' of physics

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde discovered a way to create narrowband radiation with high efficiency, challenging a fundamental understanding of electromagnetic radiation. This breakthrough has significant implications for materials science and medical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2017

Sweat bees on hot chillies: Native bees thrive in traditional farming, securing good yield

A study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that traditional farming practices on the Yucatán Peninsula create attractive habitats for native sweat bees, improving pollination services. The researchers discovered that moderate farming with slash-and-burn practices has no direct negative impact on native bee populations.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 16, 2017

Metastatic pancreatic cancer 'reprogrammed' for malignancy

A Vanderbilt-led study identifies a compound that can reverse the malignant reprogramming of metastatic pancreatic cancer cells. The research found that distant metastases undergo massive epigenetic changes that enable tumor formation, but these changes can be reversed with the inhibition of phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 16, 2017

Maternal micronutrients, nurturing environment boost child development

A new study published in Lancet Global Health found that maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy significantly boost child development and cognitive ability. The research also highlights the importance of a strong nurturing environment, home conditions, and parental education in shaping a child's intellectual abilities.

SourceGrand Challenges Canada·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJan 16, 2017

Common crop chemical leaves bees susceptible to deadly viruses

A widely used crop chemical, Sylgard 309, increases the susceptibility of honey bee larvae to a deadly virus, Black Queen Cell Virus. This finding suggests that exposure to organosilicone adjuvants negatively influences immunity in honey bee larvae, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity and mortality.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2017

Study applies game theory to genomic privacy

A new study from Vanderbilt University uses game theory to simulate re-identification risks and strikes an optimal balance between data sharing and privacy. The approach compares various data sharing policies in terms of risk and scientific utility, providing a more realistic estimate of the risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 16, 2017

Retail therapy for jealous partners

Researchers found that feelings of jealousy increase the desire for products that will attract someone's attention. Participants who were experiencing jealousy opted to buy eye-catching products even in public, indicating a strong motivation to regain their partner's focus.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJan 16, 2017

Protein research: The computer as microscope

Using infrared spectroscopy and computer simulations, researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum discovered a magnesium atom contributes significantly to switching G-proteins on and off. This finding has implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted drugs.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 16, 2017

Harrington Discovery Institute announces 2016 partnership scholars

The Harrington Discovery Institute has selected three 2016 partnership scholars to support groundbreaking research in Alzheimer's disease and blindness. The scholars will receive funding and expert pharmaceutical guidance to advance their discoveries into new medicines.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateJan 16, 2017

Frankly, do we give a damn...?

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that people who frequently curse are less likely to be associated with lying and deception. The research also showed that those who use more profanity tend to use language patterns related to honesty, such as using pronouns like 'I' and 'me'.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 16, 2017

Key cardiovascular risk factors for Chinese Australians uncovered

Diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Chinese Australians. The study found a 25% higher prevalence of diabetes, a 22% higher prevalence of smoking, and a 45% higher prevalence of physical inactivity compared to non-Chinese Australians.

SourceSax Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 15, 2017

Seeing the quantum future... literally

Researchers from the University of Sydney have demonstrated a technique to predict and prevent the randomization of quantum systems, or decoherence, which destroys their useful quantum character. This achievement could help bring powerful quantum technology closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2017

Diversification key to resilient fishing communities

Researchers found that well-diversified fishing communities in Alaska experienced little change in revenue despite fluctuations in fish abundance and market prices. Communities with high diversity were able to shift to different fisheries, increasing their revenue streams.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2017

A chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification

Researchers have developed a chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification using photo-clickable miRNAs. This approach enables the identification of target genes associated with miRNAs without disrupting their function, revealing new insights into miRNA-involved cellular regulation pathways.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 13, 2017