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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 456


Page 456 of 461

High cholesterol intake and eggs do not increase risk of memory disorders

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high-cholesterol diet or frequent consumption of eggs do not increase the risk of memory disorders. In fact, egg consumption was associated with better cognitive performance in certain tests.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 9, 2017

Catheter safeguards at hospitals reduce infections and save money, study shows

A recent study by Cedars-Sinai found that implementing rigorous catheter safeguards can significantly reduce bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. The study, which analyzed data from 113 hospitals, showed a 57% reduction in infection rates while producing net savings of $1.85 million for each site over three years.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Researchers reveal how cancer cells cope with genetic chaos

Two studies reveal that cancer cells can tolerate genetic mutations by inactivating the BCL9L gene and slowing down division to avoid mistakes, allowing them to thrive and evolve. This understanding may lead to new ways to target cancer cells and improve treatment efficacy.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 9, 2017

Moralistic thinking on political left, right not so different

A new study reveals that liberals and conservatives share similar moral roots, particularly concerning sanctity, making constructive discussion challenging. The findings suggest a stalemate in the culture war due to each side considering certain issues as sacrosanct or fair for revision.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnalyses of Social Issues and Public Policy·DateJan 9, 2017

January/February 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

The National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases updated rankings of clinical preventive services, identifying high-impact services for improving population health. The top three services are immunizing children, tobacco-use screening and brief intervention, and alcohol misuse screening with brief intervention.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

How Spain achieved a remarkably high rate of deceased organ donation

The Spanish system has made organ donation a routine consideration when a patient dies, with professionals exploring patients' wishes regarding organ donation. The model's success lies in its coordination and organization, making it applicable to other countries with adaptations depending on the healthcare system and factors.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 9, 2017

The strange double life of Dab2

Researchers have discovered that Dab2 controls a population of fat stem cells that slowly disappears with maturity. This finding may reinforce the importance of steering children away from high-fat diets and lead to new pharmaceutical strategies to combat childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2017

Speeding up 19th century oil paintings

Lead acetate, combined with mastic resin and linseed oil, enabled artists to create quick-drying paint layers for the first time. This innovation allowed for faster production times, facilitating the development of modern styles in the 19th century.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 9, 2017

Progesterone may be key to preventing recurrent miscarriage

A new study suggests that progesterone could be a key to preventing recurrent miscarriage in women who suffer multiple pregnancy losses. Researchers found that micronized plant-derived progesterone improved endometrial function and prevented pregnancy loss.

SourceYale University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJan 9, 2017

PKM2 promotes exosome release via phosphorylating SNAP-23

A research team at Nanjing University found that PKM2 promotes exosome release by phosphorylating SNAP-23, which controls the dock and release of secretory granules or exosome-containing multivesicular bodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that PKM2 plays an essential role in promoting tumor cell exocytosis.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2017

NASA sees storms affecting the western US

A series of moisture-laden storms has affected the western US, including California and the Pacific Northwest, causing extreme rain events and blanketeting the region in snow. The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snows and periods of rain with potential flooding or flash flooding along the West Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 9, 2017

Most breastfed infants not receiving recommended vitamin D supplementation

A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Short-lived greenhouse gases cause centuries of sea-level rise

Researchers find that methane and other short-lived greenhouse gases impact sea levels for hundreds of years after being cleared from the atmosphere, with some effects even more long-lasting. The study highlights the importance of understanding climate change duration and its consequences for coastal regions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017

Exploiting the placebo effect can improve recovery of heart surgery patients

A new study found that patients given psychological support before heart surgery scored lower on disability tests, had better mental quality-of-life, and reported more physical activity. Personalized support appeared to have the greatest benefit, and a short-term intervention can be easily implemented in cardiac surgery units.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Warmer West Coast ocean conditions linked to increased risk of toxic shellfish

A new study by NOAA-supported researchers has developed a climate-based risk analysis model to predict domoic acid concentrations in shellfish. This model can help seafood industry managers stay ahead of harmful algae events, supporting timely fishery closures or openings and safeguarding public health.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017

Fixing overuse and underuse of medical care can improve health and save money

The 'Right Care Series' highlights the extent of overuse and underuse of healthcare services worldwide. Both issues are widespread and often coexist, causing harm to patients and wasting resources. By tackling these problems together, countries can achieve sustainable universal health coverage and ensure that healthcare is a human right.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 2017

Indoor tanning study reveals surprising new at-risk group for skin cancer

A new study published in JAMA Dermatology found that non-heterosexual black male teens engage in indoor tanning at levels equal to those of heterosexual white females. This discovery highlights a surprising new group at risk for skin cancer, which may be linked to psychological distress and discrimination.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJan 6, 2017

Is student debt responsible for 'boomeranging' among young adults?

A Dartmouth-led study published in Sociology of Education found that college completion rates, not student loan debt, are more strongly associated with the 'boomeranging' effect. Black youths who take on debt face a higher risk of returning home due to limited access to fair credit and economic strain.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalSociology of Education·DateJan 6, 2017

Study characterizes key molecular tool in DNA repair enzymes

Researchers have characterized the critical function of the Zf-GRF domain in manipulating DNA during repair processes. The domain is essential for APE2 enzyme activity, enabling it to bind to single-stranded DNA and facilitate its 3'-5' resection.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2017

Parents purchase frozen dinners for more than convenience

A new study found that parents' motivation for buying prepackaged, processed foods goes beyond time savings. Nearly half of parents reported choosing frozen meals because their families enjoy them, while a quarter preferred the cost savings.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJan 6, 2017

NASA study finds solar storms could spark soils at moon's poles

Solar storms can charge up soil in moon's permanently shadowed regions, potentially producing sparks that could vaporize and melt the soil. This process, known as dielectric breakdown, could alter the regolith and provide clues to the moon's history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalIcarus·DateJan 6, 2017

New research describes how bacteria resists 'last-resort' antibiotic

A UK-based international team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of mcr-1 gene-mediated resistance to colistin. They identified key features necessary for the protein that modifies bacterial surface to reduce colistin binding, and constructed computer models to block MCR-1 function.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2017

Gut microbes and bird's breath from the U at #SICB2017

University of Utah researchers explore the connection between gut microbes and birds' unique breathing patterns. The team found that diverse gut microbes play a critical role in allowing herbivorous woodrats to process naturally occurring toxins, with promising implications for human health and animal husbandry.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJan 6, 2017

Counseling, antidepressants change personality (for the better), team reports

A review of 207 studies found that therapeutic interventions led to an average decrease in neuroticism and increase in extraversion. Emotional stability was the primary trait domain showing changes as a result of therapy, with patients with anxiety disorders changing the most.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 6, 2017

UCI scientists identify a new approach to recycle greenhouse gas

Researchers found a bacterium can convert CO2 to CO, opening up new avenues for recycling greenhouse gas into biofuels. The discovery establishes nitrogenase enzyme as template for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly fuel production.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 6, 2017

Brazilian study compiles data on 958 types of South American jellyfish

The Brazilian census details 958 distinct morphological types of jellyfish, including their habitats, occurrences, and ecological data. The most toxic species belong to the class Cubozoa, while the class Scyphozoa includes a common Brazilian species.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZootaxa·DateJan 6, 2017

Zooplankton rapidly evolve tolerance to road salt

Researchers found that a common species of zooplankton can develop higher tolerance to road salt, which may help protect ecosystems from salt's impacts. This rapid evolution suggests that freshwater ecosystems possess some resilience amid rising deicing salt applications.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJan 6, 2017

New treatment for a rare form of encephalitis

Researchers have made significant progress treating anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with a new regimen, including patients who previously did not respond. The treatment, which includes bortezomib, has shown to quickly improve clinical symptoms and reduce antibodies responsible for the disease.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNeurology·DateJan 6, 2017

New personality model sets up how we see ourselves -- and how others see us

A new personality model, Trait-Reputation-Identity (TRI), combines self and peer ratings to gather feedback on big five personality traits. The model provides a robust method to determine agreement or divergence about an individual's personality traits, helping organizations improve hiring and employee performance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychological Review·DateJan 6, 2017

New research offers clues into how the brain shapes perception to control behavior

The brain can distinguish between expected and unexpected visual motion by selectively silencing neurons sensitive to yaw during intentional turns. This allows flies to stabilize their flight path and shift their gaze without interference. The study provides insights into how the brain processes visual information to control behavior

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 6, 2017

Autoimmunity and infections: When the body fights itself

Researchers found that B cells can capture proteins from pathogens and the body's own cells, leading to autoimmune inflammation. This error in protein uptake can trigger autoaggressive T cells, potentially causing autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2017

Investigators identify optimal conditions for growth of Legionella bacteria

Researchers found that Legionella pneumophila grows well in warm tap water installations with ample dissolved organic matter, supporting biofilm formation. The study suggests that microgram-per-liter concentrations of biodegradable compounds can induce bacterial growth on surfaces, promoting proliferation of the bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2017

Rocky mountain haze

A new study from University of Utah researchers finds a correlation between drought and high-elevation aerosols in the western US, suggesting that wildfires are driving the increase in summer haze. Aerosol particles can trigger cloud formation, exerting their own influence on global temperature and climate.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 6, 2017

Brain protein predicts recovery time following concussion

A study published in Neurology suggests that elevated levels of brain protein tau following a sport-related concussion are associated with a longer recovery period and delayed return to play. Tau levels measured in blood may serve as a marker to help physicians determine an athlete's readiness to return to the game.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJan 6, 2017

Researchers design one of strongest, lightest materials known

Researchers at MIT have designed a strong and lightweight material by compressing graphene flakes into sponge-like configurations, achieving 10 times the strength of steel while maintaining a low density of just 5%. The new material's unusual geometric configuration is key to its exceptional properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 2017

Open-source plant database confirms top US bioenergy crop

Researchers have created an open-source database to facilitate bioenergy research, confirming Miscanthus as the top US bioenergy crop. The database, BETYdb, contains over 40,000 records of yield data for various biomass crops, revealing that Miscanthus is 2.4 times more productive than switchgrass under different environmental conditions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJan 6, 2017

USDA announces $2.9 million available for biorefinery research

The USDA has allocated $2.9 million for research into integrated biorefineries, which aim to create biofuels and bioproducts from renewable energy sources. This funding will support projects that address the challenges of scaling up and operating these facilities, with the goal of enhancing US energy security and economic growth.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateJan 6, 2017

Tailored organoid may help unravel immune response mystery

Researchers at Cornell University have created a modular immune organoid that can replicate the anatomical structures found within lymph nodes. The 3-D organoid enables quicker and more plentiful replication of B cells, which are antibody-producing lymphocytes.

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateJan 6, 2017

You've got mail -- personality differences in email use

A new study by the British Psychological Society finds that people with different personality preferences experience varying degrees of stress when using email. Those with a big picture focus tend to check emails outside work hours, leading to increased stress levels.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJan 6, 2017

Toxic bosses are bad for your health and bad for your reputation

Research by the British Psychological Society found that employees working for psychopathic and narcissistic leaders experience lower job satisfaction, higher depression rates, and more workplace bullying. These toxic bosses can create a hostile environment, leading to unhappy and dissatisfied employees seeking revenge.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJan 6, 2017

New study finds 1 in 5 US gun owners obtained firearm without background check

A new national survey by Northeastern University and Harvard University found that 22% of current US gun owners acquired a gun within the past two years without a background check. The study also revealed significant differences in private firearm sales with and without background checks between states with and without regulations.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 6, 2017

Risk of long-term disability in older adults who visit the ED

A study by Yale researchers found that older adults who visit the emergency department (ED) are at increased risk for disability and decline in physical abilities up to six months later. The discharged group had significantly higher disability scores than the control group, and were also more likely to be living in a nursing home.

SourceYale University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 6, 2017

While not necessarily reality, perception can cause reality to evolve

A study integrating field and laboratory experiments with computer simulations found that perception plays a key role in the evolution of counterintuitive traits. Proportional perception limits the evolution of traits by making it difficult to perceive changes in large stimuli.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2017

Hubble detects 'exocomets' taking the plunge into a young star

Astronomers have discovered three young star systems with doomed comets, suggesting a common mechanism for exocomet destruction. The study provides new insights into the past and present activity of comets in our solar system, potentially making life possible on terrestrial planets.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2017

Many kidney failure patients lack advance directives near the end of life

A study found that patients with kidney failure were less likely to have advance directives than those with other serious illnesses, but those who did had better end-of-life care. The presence of treatment-limiting directives and surrogate decision makers reduced hospitalizations, intensive procedures, and inpatient deaths.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 5, 2017