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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 457


Page 457 of 461

When being extra sweet doesn't pay off

A study on bat preferences for nectar reveals that competition leads to a preference for dilute nectars. The researchers used computer-controlled flowers with varying sugar concentrations to simulate the feeding behavior of bats.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

US educators awarded for exemplary teaching in mathematics

The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) has awarded Janet Heine Barnett, Caren Diefenderfer, and Tevian Dray for their outstanding contributions to mathematics education. They were recognized for inspiring students, developing innovative teaching methods, and promoting quantitative literacy.

SourceMathematical Association of America·DateJan 5, 2017

A flexible transistor that conforms to skin

Researchers have developed a flexible transistor that can be stretched to twice its length without significant changes in conductivity. The breakthrough uses a semiconducting polymer confined within an elastic matrix, demonstrating effective transconductivity even under heavy stretching.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

Genomic data sharing is critical to improving genetic health care

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics advocates for extensive sharing of genomic data to improve patient care. Responsible data sharing will provide critical information for clinical laboratories and treating physicians, leading to advancements in personalized medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJan 5, 2017

Apligraf® demonstrates significant change in chronic wound's genomic profile

New research from Organogenesis Inc. reveals that Apligraf can convert chronic venous leg ulcers into acute, healing wounds by modulating inflammatory and growth factor signaling. This breakthrough study published in Science Translational Medicine provides valuable insights for researchers and clinicians treating chronic wounds.

SourceOrganogenesis Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 5, 2017

Humans occupied tibetan plateau thousands of years earlier than previously thought

A new analysis of an archaeological site in Tibet suggests that permanent residents may have set up camp thousands of years earlier than previously thought. The study's findings support previous genetic research and propose that the region's wet climate may have enabled permanent pre-agricultural peopling.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

New microscope chemically identifies micron-sized particles

Researchers developed a new microscope that can chemically identify individual micron-sized particles using infrared spectroscopy without detectors. The instrument uses photothermal modulation of Mie scattering, allowing for non-destructive analysis and identification of multiple species simultaneously.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 5, 2017

Great Barrier Reef almost drowned; climate implications

The Great Barrier Reef nearly drowned during the Last Interglacial period due to rapid sea-level rise from melting glaciers and polar ice sheets. The reef's shallow growth recommenced once the sea-level rise stabilized, but modern pressures such as pesticide run-off, warming temperatures, and dredging could threaten its survival.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalGlobal and Planetary Change·DateJan 5, 2017

Halting lethal childhood leukemia

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a genetic driver of mixed lineage leukemia, a rare and deadly form of childhood leukemia. They identified a targeted molecular therapy that halts the proliferation of leukemic cells by stabilizing the wild-type MLL protein, which drives cancer.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell·DateJan 5, 2017

Identifying children at risk of eating disorders is key to saving lives

A study published in Appetite found that children with more eating disorder symptoms at age nine also had a higher number of symptoms at age 12. The research identified three key areas to monitor for early intervention: body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and earlier onset of symptoms.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAppetite·DateJan 5, 2017

Consumption of grilled meat linked to higher mortality risk among breast cancer survivors

A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high consumption of grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats may increase mortality risk after breast cancer diagnosis. The research evaluated the link between these meat types and survival time among 1508 Long Island women with breast cancer.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 5, 2017

Hummingbirds see motion in an unexpected way

Researchers found that hummingbird brains are uniquely attuned to detect fast visual motion in any direction. This discovery sheds light on the birds' remarkable ability to zoom and stop quickly while sipping nectar. The findings have implications for understanding flight behaviors, competitive interactions, and courtship displays.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 5, 2017

New therapeutic agent proves more effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer

A German multicenter study confirms the efficacy and safety of Lu-177-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, demonstrating a positive response rate of 45% and manageable side effects. The treatment offers an additional option for end-stage patients with high response rates and low toxicity.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 5, 2017

UNC Catalyst initiative aims to create, share tools to fight rare diseases

The UNC Catalyst initiative aims to create and share research tools to study rare diseases, addressing the lack of resources and expertise in this area. The partnership with Genetic Alliance and Structural Genomics Consortium will provide researchers with access to necessary tools and talent to accelerate solutions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateJan 5, 2017

Worms have teenage ambivalence, too

A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that adolescent roundworms exhibit erratic behavior when seeking food, unlike adult worms which show efficient behavior. This discovery provides insight into the drivers of neurological development and may shed light on human brain function and diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 5, 2017

Protein associated with Parkinson's travels from brain to gut

A laboratory study found that alpha-synuclein, a protein involved in Parkinson's disease, can travel from the brain to the stomach via specific nerve pathways. The protein was detected in gastric nerve terminals six months after its initial midbrain expression.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateJan 5, 2017

Buzzing the vagus nerve just right to fight inflammatory disease

The new therapy uses a kilohertz frequency electrical block of afferent vagus nerve pathways to stimulate the nerve while inhibiting unwanted nerve activity, increasing clinical efficacy and therapeutic benefit. This approach is reversible, controllable, and clinically feasible, providing a potential solution for chronic inflammatory d...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

Climate change could trigger strong sea level rise

An international team of scientists reports that Antarctica's climate change could trigger a strong sea level rise, similar to the one that occurred 15,000 years ago. Global warming is causing layering in the ocean, leading to stronger ice sheet melting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

Scientists use light to control the logic networks of a cell

Researchers have developed a method to control proteins inside live cells using light, allowing for unprecedented insight into the causes of disease. The technique uses previously inaccessible proteins to create flexible logic networks that can be manipulated in real-time.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

Researcher turns 'SARS mask' into a virus killer

A University of Alberta researcher has developed a method to treat surgical masks, making them effective against airborne viruses. By using a salt-based treatment, the mask's fibre filter can trap and kill viruses, reducing the risk of transmission.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

Captured on video: DNA nanotubes build a bridge between 2 molecular posts

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University successfully created DNA nanotube bridges that connected two molecular landmarks on the surface of a lab dish. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new medical devices and technologies that can communicate directly with cells, potentially revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 5, 2017

Older lung cancer patients face significant treatment burden

A study by Yale researchers found that older lung cancer patients can spend an average of one in three days interacting with the healthcare system within the first 60 days after surgery or radiation therapy. Patients with a higher number of medical conditions treated with surgery had the most post-treatment burdens.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateJan 5, 2017

Climate change has mixed effects on migratory geese

A new study by the University of Exeter found that climate change improves breeding chances for migratory geese in the Arctic, but increases the death rate among mothers. This is because warmer conditions require extra energy for laying eggs and make them more vulnerable to predators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 5, 2017

Telecommunications light amplifier could strengthen integrity of transmitted data

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a compact optical amplifier that can amplify light by 17,000 times, strengthening the integrity of transmitted data. The device's efficiency enables new opportunities in low-cost broadband spectroscopy, precision manufacturing, and hyperspectral imaging.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2017

Researchers identify factors associated with stopping treatment for opioid dependence

A study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment found that black and Hispanic patients, as well as unemployed individuals and those with hepatitis C, are more likely to disengage from treatment programs for opioid dependence. Long-term engagement in therapy is crucial for treating this chronic condition, similar to hypert...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateJan 5, 2017

Using fat to help wounds heal without scars

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery in wound healing by transforming myofibroblasts into fat cells. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize dermatology and develop new treatments for conditions such as HIV-related complications and aging skin.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

NIH-sponsored expert panel issues clinical guidelines to prevent peanut allergy

A new set of clinical guidelines aims to prevent the development of peanut allergy in infants by introducing peanut-containing foods early. The recommendations focus on high-risk infants, suggesting introduction between 4-6 months, and those with mild eczema, around 6 months.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 5, 2017

High-tech mooring will measure beneath Antarctic ice

A VIMS research team has deployed a high-tech mooring beneath the Antarctic ice to monitor CO2 levels in the Southern Ocean year-round. The study aims to improve understanding of global climate change and its impacts on marine life.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateJan 5, 2017

One part of the brain unexpectedly continues to grow in adulthood

A new study reveals that the brain region responsible for face recognition continues to grow in adulthood, contradicting the prevailing view of synaptic pruning as a key factor in brain development. The growth is linked to an increase in cell bodies, dendritic structures, and myelin sheath.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 5, 2017

Radar reveals meltwater's year-round life under Greenland ice

A new study uses airborne ice-penetrating radar to observe meltwater's year-round life under the Greenland ice. The research reveals extensive winter water storage beneath the ice, which affects glaciers' response to melting.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2017

Chemotherapy effectiveness and initiation time after lung cancer surgery

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that chemotherapy can still benefit patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who recover slowly from surgery. The study found that delaying chemotherapy by up to four months did not increase the risk of death and may even lower it compared to earlier treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 5, 2017

Ignition interlock laws reduce alcohol-involved fatal crashes

Mandatory ignition interlock laws are effective in reducing alcohol-involved fatal crashes, preventing approximately 1,250 fatalities. States with such laws have seen a seven percent decrease in the rate of fatal crashes with at least one driver having a blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 5, 2017

Measuring trees with the speed of sound

A team of researchers developed a non-invasive method to detect and quantify wood decay in living trees, which can help understand global carbon pools and tree health. The sonic tomography technology uses sound waves to image the trunk, allowing for the creation of color-coded images of decaying wood.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 5, 2017

Physical activity reduces heart disease deaths for older adults

A recent study found that moderate and high levels of physical activity are associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and death from all causes among older adults. Exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves the ratio of unhealthy to healthy cholesterol in the body.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 5, 2017

Changing Antarctic waters could trigger steep rise in sea levels

Researchers found that Antarctic ocean temperatures became more layered, leading to coastal melting of ice sheets. This stratification is now happening again due to global warming, potentially triggering a three-meter rise in global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

New research predicts the future of coral reefs under climate change

Coral reefs face severe bleaching every year on 99% of the world's reefs within this century if current trends continue. However, more ambitious emissions reductions may extend their survival by an average of 11 years.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 5, 2017

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Gastric bypass helps severely obese teenagers maintain weight loss over long term

Severely obese teenagers who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience significant weight loss and improved health outcomes, including reduced diabetes and high cholesterol risks. However, some patients may need additional surgery or develop vitamin deficiencies, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up and support.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 5, 2017

Pollutants in the Arctic environment are threatening polar bear health

A new analysis reveals that polar bears are at risk from Arctic pollutants, with the risk being 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than safety thresholds. International control measures have reduced risks for bear cubs, but new contaminants pose a growing threat to the ecosystem.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJan 5, 2017

Deepest X-ray image ever reveals black hole treasure trove

A team of astronomers led by Penn State's Niel Brandt has captured the deepest X-ray image ever obtained, revealing a treasure trove of supermassive black holes. The image, taken with Chandra observing time of about 11 weeks, shows that these massive objects grow in bursts rather than slowly accumulating matter.

SourcePenn State·DateJan 5, 2017