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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 84


Page 84 of 461

New way to prevent unfavorable intestinal microbiota

Researchers found that antimicrobial peptide R-Spondin1 stimulates intestinal stem cells to differentiate into Paneth cells, which secrete alpha-defensins with strong antimicrobial activity. Administration of R-Spondin1 restored gut microbiota in mice with graft-versus-host disease, preventing depletion of Paneth cells and dysbiosis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 24, 2017

Underwater sound waves help scientists locate ocean impacts

Scientists have developed a new method to locate the precise time and location that objects fall into our oceans using underwater microphones. The method relies on measuring acoustic gravity waves generated when an object hits the sea surface. Researchers validated their method by locating recent earthquakes in the Indian Ocean.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 24, 2017

Genetics may put a person at risk of high triglycerides, but adopting a healthy diet can help

Researchers found that genetic predisposition increases risk of high triglycerides, but maintaining a healthy body weight or changing diet can help reverse the risk. A specific gene mutation was associated with higher circulating triglycerides, but the correlation was dependent on BMI and dietary intake.

The problem with being pretty

Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

A quarter of problematic pot users have anxiety disorders, many since childhood

A quarter of adults with problematic marijuana use have anxiety disorders in childhood and late adolescence. The study also found that some teens who abuse pot outgrow habit in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment and peer bullying were linked to an increased risk of chronic marijuana abuse, but not necessarily earlier use.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2017

'Choosing Wisely' movement: Off to a good start, but change needed for continued success

The Choosing Wisely movement has successfully started conversations about low-value care, but its impact is limited by the difficulty in changing doctor behavior. Researchers recommend prioritizing recommendations, consolidating guidelines, and evaluating efforts to make a greater difference in quality and value in healthcare.

Managing risky behavior reduces future incarceration among aggressive juvenile offenders

A two-week intervention program focusing on reducing risky behavior was found to be effective in reducing aggression and future incarceration rates among clinically aggressive juvenile offenders. The program, PHAT Life, taught youth to identify triggers for high-risk behavior and develop coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2017

Jumping nanoparticles

The study confirms Einstein's theoretical analysis of Brownian motion by observing the Kramers turnover in levitated nanoparticles. The researchers found that the transition rate between states depends on friction and grows with decreasing friction before decreasing again at low friction levels.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 24, 2017

Novel histone modifications couple metabolism to gene activity

Scientists have discovered two new classes of histone modifications that couple cellular metabolism to gene activity, providing a potential mechanism for environmental influences on gene expression. The novel marks, propionylation and butyrylation, are linked to fatty acid metabolism and can drive transcription in test tube experiments.

Universities should actively support open scholarship

A new article in PLOS Biology argues that universities should support the sharing of educational resources to benefit society. The author proposes several ways institutions can counter practices that inhibit open information flow, including awarding faculty prizes for community engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 24, 2017

Electronic entropy enhances water splitting

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that cerium's electronic entropy is the underlying reason for its success in water-splitting technologies. Cerium's large entropy makes it ideal for hydrogen production, opening up possibilities for future work in creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy system.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 24, 2017