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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 96


Page 96 of 461

High blood pressure linked to common heart valve disorder

A new study from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Oxford found a strong link between high blood pressure and mitral regurgitation, a condition that makes the heart less efficient at pumping blood. Lowering blood pressure through exercise, diet or medication may reduce the risk of developing this condition.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 17, 2017

Wearables to boost security of voice-based log-in

Researchers developed a wearable device called VAuth that creates a unique and secure signature using speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. The technology has achieved a 97-percent detection accuracy and successfully thwarts various practical attacks, making it a promising solution to enhance voice authentication security.

Microbes leave 'fingerprints' on Martian rocks

Researchers have discovered that a specific microbe can oxidize and metabolize metals from synthetic Martian regolith simulants, leaving behind unique signatures. This finding could enable the extraction of metals from asteroids and other celestial bodies using biological methods.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 17, 2017

Risk of cesarean section is heritable

A recent study by Philipp Mitteroecker and colleagues used the cliff edge model to predict that women born by Caesarean are more likely to develop FPD in their own childbirth, with a 2.8 times higher risk compared to women born vaginally.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Most medical students overconfident, underprepared on nutrition guidelines

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that nearly 55% of medical students are confident in their ability to counsel patients on nutritional recommendations, despite half failing a nutrition quiz. The study highlights a gap between nutritional knowledge and attitudes among future physicians.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 16, 2017

Aus gravitational waves world-first finding

A team of Australian researchers has confirmed the detection of radio waves from a gravitational wave event, providing new insights into massive bodies like black holes. The discovery was made using the CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and marks a significant contribution to the global discovery of gravitational waves.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Approximately 1 in 9 US men infected with oral HPV

A study by the American College of Physicians found that almost 11 million US men have oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a high prevalence among men with multiple lifetime oral sex partners and those who report having sex with men. HPV causes various cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which dispropo...

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

ESnet's science DMZ design could help transfer, protect medical research data

A Science DMZ architecture can be adapted to meet the needs of the medical research community, allowing for secure sharing of large datasets while protecting individual privacy. The design provides speed and security for moving large data sets, enabling teams of experts to collaborate in real-time.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 16, 2017

A cautionary tale

Researchers at LMU's Gene Center found that human cells use a different mechanism to recognize misplaced DNA than mouse cells. The inflammasome complex is activated via the cGAS-STING recognition mechanism, triggering both an antiviral response and a classical inflammatory reaction.

An epigenetic key to unlock behavior change

A new study sheds light on the molecular mechanism that shapes behavior in fruit flies, revealing a causal link between epigenetics and genetics. Researchers found that epigenetic marks interact with genes to regulate differences in feeding behaviors.

SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

Liquid metal brings soft robotics a step closer

Researchers at University of Sussex and Swansea University have created a way to morph liquid metal into physical shapes, opening up new possibilities in soft robotics and shape-changing displays. The invention uses electrical charges to program the liquid metal, allowing it to dynamically change shape and form complex geometries.

Cancer relapse linked to body's own immune system

A new study reveals that cancer cells can use the body's own immune system to wake themselves up and fuel their growth after treatment, leading to relapse. Researchers found that immunotherapies targeting this response could delay or prevent cancer return in mice, suggesting a promising approach for patients at risk of relapse.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateOct 16, 2017

Waves in lakes make waves in the Earth

Scientists have discovered that waves in lakes can generate microseismic signals that can reveal subsurface geology and track ice cover duration. By analyzing these signals, researchers can create a seismic 'CT scan' of the Earth, providing valuable insights into geological structures.

Harvey runoff menaces Texas' coral reefs

A recent expedition to the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary revealed a 10% drop in salinity levels due to Hurricane Harvey's floodwater plume. The team hopes to track the plume as it migrates through the Gulf, aiming to understand its impact on the reefs' health.

Cocktail tests on toxic waste called for

Scientists found that low concentrations of toxic chemicals can affect aquatic creature behavior, including feeding and swimming speed. The study calls for low dose and mixture toxicity testing to assess the impact of complex pollutant mixtures on aquatic ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 16, 2017

Attending a middle vs. a K-8 school matters for student outcomes

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that attending a middle school compared to a K-8 school negatively impacts certain measures of students' beliefs about their academic abilities, particularly in reading skills. The researchers suggest strengthening middle schools by focusing on the instructional and social environment, teacher...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateOct 16, 2017

The importance of asymmetry in bacteria

A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2017

SUTD researchers developed single cell level sorting technology using sound waves

A research team from SUTD developed a highly accurate single cell level sorting technology using sound waves, which enables the isolation of rare cell populations in complex biological samples. This technology has the potential to advance precision medicine for cancer treatment by examining DNA mutations at single cell level.

Gestational diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with a history of gestational diabetes were at a modestly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, adhering to a healthy lifestyle appeared to help mitigate this risk in younger women, particularly those who were predominantly white and followed healthy habits over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

Predictions by GSI scientists now confirmed

Researchers detect electromagnetic waves from neutron star merger, confirming predictions of heavy element production. The event is a milestone in understanding astrophysical processes and requires precise nuclear data to be fully understood.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 16, 2017