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Science News Archive April 2017


Page 28 of 37

When peaceful coexistence suddenly turns into competition

Researchers found that warmer temperatures led to the extinction of smaller springtail species, while larger species survived due to their ability to adapt and escape predators. This study highlights the complex interactions between species under climate change conditions.

Fatty liver diagnosis improved with magnetic resonance

Researchers at Linköping University developed a non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy test to diagnose fatty liver disease. The new method can detect liver damage with as little as 3% fat content, increasing sensitivity and accuracy.

NASA infrared imagery shows wind shear blowing Cyclone 14P apart

Cyclone 14P is being blown apart by strong westerly wind shear, weakening its maximum sustained winds and pushing strongest storms east of the center. Infrared light imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite reveals cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Scientists show how cells react to injury from open-heart surgery

Researchers identify that cardiac muscle cells both destroy and create new mitochondria in response to ischemia/reperfusion injury, which can cause long-term effects or fatal heart failure. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments to speed up healing from open-heart surgery.

NASA's Hubble takes close-up portrait of Jupiter

The Hubble Space Telescope captured the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter, at unprecedented resolution. The telescope revealed exquisite details in Jupiter's atmosphere, including small-scale storm systems and wind patterns that reach speeds of up to 400 miles per hour.

The Arctic Ocean is becoming more like the Atlantic

The eastern Arctic Ocean is exhibiting vertical mixing similar to the Atlantic Ocean, leading to record-breaking losses of sea ice in summers. The changes have substantial impacts on the Arctic Ocean system, including enhanced atmosphere-ocean interactions and altered freshwater storage patterns.

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Homing system delivers drugs to specific neurons

Researchers have developed a way to deliver drugs to specific types of neurons in the brain, allowing for more precise study and treatment of neurological diseases. The new method, DART, reveals how movement difficulties in Parkinson's Disease are controlled by the AMPA receptor, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

When old growth beats old school

A study from the University of Vermont found that imitating old-growth forests enhances carbon storage in managed forestland. The new technique, called structural complexity enhancement, showed higher levels of carbon storage than conventional forestry methods.

Cognitive decline after surgery tied to brain's own immune cells

A new study suggests that brain inflammation and cognitive decline following surgery are triggered by the brain's own microglia. In a mouse model, experimental oral drug depletion of microglia ahead of surgery prevented memory loss and reduced inflammatory molecules in the hippocampus.

Physicists develop ultrathin superconducting film

Researchers at Saarland University create a flexible, ultra-thin superconducting film with potential applications in space technology and medical devices. The material can screen electromagnetic fields and levitate magnets, making it ideal for applications where weight is an issue.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Lenvio Inc. exclusively licenses ORNL malware behavior detection technology

Lenvio Inc. has exclusively licensed Hyperion, a malware behavior detection technology from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), to quickly identify malicious software behavior. This technology improves upon traditional signature detection methods, providing a new class of cyber protection against large-scale cybersecurity threats.

Turning skin cells into blood vessel cells while keeping them young

Scientists have identified a molecular switch that converts skin cells into cells making up blood vessels, which could be used to repair damaged vessels in patients with heart disease. The technique boosts levels of an enzyme that keeps cells young and may circumvent the usual aging that cells undergo during culturing.

Nuclear architecture emerges at the awakening of the genome

Scientists have discovered that the 3D organisation of the genome arises when the first zygotic genes are transcribed, and these boundaries are maintained throughout development. This finding helps explain why the TAD organisation of genomes is similar across tissue types and evolutionary conserved regions between species.

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Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

New $1.5 million NIH grant targets oral complications of HIV

Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to combat chronic inflammation by targeting oral complications in HIV patients, which can lead to malnourishment and further weaken the immune system. The team will investigate regulatory T-cells and study tissues from HIV-positive patients taking common antiretroviral drugs.

Kids' hands may be a source of significant nicotine exposure

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and San Diego State University found that children carry high levels of nicotine on their hands even when no one is actively smoking around them. This exposure is associated with various health problems, including respiratory issues and asthma attacks.

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USDA announces funding to support 1890 land-grant universities

The USDA is providing $18 million in funding to support 19 historically black land-grant colleges and universities, aiming to enhance their research, teaching, and extension programs. This investment will benefit students, professors, and institutions, with a focus on addressing nutritional security challenges and fostering a strong ag...

Device boosts interaction between light and motion

A Brazilian research team developed an optomechanical device that boosts the coupling between light waves and mechanical waves to higher levels than similar devices. This enables the creation of highly customizable sensors for detecting force and motion, as well as potential applications in telecommunications as optical modulators.

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Salk scientists expand ability of stem cells to regrow any tissue type

Salk scientists have discovered a chemical cocktail that enables cultured mouse and human stem cells to generate both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This breakthrough could lead to better disease modeling, drug discovery, and tissue regeneration, particularly in the field of organ regeneration.

Honey bees have sharper eyesight than we thought

Research reveals that honey bees can see objects as small as 1.9°, 30% better than previously recorded, and detect smaller details, improving navigation and survival. This discovery has implications for understanding insect vision and could aid in designing bio-inspired robotics.

Keys to attracting scientific talent in the health sciences

The study identifies variables that attract and repel young Spanish researchers, highlighting the importance of social capabilities in retaining scientists. Attracting researchers involves differential advantages such as research career, training, funding, and institutional prestige, while retention focuses on social factors like work ...

How a beneficial gut microbe adapted to breast milk

A study reveals that Bifidobacterium longum has adapted to the infant gut by producing an enzyme called LnbX, which enables growth on a sugar abundant in human milk. This adaptation suggests a possible evolutionary route for the breast milk-driven symbiosis between gut microbes and humans.

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Keeping the code: How cultural beliefs affect police, court decisions

Researchers at Florida State University discovered that adopting a 'code of the street' culture can increase arrest and conviction rates. They found that individuals who adhere to this code are disproportionately more likely to be arrested and convicted, even after controlling for factors like poverty and unemployment.

Why do some with radical views become terrorists yet others don't?

Researchers investigate factors driving violent extremism, including community resilience and psychological constructs like humiliation, to better understand why some with radical views become terrorists. They also examine methods for assessing risk and preventing radicalization.

Death by insulin -- management of self-harm and suicide in diabetes management

The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Stem cell drug screen yields potential alternative to statins

Researchers found that cardiac glycosides, a class of heart failure drugs, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients who don't respond to statins. The study used liver-like cells generated from patient stem cells and showed significant reductions in ApoB levels, indicating potential for a new treatment option.

Where does your blood actually come from?

Scientists at Lund University have developed a new understanding of how human blood cells form during embryonic development, showing that endothelial cells undergo dramatic changes to become blood cells. The research provides critical insights into the origins of blood and its regulation in development.

Gold-plated crystals set new standard for natural gas detectors

Researchers at Duke University have developed a sensor that detects specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy using gold-plated crystals. The technology outperforms existing detectors in size, weight, power, speed and cost, making it ideal for detecting methane or natural gas leaks, monitoring crop health and recycling plastics.

To save honey bees, human behavior must change

A new study suggests that human activity is driving the spread of honey bee pathogens, leading to colony losses. The research argues for collective actions to mitigate this issue, including stronger regulations and increased education among beekeepers.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Leaf vein structure could hold key to extending battery life

Researchers have designed a porous material inspired by leaf veins that improves rechargeable battery performance and gas sensing. The material enhances the charge and discharge process, reducing stresses and increasing battery life by up to 25 times.

Study helps explain varying outcomes for cancer, Down Syndrome

Researchers found that aneuploidy, a condition causing abnormal chromosome numbers, can lead to varying outcomes in genetically identical cells. The study's findings have significant implications for cancer treatment, as it may explain why some cancer cells respond differently to therapy.

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Cardiologist warns against dissolvable stents in NEJM

Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee advises against bioresorbable stents due to their high cost, longer insertion time, and lack of improved results compared to conventional drug-eluting stents. The recent clinical trial results show a higher risk of device thrombosis with Absorb stents.

WSU researchers improve technology to save sperm stem cells

Researchers at Washington State University have made a breakthrough in preserving sperm stem cells, which could improve fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment. The new technology has shown an eight-fold improvement in viable sperm stem cells, allowing for potential long-term preservation and return to fertility.

Giant viruses may simply be a Frankenstein of mini viruses

A group of giant viruses, called Klosneuviruses, were identified as acquiring components from many other viruses and proteins in an evolutionarily recent timeframe. The analysis suggests that these whopper viruses did not evolve from a cellular ancestor but rather are derived from a much smaller virus through extensive gene gain.

Distinct bacterial communities share nutrients for the common good

Researchers found that bacteria in two separate populations can synchronize their oscillations to coordinate nutrient sharing, promoting growth. This communication strategy is similar to engineered systems and allows each community to take turns consuming limited resources, leading to a faster average growth rate.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Gene mutation helps explain night owl behavior

A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.

Stem cell consortium tackles complex genetic diseases

A collaborative effort analyzed iPS cells to understand how individual mutations contribute to polygenetic diseases, revealing that smaller collections of cells can produce results and identifying small changes in gene expression with dramatic effects on cells. The study also found that some effects manifest before cell differentiation.

Inflammation: It takes two to tango

A systematic analysis of chemokine interactions reveals two structural types with different functional effects on inflammation. The study identifies potential therapeutic targets using specially designed peptides that selectively inhibit atherosclerosis and acute inflammation.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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Buckle up! Climate change to increase severe aircraft turbulence

A new study finds that climate change will lead to a significant increase in severe turbulence, with some flights experiencing turbulent conditions twice as often as currently. The research suggests that the average amount of light turbulence will rise by 59% and moderate turbulence by 94%.

Overactive bladder drug linked with increased risk of depression

A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.