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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 17


Page 17 of 37

Master detox molecule boosts immune defenses

Scientists at Luxembourg Institute of Health discovered a new molecular mechanism where the human immune system activates T cells to fight off pathogens through the production of glutathione, a substance that stimulates energy metabolism. This discovery offers potential therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017

Sat nav for bread wheat uncovers hidden genes

Scientists have created the most accurate navigation system for the bread wheat genome, allowing researchers to analyze its genes more easily than ever before. The system includes detailed annotation of over 100,000 wheat genes, revealing previously hidden genes and improving crop yields.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 18, 2017

Canary in the kelp forest

Researchers found that bryozoans quickly dissolved in warmer waters exposed to acidity, changing their chemical composition to build higher levels of magnesium in their skeletons. This predisposes these animals to dissolve in ocean acidification, which is becoming more common due to climate change.

Frog slime kills flu virus

Researchers have discovered a frog-derived peptide, urumin, that specifically targets the H1 strain of influenza viruses. Urumin was found to disrupt the integrity of flu viruses without harming mammalian cells, making it a promising lead for antiviral drug discovery.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateApr 18, 2017

Megafaunal extinctions driven by too much moisture

Research reveals that major increases in environmental moisture caused widespread glacial-age grasslands to be replaced by peatlands and bogs, fragmenting populations of large herbivore grazers. The study found distinctive biochemical signals reflecting massive increases of moisture on the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 18, 2017

Lasers measure jet disintegration

A team of researchers applied spectroscopic diagnostics to study sub- and supercritical jet disintegration, revealing trends important for improving jet propulsion systems. The Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique provided quantitative density data, offering new insights into fluid behavior.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 18, 2017

Charisma-challenged? You can still be a good boss

New research from Michigan State University suggests that a boss's mindset can significantly impact employee motivation. Studies found that leaders with a regulatory focus, or mindset, can adapt their behavior to elicit specific mindsets in employees, whether it's innovation or a more conservative work focus.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 18, 2017

Captive meerkats at risk of stress

New research suggests that captive meerkat groups in zoos are more susceptible to chronic stress due to their small group sizes and constant exposure to human visitors. The study measured stress levels by analyzing hormone samples from the meerkats' droppings, revealing a link between small group sizes and high visitor numbers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 18, 2017

Pigeon study takes on sexism in science

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of New Hampshire found hundreds of differences in gene activity between male and female rock doves. The findings aim to promote sex and gender inclusion in experimental science and shed light on physiological differences between sexes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2017

Researchers find strong link between fast-food ads and consumption among pre-schoolers

A recent Dartmouth-led study found a strong association between fast-food TV ads and increased consumption among pre-schoolers. The research team recruited 548 parents and tracked their child's exposure to child-targeted ads, revealing that moderate or high exposure increased the likelihood of consuming fast food by about 30%.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateApr 18, 2017

Updated AATS guidelines help cardiovascular surgeons navigate the challenges of managing ischemic mitral regurgitation

The updated AATS guidelines offer guidance on managing ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), a condition associated with increased long-term mortality. For patients with severe IMR, replacement or repair of the mitral valve is considered based on specific criteria.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 17, 2017