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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

Finger prosthesis provides clues to brain health

Researchers developed a new method to measure brain health by analyzing neural networks' responses to artificial touch experiences provided by a finger prosthesis. The technique offers precise insights into the cooperation between neurons and can reflect the entire brain's health, providing potential breakthroughs in neurological disea...

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Breaking the protein-DNA bond

A Northwestern University study found that free-floating proteins can break up protein-DNA bonds at a single-binding site, disrupting gene expression. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the stability of protein-DNA interactions and has implications for understanding biological processes in living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017

Nurse fellowship immerses Ph.D. students in nursing care while enhancing scientific inquiry

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's BSN-PhD program combines rigorous coursework with a clinical nurse fellowship to accelerate education opportunities for the next generation of nurse researchers. This innovative approach prepares PhD students earlier in their careers, enabling them to conduct rigorous, clinically relev...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateApr 4, 2017

Trends in college attendance rates in rural America

Researchers investigated 2,000 rural high school students' college attendance patterns, finding over half attended two-year colleges and those who only attended were less likely to have educational aspirations. Parental education, track, and teacher expectations predicted college choices.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateApr 3, 2017

Weight history over time shows higher risk of death for overweight, obese people

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that individuals with a maximum BMI in the overweight or obese categories had an elevated risk for all-cause death and deaths from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. Participants who experienced significant weight loss were at the highest risk for death.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 3, 2017

New species evolve faster as mountains form

Scientists analyzed plant species in China's Hengduan Mountains and found that new species evolved at a faster rate than in nearby regions. This study provides the strongest evidence yet for the uplift-driven diversification hypothesis, supporting the idea that mountains create micro-habitats allowing species to adapt and diversify.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

When human illness rises, the environment suffers, too

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human illness leads to more destructive fishing methods and environmental harm at Lake Victoria. Healthy individuals tend to prioritize sustainable fishing practices, whereas chronically ill people focus on short-term gains, resulting in unsustainable methods.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Where the Jordan stops flowing

A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers suggests that Israel's Jordan River, with only 3% of its original flow, can serve as a case study for tackling water scarcity and pollution worldwide. A two-pronged strategy involving regional cooperation to remove pollution sources and increase water flow is proposed.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalWater Research·DateApr 3, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, April 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing three new approaches to improve deep learning technologies. They are bringing together quantum, high-performance, and neuromorphic computing architectures to optimize complexity in a low-power environment. Additionally, scientists have created an approach to get a better look ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Integrating caregivers at discharge significantly cuts patient readmissions

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning reduces hospital readmissions by 25% for elderly patients. Proper training and support enable caregivers to manage complex care responsibilities, preventing readmissions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 3, 2017

Screening the dark genome for disease

Researchers have developed a method to swiftly screen the non-coding DNA of the human genome for links to diseases driven by gene regulation. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to precisely cut and paste DNA sequences, enabling the identification of regulatory elements controlling disease genes.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 3, 2017

Domesticated rice goes rogue

A recent study has discovered the ancestry of Asian rice and its weedy cousins, revealing that rice has a natural tendency towards becoming weeds. The research found that both strains evolved from different crop varieties, with relatively few changes needed to turn the crop plant into a weed.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 3, 2017

Renewable energy needed to drive uptake of electric vehicles

A new study suggests that renewable energy sources are crucial for consumers to buy electric vehicles, as environmental performance trumps price and range confidence. The research found that participants prioritized the need for electricity to be produced from renewable sources for electric vehicles to be a true green alternative.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·DateApr 3, 2017