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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 37

Pitt researchers identify new brain pathway that controls hand movements

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a new brain pathway that controls hand movements, contradicting the long-held belief that motor functions originate from the frontal lobe. This finding has implications for understanding hand movement and may lead to better treatments for patients with motor function disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2017

Diagnosing cancer

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum have established a new process for identifying biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, utilizing infrared spectroscopy. The method enables precise analysis of protein changes in tumor tissue, facilitating personalized therapy.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2017

New report links early life antibiotic use to inflammatory gut diseases in adulthood

A new report links early life antibiotic use to inflammatory gut diseases in adulthood, finding that altered gut bacteria may increase the likelihood of conditions like IBD, asthma, and multiple sclerosis. The study adds evidence to suggest that modifying gut flora could be a treatment approach for some inflammatory diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 3, 2017

'Virtual' interferometers may overcome scale issues for optical quantum computers

A team of researchers has devised a new way to implement large-scale interferometers that can dramatically miniaturize optical processing circuitry. By leveraging recent breakthroughs in quantum information, the 'measurement-based linear optics' technique harnesses existing compact methods for generating large-scale cluster states.

From fish to forests, conflicts to coffee: Humans affected by species on the move

A new international study highlights how climate-driven changes in species distribution are affecting human health, culture, and economies worldwide. As species move towards the poles, they impact resources like fish and coffee, industries like tourism and fishing, conflict over land use, and even indigenous cultures.

Fish study shows important genome interactions in animal cells

Researchers found that mitochondrial-nuclear interactions affect energy production in animal cells, leading to variations in traits and potentially influencing human health. The study suggests that metabolic fitness relies on these interactions, which have significant implications for physiology and medical interventions.

Do smart songbirds always get the girl?

Researchers found that male songbirds' ability to learn songs is positively associated with specific cognitive abilities like color reversal and spatial learning, but not overall intelligence. This contrasts with humans and other animals where cognitive abilities tend to correlate across tasks.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateApr 3, 2017

Technique for 'three-parent baby' revealed

A pioneering IVF technique has enabled the birth of a healthy baby boy, providing hope for families with inheritable mitochondrial disorders. The mother's mutation load was well below the expected threshold for the condition, paving the way for further research and potential changes in law and regulation.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateApr 3, 2017

Women experience high rates of health insurance 'churn' before and after childbirth

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that 65% of women covered by Medicaid or CHIP at delivery were uninsured for at least one month during their pregnancies. The study highlights the need to improve continuity of coverage during the prenatal and postpartum periods, especially for lower-income women.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 3, 2017

Boys from low income families move less

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that children from low-income families, especially boys, engage in less supervised physical activity and spend more screen time. The study analyzed 248 boys aged 6-8 years and discovered that nearly half had exceeded the recommended daily screen time.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Sport Science·DateApr 3, 2017

Spray-on memory could enable bendable digital storage

Researchers at Duke University have developed a fully-printed digital memory device using an aerosol jet printer and nanoparticle inks. The device stores information in states of resistance, allowing for flexible electronics on bendable materials, and has a write speed rivaling that of flash drives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Electronic Materials·DateApr 3, 2017

Progesterone and bisexuality: Is there a link?

A study found that men and women whose mothers received additional doses of progesterone while pregnant were significantly less likely to identify as heterosexual. They also showed higher rates of same-sex attraction and behavior, suggesting a potential link between prenatal progesterone exposure and human sexuality.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateApr 3, 2017

Surprise discovery of Europe's first cave fish

Researchers have discovered Europe's first cave fish, a loach species, in a hard-to-reach underground water system in Southern Germany. The discovery reveals that adaptation to subterranean habitats can occur rapidly, with the loach evolving within just a few thousand years.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 3, 2017