Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Early blood signatures of vaccine immunogenicity

Researchers have identified early plasma cytokine signatures that correlate with and predict the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccines based on living viruses. This breakthrough can inform and accelerate rational development of new vaccines, especially during outbreaks and epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 26, 2017

The fast and the crashed: Study shows collisions 5 times more likely for street racers

A Canadian survey reveals that street racers are five times more likely to have crashed their vehicle within a year. The study found that street racers are more likely to be single, young men who drive after using alcohol or marijuana. This correlation remains true even when adjusting for other variables such as age and driving distance.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 25, 2017

New insights on triggering muscle formation

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized step in muscle regeneration, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that impair muscle stem cells with age. The study also provides insight into the connection between accelerated muscle stem cell aging and muscular dystrophies.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 25, 2017

When Hollywood met neurosurgery

A team of neurosurgeons, engineers, and Hollywood special effects experts created a realistic 3D simulator for practicing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedures. The simulator's effectiveness was evaluated in early tests, showing improved accuracy and safety compared to traditional cadaver-based training.

Estrogen alters memory circuit function in women with gene variant

Research reveals that fluctuations in estrogen can trigger atypical functioning in a key brain memory circuit in women with a common version of the gene, NIMH scientists have discovered. This finding may help explain individual differences in menstrual cycle and reproductive-related mental disorders linked to fluctuations in the hormone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 25, 2017

Toronto's subways expose passengers to more air pollution than Montreal, Vancouver systems

A new study found that Toronto's subways have the highest levels of airborne particulate matter in Canada, with average values up to 100 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to Montreal's 36 micrograms and Vancouver's 17 micrograms. The high metal content and abrasive wear on steel wheels may be contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 25, 2017

Political left, right similarly motivated to avoid rival views

A new report from social psychologists at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that people on both sides of the political aisle are motivated to dismiss opposing ideas and information. Approximately two-thirds of respondents declined a chance to win extra money to avoid reading statements that didn't support their position.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 25, 2017

Modeling reveals how policy affects adoption of solar energy photovoltaics in California

Researchers created a model to measure the impact of policy on commercial solar photovoltaic adoption in California, providing new insight into energy policy. The study found that government incentives have a greater impact on larger commercial customers and smaller businesses face unique hurdles when adopting solar PV systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 25, 2017

What the age of your brain says about you

Using neuroimaging techniques and multivariate statistical models, researchers found that people with older-than-chronological-age brains are more likely to experience deteriorating conditions and early death. Combining brain-predicted age with DNA-related epigenetic biomarkers improves mortality predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 25, 2017

Children with reading and spelling difficulties lag behind their peers despite special education

A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that children with reading and spelling difficulties (RSD) lag far behind their peers in the first two school years, despite receiving special education. The study suggests that teachers may need additional training to effectively support these students.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·DateApr 25, 2017

'Unicorn' shipworm could reveal clues about human medicine and bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a giant shipworm, Kuphus polythalamia, with a unique symbiotic relationship between bacteria and the animal, which converts sulfur gas into nutrients. This finding may provide insights into how humans can adapt to tolerate beneficial bacteria and how these bacteria cause infections.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2017

What's coming next? Scientists identify how the brain predicts speech

Researchers have discovered how individual neurons coordinate to anticipate events in the brain's auditory cortex. This process is impaired in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop new models for studying predictive signals in the brain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2017