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Science News for August 30, 2017


US investors shun Quebec firms

A new study found significant US institutional investor bias against Quebec firms compared to those in the rest of Canada. Researchers discovered that US holdings in Quebec firms were a quarter lower than those in other Canadian provinces, with biases varying by firm characteristics.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 30, 2017

A slam dunk for women head coaches -- so drop the bias

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that female basketball coaches face more biases than male coaches, despite performing equally well. The research analyzed data from 1,522 players over two seasons and concluded that individual player performance was not linked to the gender of their head coach.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 30, 2017

Eating protein three times a day could make our seniors stronger

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming protein throughout the day, rather than just at two meals, can lead to greater muscle mass and strength in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 seniors in Quebec and discovered a positive correlation between balanced protein intake a...

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 30, 2017

How invasive species threaten bats

Research highlights invasive species' impact on bats, including predation by cats and invasive plants like burdock that entangle them. The study also reveals the importance of protecting island-dwelling bat populations from extinction.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateAug 30, 2017

Fetal membranes may help transform regenerative medicine

Researchers discover potential of fetal membranes in treating various medical conditions, including cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, and more. Fetal membranes contain diverse stem cells, making them a promising tool for bioengineering applications.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Tick saliva may hold potential treatment for reducing HIV-linked heart disease risk

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research and National Institutes of Health found that tick saliva-based drug Ixolaris reduces inflammation in monkeys infected with SIV, a primate form of HIV. The study suggests that targeting this inflammation pathway could improve the clinical management of HIV-infected ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Motorized molecules drill through cells

Researchers have developed motorized molecules that can target and destroy specific cells using ultraviolet light. The nanomachines can be designed to deliver drugs or disrupt cell membranes, showing promise for treating diseases like breast tumors and melanomas.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2017

Study negates concerns regarding radioactivity in migratory seafood

A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 30, 2017

Research on the meaning of ancient geometric earthworks in southwestern Amazonia

Researchers from University of Helsinki explore pre-colonial geometric earthworks in southwestern Amazonia, finding them to be important ritual spaces where indigenous peoples communicated with environmental beings. The study highlights the interconnectedness of human life with nature and the significance of these sites as sacred places.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateAug 30, 2017

Discovery of drug combination: Overcoming resistance to targeted drugs for liver cancer

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel method to improve medication treatment for liver cancer, identifying the resistance mechanism of Sorafenib and discovering a new approach to block it. The study suggests the possibility of developing a new method to overcome drug resistance using network analysis.

Good as gold

Researchers have designed a new assay that uses gold nanoparticles to improve the accuracy of medical screening, reducing false positives and wait times. The technology has been shown to be up to clinical standards, allowing patients to receive results in about an hour.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Researchers raise health concerns about off-road vehicles and inhalation of asbestos

Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateAug 30, 2017

Understanding perceptions of reputation and identity offers opportunity, study shows

A study from the University of Notre Dame found that recognizing differences between personal views and others' perceptions can enhance empathy, cooperation, and communication. This awareness can prompt individuals to re-evaluate their own opinions or influence others, leading to better team dynamics and more effective interactions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 30, 2017

T cell responses may help dodge dengue virus symptoms during infection

Researchers identified distinct gene expression patterns and immune signatures associated with asymptomatic dengue infections, revealing a supporting role for T cell protection. These findings could optimize vaccine development efforts by understanding what types of immune responses are important in defending the body against the disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Spectroscopy: Simple solution for soil sample

Researchers have developed a high-tech method using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) to analyze soil texture. This technique allows for rapid, cost-effective, and portable measurements of clay, silt, and sand content, providing valuable insights into soil properties.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 30, 2017

Researchers propose how the universe became filled with light

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa suggests that black holes played a crucial role in making the universe visible. By ejecting matter violently, black holes may have pierced cloudy surroundings, enabling light from stars to escape. This theory is supported by observations of a nearby galaxy emitting ultraviolet light.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2017

Improving earthquake resistance with a single crystal

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a cheaper production method to create single-crystal metals, known for their shape memory properties. This breakthrough could lead to mass-produced materials with improved elasticity and strength, ideal for building structures that can withstand earthquakes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2017

Protecting the guardians

Research in mice shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in modulating the effects of a powerful protective gene against type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of early environmental exposures to a variety of germs in proper immune system development.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Breakthrough in understanding mitochondria

Scientists have discovered that ribosomes, the tiny factories of cells that produce proteins, are attached to mitochondria. This finding provides new insights into the process of protein targeting and mitochondrial function, which is essential for understanding diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEMBO Reports·DateAug 30, 2017

'Open gym' format shortens waiting time for cardiac rehab

A new study finds that an open gym format for cardiac rehabilitation shortens waiting times by an average of 14.9 days, compared to traditional scheduled appointments. The flexible scheduling model also showed no significant differences in outcomes, including exercise capacity and depressive symptoms.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateAug 30, 2017

Protein turnover could be clue to living longer

Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered an errant protein process in a rare genetic disorder that could help healthy people live longer. The study found rapid protein turnover and enlarged nucleoli in progeria cells, which may serve as biomarkers for aging.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2017

Shared custody equals less stress for children

A recent study by Stockholm University's Demography Unit found that shared custody arrangements reduce stress levels in children. Children living with one parent are more likely to experience stress due to the lack of resources and relationships, while shared physical custody allows for regular contact with both parents, promoting stab...

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Divorce & Remarriage·DateAug 30, 2017