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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 41

Understanding antibiotic resistance

The study reveals that bacterial defense mechanisms are highly organized in response to nutrient stress, but become disorganized when faced with antibiotics. The researchers used experimental and computational methods to understand the workings of the bacterial defense system.

SourceBoston College·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 15, 2017

How decision-making habits influence the breast cancer treatments women consider

A new study found that women with early-stage breast cancer are more likely to consider double mastectomy due to their decision-making habits and values. Researchers surveyed 2,362 women and discovered that those who were worried about making a bad decision and wanted to make their own choices were more likely to consider the aggressiv...

Skewing the aim of targeted cancer therapies

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers has found that a widespread biological concept affecting cancer research could be incorrect up to two-thirds of the time. The study's findings suggest that targeting proteins based on messenger RNA levels may not be optimal, potentially leading to drug targeting errors.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy for depression in older patients may not relieve their insomnia

Researchers found that ECT had no specific anti-insomnia effect on older patients with depression. In fact, their insomnia problems persisted despite treatment improvements in non-insomnia symptoms. The study suggests that ECT may not be a reliable option for addressing sleep issues in this population.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2017

Smartphone app may help older adults manage serious mental illness and chronic health conditions

A new study in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that middle-aged and older adults can successfully use a smartphone-based intervention to self-manage their serious mental illness. The app takes patients through 10 sessions over three months, covering topics such as stress vulnerability and medication adherence.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2017

Rhapsody in red violet

A new study reveals that beets can produce a pigment with high antioxidant properties, boosting crop nutrition and resistance to disease. The researchers successfully engineered plants to produce this pigment, which also showed promise in controlling gray mold in crops.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2017

Biophysical Society names 2018 award recipients

The Biophysical Society has announced its 2018 award recipients, honoring outstanding contributions to the field of biophysics. The winners include Jue Chen, Wonhwa Cho, Bianxiao Cui, Taekjip Ha, Leslie Loew, Carrie Partch, Madeline Shea, and James Spudich for their innovative research and advancements in biophysics.

Study identifies dinosaur 'missing link'

Researchers at University of Cambridge and Natural History Museum analyze 450 anatomical characteristics to place Chilesaurus in dinosaur family tree. The study reveals Chilesaurus fills a large gap between two major dinosaur groups, with implications for understanding the origins of Ornithischia.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 15, 2017

Chewing gum rapid test for inflammation

A new chewing gum-based diagnostic test can detect inflammation in the oral cavity within five minutes, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. The test uses bittering agents to identify inflammatory conditions, which can help prevent serious complications such as bone loss.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2017

The secret to beating bone and joint health injuries? Get to the right medical team

According to a new literature review, therapeutic modalities such as physical therapy can improve bone-and-joint function affected by pain and/or injury. The study highlights the utility of various modalities, including cryotherapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, hot and cold therapies, cupping therapy, and iontophoresis, in man...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateAug 14, 2017

Coke or Pepsi? Partner's choices can make you miserable

A new study found that partners who have low power in their relationships are stuck with their partner's preferred brands, leading to a death-by-a-thousand-cuts feeling and decreased happiness. The researchers used brand preferences in various products to study individuals and couples over two years.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Viruses up their game in arms race with immune system

Researchers studied viruses from different eras to understand how they evade the host's immune response. Viruses collected in the 1990s are more effective at suppressing immune systems than those from the 1950s, leading to severe symptoms and high mortality rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017

Brain injury in kids might lead to alcohol abuse

Research suggests that traumatic brain injuries in childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of alcohol abuse problems in adulthood. The study found a clearer link between brain injury and alcohol abuse in people who suffered an injury before age 5, with children under 5 being over 3.6 times more likely to exhibit substance abuse...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateAug 14, 2017

Oxytocin and social norms reduce xenophobia

Researchers found that oxytocin increased generosity towards refugees, but only when combined with social norms. Donations from individuals with a defensive attitude towards migrants nearly doubled when presented with the average donation of their peers.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Virulence factor made by influenza virus is potential target for vaccine drug development

Researchers found that NS1 suppresses the body's immune responses to viral infection, suggesting a new approach to combat influenza A virus infection. The study proposes developing a live attenuated vaccine based on an engineered influenza A virus lacking NS1 and designing antiviral drugs targeting NS1.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Hearing restoration and visual cues

A study found that visually stimulated cross-modal activation of auditory brain regions in deaf individuals improved speech comprehension after cochlear implantation. Auditory cortex activation developed in tandem with both auditory and visual speech following implantation, suggesting a positive effect on hearing restoration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017