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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 41

The best place to treat type 1 diabetes might be just under your skin

University of Toronto researchers successfully transplanted healthy pancreatic cells under the skin to produce insulin, restoring normal blood sugar levels in a short period. The study's findings suggest that this method could provide a more manageable and efficient way to treat type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Running rats remember better

A study published in eNeuro found that young rats with access to a running wheel showed improved memory later in life. The results suggest that early life interventions that increase physical activity may help build up cognitive reserve, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 14, 2017

Arthritis on the rise

A recent Harvard University study reveals that knee osteoarthritis has dramatically increased in prevalence over the past 70 years, affecting an estimated one-third of Americans over 60. The research challenges the long-held assumption that osteoarthritis is simply a wear-and-tear disease related to aging and obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

High sugar consumption gives rise to dental treatment costs in the billions

A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 14, 2017

2-faced 2-D material is a first at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have created a semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenide material called Janus sulfur molybdenum selenium (SMoSe) with a larger band gap than molybdenum diselenide. The discovery has potential applications in catalytic production of hydrogen and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 14, 2017

'Fat but fit' are at increased risk of heart disease

Researchers found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease by up to 28% even if they have healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The study showed that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, even when people have a healthy metabolic profile.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 14, 2017

Important to communicate cancer prevention message to young adults to reduce risks later in life

Experts emphasize the importance of communicating cancer prevention messages to young adults (18-44 years) to reduce future cancer risk. The articles highlight various factors contributing to cancer risk, including health behaviors, chronic conditions, and social drivers, and propose tailored interventions to mitigate risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Oxytocin, altruism, and xenophobia

Research found that oxytocin administration increased altruistic preference towards refugees among those with low xenophobia scores. Participants with high xenophobia scores showed no significant change in altruism levels after oxytocin administration, but did exhibit increased donations when combined with peer-derived norms.

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

University of Sydney charges ahead on zinc-air batteries

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in rechargeable zinc-air batteries by developing a new three-stage method that produces low-cost and high-performance catalysts. The new catalysts can be used to build rechargeable zinc-air batteries, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles preventing their widespread use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 14, 2017

Evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and PTSD

The scientific evidence on cannabis for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is inconclusive, with only low-strength evidence suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers found significant risks associated with cannabis use, including increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and psychotic symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2017

Long-term diabetes complication: Liver inflammation raises cholesterol levels

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that liver inflammation leads to increased cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, promoting vascular diseases. This mechanism is crucial as it explains why some individuals with well-controlled blood sugar levels still experience long-term complications.

Bacteria can feel their surroundings

A new study by CU Boulder researchers found that individual bacteria cells can feel their external environment through electrical signals, similar to vertebrates. This discovery could advance fundamental bacteria research and aid in developing drugs for infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

How Gata4 helps mend a broken heart

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that Gata4 can reduce post-heart attack fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac function in small animal models. The study's results suggest a novel role for Gata4 in heart regeneration and may lead to new treatments for heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 14, 2017

Lungs in space

Researchers at UTMB and Houston Methodist are growing lungs in space to understand how lung cells react to the change in gravity and extreme space environment. The goal is to develop therapeutics that could help astronauts and people on Earth with autoimmune diseases, hormone deficiencies, and other issues.

Seafood for thought

A study by UCSB marine scientists reveals the world's oceans have sufficient space to produce 15 billion metric tons of finfish annually, meeting global demand using less than 1% of ocean surface. Aquaculture could support human livelihoods and economic growth while providing food security.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 14, 2017

'Smiley' emojis in formal workplace e-mails could create frowns, says Ben-gurion University study

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that smiley emojis in work-related e-mails decrease perceptions of competence and actually hinder information sharing. The study, conducted with participants from 29 countries, showed that e-mail messages without smileys were perceived as more competent and detailed.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 14, 2017