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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 10


Page 10 of 33

Viruses can transfer genes across the superkingdoms of life

New research reveals that viruses can transfer genes to organisms from different superkingdoms, including bacteria and complex organisms like plants and animals. This discovery suggests that viruses may have originated from primitive cells and could be a source of new genes for cellular organisms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 18, 2017

Sugar-coated world

Glycans are complex structures composed of sugar molecules that play vital roles in cell communication, immunity, and inflammation. Researchers have created a library of enzymes to study glycans' functions, revealing their importance in health and disease. This discovery may lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics for various conditions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

New vaccine technology shows promise as a tool to combat the opioid crisis

Researchers developed an experimental heroin vaccine that induces antibodies blocking the drug's effects, preventing euphoria and addictive properties. The vaccine appears to dampen the impact of heroin at high doses, potentially preventing overdose. Antibodies induced by the vaccine do not cross-react with therapies for opioid misuse.

SourceThe U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP)·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2017

China's one-child generation not so selfish after all

A study by Hiroshima University challenges the stereotype that China's one-child generation is selfish and individualistic. The research found that this generation is just as cooperative as preceding generations of Chinese workers, with an average score of 3.86 on a five-point scale for willingness to cooperate in the workplace.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of the Asia Pacific Economy·DateDec 18, 2017

Is Chinese massage an effective and cost-effective treatment for chronic neck pain?

A new study evaluated the effectiveness of Chinese massage, tuina, in patients with chronic neck pain. The results showed a clinically relevant decrease in mean neck pain intensity and improved function among those who received tuina treatment. Tuina was found to be a cost-effective alternative to no treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateDec 18, 2017

MiNT protein a fresh target to attack disease

A team of researchers at Rice University has detailed the structure of MiNT protein, which balances forces in cells' mitochondria. This discovery could provide a new target to treat cancer, diabetes and other diseases by regulating iron and reactive oxygen species.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

The shrinking moose of Isle Royale

A 40-year study on Isle Royale moose reveals a 16% decline in skull size, indicating smaller individuals and shorter lives, likely linked to climate warming. The population's growth may be an imbalance in the predator-prey dynamics, with wolves' decline contributing to malnutrition.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 18, 2017

Making larvae count

Researchers used genetic barcoding to identify and quantify fish larvae in a coral reef ecosystem, revealing species distribution and dispersal patterns. The study solved several mysteries, including the invasion of a puffer fish into the Mediterranean, and provided new insights into the ecology of the reefs.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2017

How teens learn about others

A new study reveals that teenagers are slower to learn about their peers' preferences due to underdeveloped brain regions. The fusiform cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, responsible for understanding mental states, show ongoing development during adolescence, which may explain these differences.

Juggling bills may be key at-risk indicator for food insecurity

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that people who are juggling bills and using financial coping strategies may be at risk for food insecurity. The researchers used data from the Hunger in America 2014 survey to show that these strategies can help identify individuals who are very food insecure or at risk.

Researchers repurpose immune-activating cytokine to fight breast cancer

Researchers have discovered that interferon-β can impair the migration and formation of tumors in triple-negative breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential new treatment option for patients. Elevated interferon-β levels in breast tissue correlate with extended patient survival and lower cancer recurrence rates.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

For stroke patients, rating scales predict discharge destination

A systematic review of nine studies found that standardized outcome measures like the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) can predict stroke patients' discharge destinations. Patients with higher scores on these scales are more likely to be discharged home, while those with lower...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Neurologic Physical Therapy·DateDec 18, 2017

The 'ship of the desert'

The project investigates the camel's ability to conserve water in a desert environment, using a molecular dialogue between the brain and kidney. By analyzing the camel's genome and gene expression, researchers aim to understand how animals adapt to deserts and climate change.

Negative portrayals of shooting victims lead to victim blaming

A new study by researchers at Duke University found that negative portrayals of shooting victims can lead to victim blaming and sympathize with the shooter. The study showed that participants favored lighter sentences for the shooter when given a negative biographical sketch about the victim, regardless of their race.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateDec 18, 2017

Researchers find racial disparities in intensity of care at the end of life

Researchers discovered significant racial disparities in hospital admission, emergency department visits, and hospice disenrollment among African American and white patients at the end of life. Black patients were more likely to experience higher-intensity care, which may negatively impact their quality of life and caregiver burden.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2017

Human societies evolve along similar paths

A new study reveals that human societies have evolved in predictable ways, becoming more complex over time despite surface differences. The Seshat database captures this trend, showing a single dimension of complexity that structures global variation in social organisation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Can brain lesions contribute to criminal behavior?

Research reveals that brain lesions affecting a specific network involved in moral decision-making are more common among individuals exhibiting criminal behavior. This finding highlights the potential link between brain dysfunction and crime, but also emphasizes that genetic, environmental, and social factors play important roles.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Minorities don't receive same health benefits of college completion as white peers

A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that black and Hispanic young adults from disadvantaged childhoods face worse physical health risks despite completing college. College completion is linked to improved mental health, but not necessarily better physical health outcomes for minority individuals.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

How fungi helped create life as we know it

University of Leeds scientists find fungi essential for establishing breathable atmosphere by transferring phosphorus to plants. The amount of phosphorus transferred could have dramatically altered the ancient atmosphere, influencing the timing of oxygen generation.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 18, 2017