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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 33

Bacteria development marks new era in cellular design

Researchers at the University of Kent and Bristol have built a miniature scaffold inside bacteria, enabling efficient production of chemicals and biofuels. The technology, which can increase alcohol production by over 200%, has significant implications for the next generation of biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 11, 2017

Major cause of dementia discovered

Researchers identify build-up of urea in brain as major cause of dementia, with potential for early diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that high brain urea levels may be a pivotal role in all types of age-related dementias.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

Ben-Gurion U. researcher indicates nicotine replacement is safer for pregnant women than smoking

A new review study suggests that nicotine replacement therapy is safer for pregnant women than smoking and should be recommended to more pregnant patients who are not able to quit on their own. The therapy can improve smoking cessation rates by up to 40 percent, even if the user receives less nicotine than while smoking.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateDec 11, 2017

A new weapon against bone metastasis?

Researchers developed an antibody called 15D11 that blocks Jagged1, a molecule making it easier for breast cancer cells to metastasize to bone. The antibody allows chemotherapy to keep cancer at bay by eliminating the protective effect of rebuilders in bone tissue.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 11, 2017

Midwife and signpost for photons

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed a new set of rules for creating optical antennas that can precisely control photon creation and emission direction. This breakthrough has the potential to enable tiny, multifunctional light pixels and reliable single-photon sources for quantum computers and optical microscopes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 11, 2017

Electromagnetic water cloak eliminates drag and wake

Researchers at Duke University have developed a water cloaking concept that uses electromagnetic forces to eliminate an object's wake and drag. By matching the acceleration of the surrounding water to an object's movement, it is theoretically possible to greatly increase propulsion efficiency while leaving the surrounding sea undisturbed.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateDec 11, 2017

Mass. General team identifies DNA element that may cause rare movement disorder

A team of MGH researchers has identified a genetic change that may cause the rare neurological disorder XDP, which combines features of dystonia and Parkinson's disease. The discovery reveals that a DNA sequence change, including an insertion of a retrotransposon, is correlated with the age of onset for the disease.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017

A good decision is not made in one go

Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found that averaging all estimates yields significant accuracy gains, especially when considering multiple people. Taking the average of estimates from different individuals is a more effective approach for good decision-making than relying on personal expertise.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 11, 2017

Omalizumab improves efficacy of oral immunotherapy for multiple food allergies

A new clinical trial shows that combining omalizumab with oral immunotherapy increases the ability of children with multiple food allergies to safely consume allergenic foods. The treatment resulted in over 80% of children being able to eat at least two grams of two or more foods without adverse reactions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 11, 2017

Quantum effects explain changes in nanometric circuit electron flows

Researchers studied a nanometric circuit exhibiting quantum effects due to its small scale, revealing how electrons can transit directly or via a cavity, leading to peaks and troughs in conductance values. The study provides a natural explanation for observed phenomena, shedding light on the behavior of electrons in such circuits.

South Carolina & George Mason link women's sexual orientation to (un)happiness about birth

Researchers at George Mason University and the University of South Carolina found that heterosexual-discordant women are less happy about their births due to relationship pressures and societal expectations. The study highlights a gap in understanding birth happiness among sexual minority women, particularly those who prefer women.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateDec 11, 2017

Natural route masters

Researchers tracked bumblebee flight paths and found they refined routes to reduce travel distance, providing insights into route optimization in logistics and robotics. The study's large dataset offers a unique understanding of how animals solve spatial problems.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2017

Researchers find simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide onto gold nanorods

Researchers from NC State University have found a simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles onto silica-coated gold nanorods, creating multifunctional nanoparticles with useful magnetic and optical properties. The new technique uses an approach called heteroaggregation, resulting in highly uniform nanoparticles that can ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 11, 2017

Does prescription opioid use by one household member increase risk of prescribed use in others?

Living in a household with a prescription opioid user may increase the risk of prescription opioid use by other household members. According to a study published in JAMA Network, the one-year risk of prescription opioid use was an absolute 0.71 percent higher among people in households where another person had an opioid prescription.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2017

LDL cholesterol, the main modifiable predictor of atherosclerosis in individuals with no risk factor

A new study by CNIC researchers found that LDL-C is the main predictor of atherosclerotic plaques in individuals with no risk factors, such as hypertension or smoking. The study suggests that reducing LDL-C levels can help prevent the appearance of atherosclerosis.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2017

Researchers at Mount Sinai and Sema4 develop powerful new method for microbiome analysis

A new method developed by Mount Sinai and Sema4 researchers accurately identifies individual microbial species and strains in communities, providing a more comprehensive approach to microbiome analysis. The technique uses DNA methylation patterns as natural barcodes to discriminate between closely related species.

Pride does not come before a fall

A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 2017

Violence a matter of scale, not quantity, researchers show

A new study suggests that societal scale, rather than overall violence levels, is the primary driver of conflict-related casualties. The researchers analyzed data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to find a deep scaling law guiding social organization, which explains trends in war group size and conflict casualties.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2017