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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 33

Biomarkers in breast cancer: IQWiG criticizes conclusion on MINDACT data in US guideline

A group of authors from IQWiG has contradicted the American Society of Clinical Oncology's conclusion that MammaPrint can identify patients who do not require chemotherapy. The IQWiG analysis found a statistically significant disadvantage of the test for disease-free survival in certain patient groups.

SourceInstitute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 27, 2017

Growing organs a few ink drops at a time

Osaka University researchers develop an enzyme-driven approach to sticking biological ink droplets together, enabling the 3D printing of highly complex biological structures with a wide variety of cell types. The method overcomes compatibility problems with sodium alginate and results in high viability rates for cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateDec 27, 2017

From C-H to C-C at room temperature

Researchers develop novel method for selective C-H arylation at room temperature, overcoming harsh reaction conditions. The proposed mechanism involves iridium catalyst activation, arylsilane attack, and oxidation of the intermediate to achieve low-energy reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2017

Neuroscientists shed light on causes of postpartum depression using new research model

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a novel preclinical model of postpartum depression, showing the involvement of the HPA axis and specific protein KCC2 in inducing disorder. The study provides empirical evidence that dysregulation of the HPA axis and KCC2 can lead to behaviors mimicking postpartum depression.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateDec 26, 2017

Scientists should be super modelers

A Michigan State University student examines the impact of grain size and niche breadth on species distribution modeling, finding that relying solely on expert opinions can lead to inaccurate predictions. The research aims to promote more extensive testing and data-driven approaches in conservation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcography·DateDec 26, 2017

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of ALS

Researchers at Hokkaido University have shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind ALS by studying the depletion of protein TDP-43. The study found that TDP-43 binds to U6 snRNA, stabilizing it, which leads to its degradation and eventual cell death. This discovery may lead to ways to slow or stop neuronal cell death in ALS patients.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 26, 2017

Are childhood blood lead levels associated with criminal behavior?

A recent study from New Zealand found no consistent association between childhood lead exposure and adult criminal behavior, challenging previous research on the topic. Despite well-documented effects of lead on brain development, researchers did not detect a dose-response relationship between higher childhood blood levels and increase...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 26, 2017

Social interactions override genetics when birds learn new songs

Researchers found that young male songbirds can overcome their genetic predisposition to sing like their fathers with enriched early experience. The study used Bengalese finches and found that exposure to a computerized tutor or live adult males reduced the genetic contribution to complex behaviors like birdsong.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2017

Cleaner air, longer lives

New research from MIT suggests the EPA's legislation may have saved over 100,000 lives annually from 2000 to 2010 through a dramatic decline in atmospheric organic aerosol. The study found that human behaviors, such as vehicle emissions and residential burning, likely drove this change.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 25, 2017

A classic Darwinian ecological hypothesis holds up -- with a twist

A University of Colorado Boulder-led study confirms that climate factors limit species expansion in stressful environments, but interactions with other species play a crucial role in shaping range limits. The researchers found that stress impacts plant growth, survival, reproduction, and germination, which drives the pattern.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 25, 2017

How odors are turned into long-term memories

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum investigate the brain area responsible for storing odours as long-term memories. They found that the piriform cortex is involved, but only works in interaction with other areas, and requires instruction from the orbitofrontal cortex to establish long-term memory.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 22, 2017

Lobachevsky University scientists study the problem of electrical response of plants as a mechanism

Lobachevsky University scientists find that moderate temperature increase induces small electrical responses in plant leaves. These responses are observed even at lower temperatures, suggesting a possible natural occurrence under field conditions. The research opens prospects for controlling plant resistance to high temperatures by reg...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 22, 2017