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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

Those who help each other can invade harsher environments

A new study from Lund University and international researchers reveals that cooperative breeding of offspring is key to successful colonization in harsh environments. By sharing genes, helpers and offspring benefit from monogamous breeding females, enabling species to invade previously inaccessible areas.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 20, 2017

Study points to treatment strategy for anorexia

New research in adolescent rodents identifies under-expression of α4βδ-GABAA receptors as a risk factor for anorexia nervosa-like behavior. Boosting receptor activity may be a promising treatment strategy, addressing the high mortality rate of this mental illness.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateFeb 20, 2017

Pitt study finds potential marker of drug response in many cancer types

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a novel genetic mechanism and marker that may predict response to a class of drugs in many cancer types. Elevated levels of IGF2BP3 protein were found in both thyroid and other common cancers, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for treatment response.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2017

Volcano Samalas mystery revealed

The Samalas volcano's massive eruption in 1257 is believed to have had a significant impact on European climate conditions. However, new research published in Nature Geoscience suggests that its effects were exaggerated and not the primary cause of the Little Ice Age.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 20, 2017

Unlocking crop diversity by manipulating plant sex

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered a key to increasing crop diversity by manipulating plant sex through the HEI10 gene. This breakthrough has significant implications for introducing novel disease resistance genes into elite crop varieties, addressing a major limitation in crop improvement.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 20, 2017

MS treatment that 'resets' immune system may halt disease progression for at least 5 years

A type of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been shown to slow or stop MS disease progression for up to five years in nearly half of patients, with significant benefits seen in younger patients and those with relapsing-remitting MS. However, the treatment carries a small risk of death and is not suitable fo...

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 20, 2017

Winners and losers: Climate change will shift vegetation

A new study predicts that climate change will convert much of temperate grasslands and deserts to subtropical vegetation, leading to changes in precipitation and soil moisture. This shift could have significant impacts on ecological services and human populations, particularly for agriculture and ecosystems.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2017

Basking sharks seek out winter sun

Researchers used satellite tracking to study basking shark migrations, revealing they don't hibernate in UK waters but instead seek out warmer temperatures. The data provides crucial information for conservation efforts, as the species is classified as 'vulnerable' and faces threats from human activities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017

Selenium deficiency promoted by climate change

Scientists modelled global soil selenium concentrations using data mining techniques and found dominant role of climate-soil interactions. Climate change scenarios predict selenium levels to increase in some regions but decrease overall, with up to 66% of croplands expected to lose selenium by the end of the century.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2017

Majority of opioid medications not safely stored in homes with children, survey finds

A national survey found that nearly 70% of prescription opioid medications kept in homes with children are not stored safely. Among households with older children, only 12% reported safe storage. The study highlights the need for education and new technology to prevent accidental ingestions and overdose among young people.

Understanding how HIV evades the immune system

Researchers from Monash University and Cardiff University have made a breakthrough understanding how HIV evades the immune system by mutating key molecules, which will help design better therapies and vaccines. The study provides new insights into HIV's ability to evade the immune system.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 20, 2017

A chemical investigation of employees -- How to distinguish a blue collar from a white one

A study by Russian scientists analyzed the hair of petrochemical workers, finding higher levels of As, Hg, Sn, I, and Si in office workers compared to those in other departments. Essential elements like Cr, Fe, and I were found in higher concentrations in primary oil refining employees, while toxic element content was generally lower i...

SourceRUDN University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateFeb 20, 2017