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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Identifying vaccination capacity for future foot-and-mouth outbreaks

A mathematical model determines the best vaccination strategy in the presence of uncertainty surrounding vaccination efficacy and animal vaccination capacity. The study shows significant cost savings can be achieved by accurately identifying our capacity to vaccinate, with £55 million in outbreak costs potentially saved.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 16, 2017

HIV hijacks common cells to spread infection

Scientists discovered that fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, increase HIV infection in immune cells through trans-infection and make them more prone to infection. Epithelial cells, on the other hand, secrete high levels of antiviral proteins that inhibit infection.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 16, 2017

Stepping up the hunt for genetic diseases

A new genomic technique has been devised to quickly and accurately detect imprinted genes expressed in each cell type, improving diagnosis of genetic diseases like Prader-Willi and Angelman syndrome. Researchers have identified novel imprinted genes and demonstrated their tissue-specific expression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateFeb 16, 2017

A simple test allows to identify children prone to suffer cardiovascular diseases

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed data from over 9,000 children and adolescents to identify those with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research found that a simple aerobic capacity test can determine which children have worse cardiovascular health and should undergo an intervention program.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2017

US icebreaker to visit New Zealand

The USCGC Polar Star's port call in Lyttelton marks a significant shift in US-New Zealand relations, allowing for increased cooperation on logistics and scientific research. The visit supports the US Antarctic Program's cargo operations and enables the efficient transportation of supplies to research stations.

Molecular patterns of complex diseases

A team of scientists has conducted the largest genome-wide association study on proteomics to date, revealing 539 associations between protein levels and genetic variants in complex diseases. The study found these associations overlap with risk genes for 42 complex conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Do you really get paid less if you're 'ugly'?

A study by Kanazawa and Still found that healthier and more intelligent people, as well as those with better personality traits, tend to earn higher salaries. In contrast, the 'ugliness premium' theory suggests that physically unattractive individuals earn less.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2017

For mosquito repellents, stick with the spray

Researchers found that DEET and PMD-based sprays were the most effective at repelling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, while wearable devices showed little to no effect. The study tested five wearable devices and five spray-on repellents, concluding that consumers should seek out the most effective products to avoid mosquito bites.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·DateFeb 16, 2017