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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Mathematical theorem finds gerrymandering in Pennsylvania congressional district maps

A new mathematical theorem developed by Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh mathematicians proves that Pennsylvania's congressional district maps are likely the result of gerrymandering. The researchers used a Markov chain to analyze the characteristics of the current map, comparing it to randomly generated typical ...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Biofuel produced by microalgae

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified the key enzymes responsible for oil synthesis in microalgae. The research reveals that four lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases (LPATs) play a crucial role in the formation and growth of lipid droplets, where TAG biosynthesis occurs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Racial, ethnic, gender bias occurs in pathway from teacher to principal

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Bradley Davis found that teachers from underrepresented groups face significant barriers to becoming principals. The study analyzed data on nearly 11,000 educators over 17 years and discovered that inequitable pathways to the principalship were constructed around race and sex.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateFeb 28, 2017

Calculating recharge of groundwater more precisely

A new study has found that large-scale hydrologic models can be improved to provide more realistic groundwater recharge estimates. The research team compared two models and showed that accounting for subsurface heterogeneity leads to greater estimates of groundwater recharge, which is essential for securing sustainable water supplies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2017

Could a ketogenic diet alleviate gout?

A recent study suggests that a ketogenic diet can protect against gout flares in rats by increasing levels of ketone bodies and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This could potentially improve treatment outcomes for humans with the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

See how Zika infection changes a human cell

Researchers found Zika virus alters host cell cytoskeletal architecture to build replication factories, potentially targeting with existing chemotherapy drugs. This study suggests a new approach to treating Zika-related disorders like microcephaly and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2017

Using Google to map our ecosystem

Researchers used Google Street View to map street tree canopy coverage in Singapore, finding that increasing cover can reduce ground surface and air temperatures. The study's method could help urban planners prioritize tree planting and create greener environments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEcological Indicators·DateFeb 28, 2017

Lead dressed like gold

Using advanced computational theory, researchers developed a method called spectral dynamic mimicry that allows them to calculate the laser pulse shape to produce any desired spectral output. This ability could have implications for optical computing and molecular detection.

Study finds new link between childhood abuse and adolescent misbehavior

A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that childhood abuse impairs associative learning, contributing to misbehavior patterns later in life. Researchers discovered that abused children struggled with learning which stimuli were associated with rewards, leading to pessimism and poor decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2017

Taking aim at a key malaria molecule

Scientists have created a way to measure the heme levels within malaria parasites, which could help develop more effective treatments. The discovery could provide insights into how the parasites control their own heme levels and may lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target these mechanisms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2017

Autism risk genes linked to evolving brain

Researchers found that genetic variants linked to autism spectrum disorders are also associated with enhanced cognition and intellectual achievement, suggesting positive selection during human evolution. The study analyzed over 5,000 cases of ASD and identified common variants that contribute to both conditions.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 27, 2017

Largest study of factors affecting African-Americans with cancer announced in Detroit

The Detroit Research on Cancer Survivors (Detroit ROCS) study aims to better understand the major factors affecting cancer progression, recurrence, mortality and quality of life in African American cancer survivors. The five-year, $9 million study will include 5,560 cancer survivors to identify key risk factors and develop intervention...