Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Kidney damage diagnosis may be inaccurate for many, suggests study

Researchers found that an initial diagnosis of acute kidney injury may have been inaccurate for many patients, as the current method of assessing kidney function may be misleading during the initial evaluation. The study identified sets of biomarkers in mouse models that could potentially detect kidney damage more reliably.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Neanderthal DNA contributes to human gene expression

Researchers found that Neanderthal DNA sequences still influence human gene expression, contributing to traits such as height and susceptibility to schizophrenia or lupus. The study used the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project dataset and analyzed RNA sequences in 52 different tissues.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 23, 2017

Meditation benefits patients with ALS

A clinical trial of 100 patients with ALS found that an eight-week mindfulness-based meditation program improved quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression. The results remained stable over a 12-month follow-up, suggesting a potential tool for increasing well-being in ALS patients.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2017

Removing barriers to early intervention for autistic children: A new model shows promise

In South Carolina, a two-tiered screening process identified children with autism spectrum disorder eligible for early intensive behavioral therapy, leading to a significant increase in treatment. This policy change demonstrates the importance of early intervention in improving social interaction and communication among children with ASD.

Is back pain killing us?

Research at the University of Sydney found that back pain is linked to a 13% increased risk of death in older Australians. The study controlled for shared genetic factors and suggests that spinal pain may be part of a pattern of poor health, increasing mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·DateFeb 23, 2017

Gambling adverts on TV can 'mislead' football fans

A University of Stirling study found that televised gambling adverts during English Premier League matches often promoted complex and highly specific bets, misleading football fans. The research suggests that these types of bets are difficult to accurately predict, leading to significant average losses.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateFeb 23, 2017

Experts seek to jump-start vaccine development

A new article recommends establishing an institute focused on developing vaccines of public health importance without commercial interest. The proposed institute will require collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and private foundations.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Top professional performance through psychopathy

A recent study suggests that people with psychopathic traits, particularly fearless dominance, can exhibit exceptional work performance when educated and socialized properly. This challenges the common perception of psychopathy as solely negative, highlighting its paradoxical nature.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 23, 2017

Adolescent sleepiness may contribute to future crimes

A recent study links adolescent sleepiness to future crime rates, with sleepy teens more likely to commit crimes by age 29. The study suggests that poor daytime attention and social adversity may contribute to the relationship between sleepiness and crime.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateFeb 23, 2017

Scientists present El Nino

Researchers from NSF's LTER Network will present on the effects of the 2015-16 El Nino, including its impact on aquatic ecosystems and species. The presentations will also explore the long-term implications of environmental changes and the importance of data in understanding future responses.

Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation

Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.

A new dimension in chemical nanoimaging

Researchers developed hyperspectral infrared nanoimaging, enabling recording of two-dimensional arrays of nano-FTIR spectra in a few hours. This technique allows for nanoscale-resolved chemical and structural information extraction, revealing spatial distribution and spectral anomalies of individual components.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Some neurons choose mom's gene and others choose dad's

Research reveals that individual neurons or specific types of neurons can silence genes from one parent or the other, particularly during brain development. As the brain matures, these differences tend to decrease, but some genes continue to exhibit differential expression in adult brains.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 23, 2017

Fructose is generated in the human brain

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that fructose is converted in the human brain from glucose, raising questions about its effects on eating behavior. The finding highlights the need to reevaluate the impact of fructose on chronic diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalJCI Insight·DateFeb 23, 2017