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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

PI3K/mTOR inhibitors may be effective against some uterine sarcomas

Researchers found that the activated S6 ribosomal protein P-S6S240 was present in 32% of high-grade tumors and associated with shorter progression-free survival. PI3K/mTOR inhibitors showed promising results in two patient-derived xenograft models, suggesting a potential treatment option for patients with this type of uterine sarcoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 23, 2017

Does payer type -- commercial insurance or Medicare -- affect the use of low-value care?

A Dartmouth Institute study found that regions with high specialist to primary care ratios have more overuse of low-value services, and the use of these services remained relatively consistent over time. The study also highlighted a concerning 'potential for double jeopardy in health services receipt among black Americans'.

Is insufficient weight gain during pregnancy associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in children

A Swedish study found that insufficient weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of nonaffective psychosis, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, in children. The study of 526,042 individuals born between 1982 and 1989 found that mothers who experienced extremely inadequate gestational weight gain were more l...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 22, 2017

New research horizons

Two UCSB faculty members, Stefano Tessaro and Andrea Young, have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship for their outstanding contributions to cryptography and condensed matter physics. The fellowships will support their research efforts in building solid theoretical foundations for cryptogra...

The genetics behind being Not Like Daddy

A study by Laurine Gilles and colleagues sheds light on the genetics behind haploid induction in maize, revealing the molecular identity of a key gene that promotes fertilization. The identification of 'Not Like Dad' is an important breakthrough to fully understand the process and translate this breeding tool to other crops.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 22, 2017

Birds of a feather mob together

A study found that male birds' mobbing behavior, such as dive bombing and aerial swoops, serves not only as protection against predators but also as a way to showcase their physical qualities to attract females. When females from the same species are present, males increase their participation in these displays.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 22, 2017

Study says drugs could be developed cheaper and faster

Researchers have discovered a new way to identify and test new drugs using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS), which analyzes drug molecules based on their response to an electrical field. This technique can measure drug properties in seconds, allowing for high-throughput testing of hundreds or thousands of drugs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 22, 2017

Lollipop or edible?

A new study conducted by RTI International found that many edible marijuana products lack clear labels, making it difficult for consumers to know what they are consuming. The study suggests improvements such as web-based education and graphics on labels can inform buyers and the public about safe consumption practices

SourceRTI International·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateFeb 22, 2017

OCD-like behavior linked to genetic mutation

A Northwestern University study found that eliminating certain receptor genes in mice leads to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, such as excessive grooming. The research provides strong evidence for the biological basis of OCD and may lead to new treatments for the disorder.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 22, 2017

Severe gum disease may be early sign of undiagnosed diabetes

Researchers found that people with severe gum disease had higher HbA1C values and were more likely to have pre-diabetes or suspected diabetes. This suggests that severe gum disease may be an early sign of undiagnosed diabetes, making screening in dental practices a feasible option.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·DateFeb 22, 2017

Rare fossil discovery raises questions

Researchers have uncovered adult and juvenile remains of a giant rodent species (Isostylomys laurdillardi) in Uruguay, raising questions about its classification. The study suggests that previously found fossils were from the same species as the newly discovered adults.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateFeb 22, 2017

Itch neurons play a role in managing pain

Researchers found that itch and mild pain signals can be transmitted through the same spinal cord neurons, with GRP neurons acting as a 'braking system' to mitigate intense pain. In mice without these neurons, pain responses were increased and scratching behaviors were altered.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 22, 2017

Simple rule predicts when an ice age ends

Scientists have developed a simple rule to predict when the Earth's climate warms out of an ice age, using astronomical changes in the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The model predicts interglacials occurring roughly every 100,000 years, which explains why we've been in a warm period for the last 11,000 years.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateFeb 22, 2017