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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 20


Page 20 of 35

Epigenetic factors linked to obesity-related disease

A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that epigenetic modifications to DNA, specifically DNA methylation, are linked to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems. The researchers identified 83 sites in the genome where methylation changes were associated with differences in energy balance and lipid metabolism.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 17, 2017

Inception of the last ice age

The Eurasian ice sheet grew from small ice caps to a massive ice mass, nearly three times the size of modern-day Greenland, through a process driven by climate cycles and snowfall. The sheet's growth had a profound impact on regional climates, creating rain-shadow effects and desert conditions in western Russia and Siberia.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJan 16, 2017

Galaxy murder mystery

A global team of researchers found that ram-pressure stripping is more prevalent than thought, driving gas from galaxies and preventing star formation. The study reveals that this process is potentially the dominant way galaxies are quenched by their surrounds, leading to an early death.

SourceInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 16, 2017

Acupuncture may alleviate babies' excessive crying (infantile colic)

Research suggests that acupuncture can effectively treat infantile colic by reducing the frequency and duration of excessive crying in babies. The study involved 147 babies who received either standard care or tailored acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in crying time for those who received acupuncture.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAcupuncture in Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

The lasting effects of ministrokes may contribute to dementia

Recent preclinical research suggests microinfarcts can induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated 12-times larger than the visible injury site, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The study used a mouse model to examine the effects of individual cortical microinfarcts on surrounding tissue function in vivo.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2017

Theory lends transparency to how glass breaks

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new theory and computational methods to understand how metallic glasses behave under stress, revealing the formation of shear bands that can lead to breaking. The study provides valuable insights into improving the strength and durability of glass materials.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Imposing 'meaningful work' leads to staff burnout

A new study by Professor Catherine Bailey suggests that manipulating employees' desire for meaningful work can damage organizations and alienate staff. The researchers identify two forms of 'acting' used by employees when they perceive organizational efforts to manage meaningfulness, which can lead to negative consequences.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalHuman Resource Management Review·DateJan 16, 2017

Scientists make plastic from pine trees

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a renewable plastic from pinene found in pine needles, which can replace petroleum-based plastics in food packaging and medical implants. The new plastic is biodegradable and produced from a waste product previously discarded in the paper industry.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJan 16, 2017

Tracking Antarctic adaptations in diatoms

A comparative genomic analysis of Antarctic diatom Fragillariopsis cylindrus reveals its ability to adapt to extreme cold by selectively expressing variant genes. The study provides insights into the organism's genome structure and evolution, highlighting its unique genetic features that enable survival in harsh environments.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 16, 2017

Three questions climate science must answer

Researchers identify three critical areas for climate research to tackle new frontiers of climate study. They include understanding the fate of carbon in the atmosphere and accurately modeling regional climate changes. These efforts require international collaboration and significant computational resources.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 16, 2017

Nanoparticle exposure can awaken dormant viruses in the lungs

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that nanoparticles from combustion engines can reactivate latent herpes viruses in lung tissue cells. This process can lead to increased viral proteins and acute infection patterns. Further studies aim to investigate the molecular mechanism of virus reactivation by nanoparticles.

Nanoscale view of energy storage

Scientists captured real-time, dynamic visualizations of atoms moving in and out of nanoparticles less than 100 nanometers in size. The experiments provided insight into the chemical and physical sciences, revealing that nanoparticles can self-heal and become more durable energy storage materials.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2017

ACP and AAFP release new hypertension recommendations

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) have released a new guideline for treating hypertension in adults 60 years old and older. The guidelines recommend a less aggressive treatment target for otherwise healthy adults, with a focus on achieving a systolic blood pressure of less tha...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

ACP & AAFP release guideline for treatment of hypertension in older adults

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend that physicians initiate treatment in adults aged 60 years old and older with persistent systolic blood pressure at or above 150 mm Hg to achieve a target systolic blood pressure of less than 150 mm Hg. The guideline notes that some ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

How China is poised for marine fisheries reform

A joint study by Chinese and international researchers recommends new institutions for science-based fisheries management, secure fishing access, and policy consistency across provinces. The authors believe that China's 13th Five-Year Plan provides a policy platform for the protection of marine ecosystems and restoration of fisheries.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Every meal triggers inflammation

A study by researchers at the University of Basel found that meals trigger an inflammatory response in the body, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This mechanism is dependent on bacteria and nutrients ingested during meals, highlighting the importance of adequate nutrition for immune function.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Immunology·DateJan 16, 2017

Viral escape hatch could be treatment target for hepatitis E, Princeton-led study finds

Researchers at Princeton University have identified a potential treatment target for the hepatitis E virus by exploiting its ability to use proteins to escape host cells. The study found that curtailing viroporin production could prevent viral particles from spreading, providing a new avenue for antiviral drugs.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

How safe is that driver next to you? A trucker's poor health could increase crash risk

A new study by University of Utah Health found that commercial truck drivers with three or more medical conditions are quadruple their chance of being in a crash compared to healthier drivers. The research suggests that a driver's poor health can increase the risk not only for themselves but also for others around them.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 16, 2017

New tools will drive greater understanding of wheat genes

A vast collection of genetically modified wheat seeds with over 10 million sequenced mutations has been developed to aid in the study and improvement of wheat plants. This new resource is freely available to researchers and breeders worldwide, enabling them to develop crops with enhanced nutritional value, yields, and climate resilience.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017

Study finds high survival rate for elderly patients with implantable defibrillator

The study found that almost 80% of elderly patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator survived two years after a sudden cardiac arrest or near-fatal arrhythmia. The researchers also noted substantial care needs among the oldest patients, with high hospitalization and skilled nursing facility admission rates.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 16, 2017