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Science News Archive January 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 35

Stock market fails to predict product performance

A study by Michigan State University found that investors can only accurately predict product performance 48-55% of the time after a preannouncement. Researchers discovered certain conditions, such as detailed and truthful preannouncements in less competitive industries, can improve stock market reactions to preannouncements.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJan 11, 2017

Many insured under the Affordable Care Act miss opportunities for financial assistance

A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that almost one-third of Californians enrolling in individual insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) potentially missed opportunities to receive financial assistance. Enrollees who received certified enrollment counselor assistance were less likely to choose ineligible plans.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 11, 2017

Tumor-seeking salmonella treats brain tumors

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a new treatment approach using Salmonella bacteria to target glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The modified bacteria produce anti-tumor compounds that kill cancer cells only in low-oxygen environments, showing promising results in rat models.

NIH scientists repair gene defect in stem cells from patients with rare immunodeficiency

Researchers successfully repaired a defective gene in blood-forming stem cells from patients with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct a specific mutation in the CYBB gene, restoring normal functioning of white blood cells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

Incentive pay schemes can affect employee well-being

A new study found that only performance-related pay had a positive impact on employee attitudes such as job satisfaction and commitment. However, profit-related pay and employee share-ownership had mixed effects, with negative impacts on job satisfaction and no significant effects on commitment and trust in management.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateJan 11, 2017

First study to show parents' concerns about neighborhood restrict kids' outdoor play

A new study by LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health shows that parents' concerns about their neighborhood restrict their children's outdoor play. Parents who do not trust their neighbors or feel they have no control over neighborhood problems are more likely to limit their child's physical activity.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 10, 2017

New technology will cut plug-in hybrid fuel consumption by one third

Researchers at UC Riverside developed an innovative energy management system for plug-in hybrids, cutting fuel consumption by over 30% through real-time data analysis. The system combines connected vehicle technology and evolutionary algorithms to optimize power split between engine and battery, achieving greater efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateJan 10, 2017

More individual therapy for blood cancer patients

Researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt discovered a novel biomarker, SAMHD1, that enables accurate prediction of therapy responders and non-responders in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. This biomarker can guide cytarabine-based chemotherapies to only those patients likely to respond, sparing others from toxic side effects.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 10, 2017

Nothing fishy about better nutrition for mums and babies

A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that adding thiamin to fish sauce improves blood markers of thiamin status, making it a potential means of preventing thiamin deficiency in Cambodia. Thiamin deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which is often fatal in infants if left untreated.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2017

No silver bullet to beating obesity, study finds

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology finds that poverty is a major contributor to obesity, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. The research used data from 120,000 individuals and suggests that targeting specific behaviors or environments may not be an effective solution to reducing obesity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJan 10, 2017

Pretty in pink: Some algae like it cold

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati studied pink snow algae growing on volcanic terrains in the Pacific Northwest, finding it can lower albedo and increase surface melting. The study suggests atmospheric sources of ammonia and nitrate may be driving the growth and survival of these algae.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalGeobiology·DateJan 10, 2017

Bacterial Pac Man molecule snaps at sugar

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

Antioxidant may protect offspring of obese mothers from fatty liver disease

New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) may prevent the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in offspring. PQQ, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in soil and foods, was shown to protect against liver damage and inflammation in mice fed high-fat diets.

Dual-purpose biofuel crops could extend production, increase profits

Recent research suggests that dual-purpose biofuel crops like sugarcane and sweet sorghum can produce both ethanol and biodiesel for nine months of the year, increasing profits. This technology has the potential to decrease capital utilization costs and increase annual biofuel production by 20-30%.