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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 14


Page 14 of 37

Small pest, big battle

A team of UC researchers is using gene editing to develop a new method to control disease-spreading mosquitoes, focusing on the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Safe Genes project aims to introduce genetic elements that rapidly spread throughout a population, reducing the mosquito population and preventing disease transmission.

Google searches can be used to track dengue in underdeveloped countries

A new study uses Google search data to track dengue fever in underdeveloped countries, providing accurate and timely estimates of disease prevalence. The method, called ARGO, combines Google Trends data with government-provided clinical data to alert governments and hospitals when elevated dengue incidence is anticipated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 20, 2017

Loma Linda University researchers finds links between meal frequency and BMI

Loma Linda University researchers found four factors associated with decreased body mass index: single or dual meals, overnight fasting up to 18 hours, breakfast instead of skipping it, and making breakfast the largest meal of the day. Making breakfast the largest meal resulted in a more significant decrease in BMI compared to lunch.

Donor-recipient tissue mismatch analysis may help personalize treatment after transplant

A molecular analysis of tissue mismatch between donors and recipients predicted which recipients needed high doses of immune modulating drugs. The study found a strong correlation between low medication levels and low molecular mismatch scores, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to individual patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 20, 2017

Sunny, rainy, or cloudy: New study shows how weather impacts response to mobile ads

A new study in Marketing Science found that consumer responses to mobile promotions are higher and faster in sunny weather than cloudy weather. The study suggests that firms can use local weather information to improve the effectiveness of their mobile ads, with better-than-yesterday or forecasted sunshine boosting purchase responses.

Shooting the Achilles heel of nervous system cancers

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have discovered a novel synthetic lethality screen to discover molecules that target genetically modified yeast lacking NF1. The team identified one lead candidate called Y100, which disrupts tumor cell growth and induces oxidative stress causing death of NF1-deficient cancer cells.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJul 20, 2017

Curbing deforestation

A new Northwestern University study suggests that paying people to conserve their trees could be a highly cost-effective way to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions. The program, known as Payments for Ecosystems, was found to have large impacts on forest cover in western Uganda.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Study offers potential diagnostic and prognostic tools for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately one in four people living with HIV, causing symptoms such as memory loss and cognitive decline. Researchers have found elevated levels of microRNAs affecting brain development, providing a potential biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Sexual health clinics should ask about abuse

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that training clinicians to ask about domestic violence in sexual health clinics can be feasible and increase referrals to specialist services. The risk of gynaecological and sexual health problems is three-fold higher in women who have suffered domestic violence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateJul 20, 2017

Study finds aboriginal community with strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land has lower suicide rates

A University of Guelph-Humber funded study found that a strong ethno-cultural identity and connection to the land are significant factors in positive mental health outcomes. The Cree community showed lower rates of depression, suicide, and mental illness despite shared history of trauma.

SourceUniversity of Guelph-Humber·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateJul 20, 2017

A super-algae to save our seas

Researchers have made a breakthrough in genetically engineering microalgae found in corals to enhance their stress tolerance and prevent coral bleaching. This could be a game-changer for ocean productivity and global coral reef conservation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 20, 2017

A sodium surprise

Biomedical engineers found that different beta subunits attach to the main protein in a unique way, affecting the channel's control over the heartbeat. This discovery could lead to precision medicine and therapies tailored to individual needs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateJul 20, 2017