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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

NUS scientists identify optimal areas for conservation and agriculture in the tropics

The study identified the Atlantic Forest, Gulf of Guinea, and Thailand as regions where agricultural conversion provides higher benefits than environmental costs. In contrast, Latin America, insular Southeast Asia, and Madagascar are considered economically viable conservation targets due to low agricultural benefits and high environme...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 26, 2017

Is extended-release guanfacine effective in children with chronic tic disorders?

A study found that extended-release guanfacine only showed a small reduction in tic severity among children with chronic tic disorders, with no significant difference between the drug and placebo. The medication was associated with common side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, and headache.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

Gamma-ray burst captured in unprecedented detail

A team led by University of Maryland astronomers has constructed one of the most detailed descriptions of a gamma-ray burst to date, shedding light on the initial 'prompt' phase and the evolution of large jets of matter and energy. The data suggest that both magnetic fields and matter play key roles in shaping the jets.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJul 26, 2017

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 26, 2017

Differences in subtypes of gastric cancer may determine prognosis and response to treatment

Research found that four molecular subtypes of gastric cancer have different prognoses and responses to chemotherapy, with the EBV subtype associated with the best outcome and the GS subtype with no benefit. The study suggests that classifying gastric cancer cases by subtype could provide personalized treatment options.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 26, 2017

Cultural flexibility was key for early humans to survive extreme dry periods in southern Africa

The Howiesons Poort tradition, dating back to 66,000-59,000 years ago, demonstrated that early humans could exploit new environments despite pronounced aridification. The development of cultural innovations such as the bow and arrow, engraving ostrich eggshells, and intensive hunting practices allowed HP populations to thrive.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Do all people experience similar near-death-experiences?

A study of 154 individuals with near-death experiences found that while common phenomena like feeling peacefulness and seeing a bright light occur frequently, the order of appearance varies greatly between participants. The most commonly reported sequence was out-of-body experience followed by a tunnel, bright light, and finally peace.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 26, 2017

Group relocation preserves social connections among elderly Japanese Tsunami survivors

A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.

Drug combination shows better tolerance and effectiveness in metastatic renal cell cancer

A new study found that the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy demonstrates manageable safety, notable antitumor activity, and durable responses with promising long-term overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. The treatment shows enhanced antitumor activity compared to monotherapy in tumor types such...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 26, 2017

Diffusion dynamics play an essential role in regulating stem cells and tissue development

New research highlights the importance of diffusion gradients in regulating stem cells and tissue development. The study explores how gas and nutrient concentrations influence stem cell potency, differentiation, and metabolism. It also introduces novel models for understanding diffusion processes in three-dimensional tissue constructs.

SourceInstitute of Neural Regeneration & Tissue Engineering·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 26, 2017

Milky Way's origins are not what they seem

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that up to half of the Milky Way's matter may have originated from distant galaxies through intergalactic transfer. This phenomenon, identified in simulations, shows that gas flows from smaller galaxies to larger ones, such as the Milky Way, forming stars.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 26, 2017

Managers often fail to use or understand their own data on customer satisfaction

A recent study found that managers in various industries overestimate customer satisfaction, relying on unrealistic expectations for marketing decisions. This leads to underinvestment in quality improvements and a failure to address marketplace issues effectively. The study suggests that existing customer feedback systems are not perfo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJul 26, 2017

Shedding light deeper into the human brain

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for propagating light through human tissue, enabling deeper brain imaging and potential applications in medical imaging and driving safety. The technique involves making tiny holes to pass light through, increasing optical transmission by a factor of 100.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

A large-scale 'germ trap' solution for hospitals

Researchers developed a simple, cost-effective way for hospitals to increase their capacity to contain airborne illnesses. By sealing off a hospital wing and adjusting ventilation systems, hospitals can reduce the spread of diseases. The new solution enables small community hospitals to prepare for rapidly spreading airborne illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 26, 2017