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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Risk for bipolar disorder associated with faster aging

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder may experience faster biological aging. The study found that patients treated with lithium had longer telomeres, which could help reverse age-related changes. This association may explain the higher rates of aging-related diseases among bipolar disorder patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

Molecular microscopy illuminates molecular motor motion

Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJul 25, 2017

Pattern of marijuana use during adolescence may impact psychosocial outcomes in adulthood

A study found that adolescents with an increasing pattern of marijuana use over their teens had the greatest dysfunction in brain reward circuitry, highest rates of depression, and lowest educational achievements. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marijuana use across adolescence to predict long-term impacts.

Discovery of why emus are grounded takes flight

A team of researchers from Monash University has identified the Nkx2.5 gene as a key regulator of wing development in emus. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of limb reduction and may have implications for human limb development, particularly in individuals born with limb abnormalities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017

Improved imaging of neonatal soft-tissue tumors can help radiologists improve patient care

Practical imaging evaluation of neonatal soft-tissue tumors is crucial for accurate diagnosis, and clear understanding of imaging techniques can improve patient outcomes. Characteristic clinical and imaging findings aid in diagnosing these neoplasms, which may require biopsy or excision for definitive diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 25, 2017

Violent sleep patterns & stress hormones change after a violent crime in the neighborhood

A new study found that violent crime can disrupt sleep patterns and increase stress hormones in youth, leading to decreased academic performance. The study, conducted on 82 youth aged 11-18, showed that sleep and cortisol levels changed after a violent crime occurred nearby, with the largest effects seen for homicides.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 25, 2017

How gene silencing works in plants

Gene silencing is crucial for plant development and growth, and a recent study has shed light on its mechanisms. The researchers discovered that Polycomb-group proteins play a key role in this process, using histone modifications to silence genes.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 25, 2017

Research lacking when it comes to heart disease in prison populations

A recent study highlights the gaps in knowledge about cardiovascular disease among incarcerated and released populations, with limited research on factors contributing to heart disease. The report identifies areas for further study, including how prisoners receive care and treatment, and the relationship between stress and coping behav...

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 25, 2017

Knee joint signals bones to grow

Researchers discovered a communication system between the knee joint and developing bones in mice, which controls bone growth during early development and after injury. The study suggests that bone growth is controlled not only from within the bone itself but also by neighboring cells situated in nearby joints.

SourceeLife·DateJul 25, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2017

Magnetic quantum objects in a 'nano egg-box'

Researchers have successfully produced a 'quantum egg-box' with hundreds of thousands of artificially arranged fluxons, enabling stable non-equilibrium states. This breakthrough paves the way for developing fast computer circuits based on fluxons with enhanced speed and reduced heat dissipation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 25, 2017

Cognitive cross-training enhances learning, study finds

A comprehensive new study from University of Illinois researchers found that combining physical exercise and mild electric brain stimulation with computer-based cognitive training promotes skill learning significantly more than using cognitive training alone. The enhanced learning was skill-specific and did not translate to general int...