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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Neurons that regenerate, neurons that die

A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Perceptions about body image linked to increased alcohol, tobacco use for teens

Researchers found that negative body image is associated with increased substance use in teenagers, including girls who believe they are very good-looking being more likely to binge drink. This study suggests that improving body image awareness through education and prevention programs can help reduce unhealthy behavior.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse·DateJun 21, 2017

Marriage makes men fatter, shows new research

A new study from the University of Bath's School of Management shows that marriage is associated with weight gain in men, adding approximately three pounds to their BMI. The early days of fatherhood also contribute to this effect, while a decrease in male BMI is observed during the period just before and after divorce.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 21, 2017

Screen time or story time?

A new study found that electronic books captivated toddlers' attention, encouraging more engagement and participation during reading sessions. Compared to traditional print books, toddlers showed higher levels of attention, engagement, and correct animal identification when reading electronic books.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Common water treatments could damage DNA

A study by the University of East Anglia warns that common water treatments containing colloidal silver may cause genotoxicity, damaging DNA. This can lead to reproductive issues and harm to future generations. The World Health Organization advises against its use as a primary water treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateJun 21, 2017

The curious case of the warped Kuiper Belt

A new study has found evidence of a yet-to-be-discovered planetary body with a mass between Mars and Earth, warping the orbital planes of Kuiper Belt objects. The object's presence is suggested by its control over the tilt angles of KBOs' orbital planes, indicating a gravitational influence comparable to that of Mars.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateJun 21, 2017

New statistical method finds shared ancestral gene variants involved in autism's cause

A new mathematical method identifies ancient genetic variations contributing to autism spectrum disorder, suggesting a small effect of each variant. The approach uses discordant siblings to find a clear signal of these shared variants, which are common among individuals with autism in both affected and unaffected populations.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Reconstruction of ancient chromosomes offers insight into mammalian evolution

Researchers computationally recreated ancient chromosomes of the first eutherian mammal, revealing chromosomal changes that occurred over 105 million years. The study provides a detailed picture of evolutionary breakpoints and their role in forming new species and contributing to human diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2017

Algae: The final frontier

Scientists have long known algae are crucial to human life and ecology, but a new review reveals they hold secrets to biofuels, therapeutic compounds, and climate change resilience. Advances in molecular techniques are unlocking major genetic processes shaping algal evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateJun 21, 2017

Active 24/7 and doing great

Researchers found that foraging honeybees and nurse bees have synchronized circadian clocks, despite their constant activity. The study reveals that a functional clock is crucial for these animals, even in environments without day-night cycles.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalOpen Biology·DateJun 21, 2017

Temple study: Extra-virgin olive oil preserves memory & protects brain against Alzheimer's

Researchers at Temple University Health System found that extra-virgin olive oil reduces brain inflammation and activates autophagy, preserving synaptic integrity and reducing amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. This may provide a potential prevention or treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 21, 2017

Warming temperatures threaten sea turtles

A new Swansea University study suggests that rising temperatures associated with climate change could drive sea turtle populations to extinction. The research found that warmer incubation temperatures can lead to higher numbers of female sea turtles and increased nest failure, threatening the long-term survival of certain species.

SourceSwansea University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 21, 2017

New 3-D display takes the eye fatigue out of virtual reality

A new type of 3D display, mimicking the depth cues our eyes are accustomed to in the real-world, improves viewing comfort in VR headsets and AR glasses. The innovative display module, measuring only 1 x 2 inches, produces depth cues that create a unified 3D image, eliminating vergence-accommodation conflict.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 21, 2017

Prior knowledge may influence how adults view van Goghs

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults rely more on top-down processing when viewing Van Gogh's paintings, focusing on less noticeable features after hearing descriptions. In contrast, children initially focus on standout features before being influenced by prior knowledge, making their attention shift to more subtle details.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 2017

Feeling stressed? Bike to work

A recent study from Concordia's John Molson School of Business found that cycling to work significantly lowers stress levels within the first 45 minutes of work. The study collected data from 123 employees at Autodesk and confirmed previous research that cyclists perceive their commute as less stressful than those who travel by car.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateJun 21, 2017

Provider's preference for pain therapy can affect patient's results, UF researchers find

Researchers at the University of Florida found that a healthcare provider's strong belief in their treatment can significantly impact patient results. Participants who received treatment from providers with a strong preference experienced better pain relief, suggesting that self-efficacy plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateJun 21, 2017

Rice U. chemists create 3-D printed graphene foam

Researchers from Rice University and China's Tianjin University have successfully created centimeter-sized objects of atomically thin graphene using 3D laser printing. The new method eliminates the need for high-temperature chemical vapor deposition treatment, enabling mass production of bulk graphene with controlled pore size.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 2017

Addressing refugee and immigrant women's stress

A new study explores ways to build resilience among refugee and immigrant women experiencing unique stress following migration. Counselors can play a crucial role in creating community-based support systems and offering culture-centered mental health services.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJun 21, 2017

Drip by drip

Researchers from University of Konstanz have observed non-classical growth of crystals, where liquid preliminary stages accelerate growth rates. This finding has implications for basic research and practical applications, including faster-dissolving medicines.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

What percentage of ALS is genetic?

A study published in Neurology found that approximately 17% of ALS cases are caused by gene mutations, with rare and likely harmful variants being more common in those with the disease. The research highlights the importance of genetic factors in ALS development and suggests a larger percentage of sporadic cases may be linked to genetics.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 21, 2017