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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 40

Donor microbes persist 2 years after fecal transplant to treat C. difficile infection

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have made a groundbreaking discovery that fecal donor microbes can persist in recipients for months or years after a transplant to treat C. difficile infections. This is possible thanks to a novel method developed by the team to 'fingerprint' individual bacterial strains, allowing ...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJun 13, 2017

Superconducting nanowire memory cell, miniaturized technology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new nanoscale memory cell that holds promise for successful integration with superconducting processors. The device provides stable memory at a smaller size than other proposed memory devices, eliminating magnetic-field cross-talk and enabling faster and more powerful computing.

Man(ufacturing) of steel

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new steel alloys for additive manufacturing with a focus on high-strength low-alloy steels suitable for naval construction and repair. The project aims to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using integrated computational materials design.

Making art activates brain's reward pathway -- Drexel study

A Drexel University study found that art-making activities like doodling activate the brain's reward pathways, regardless of skill level or experience. The study used fNIRS technology to measure blood flow in the brain during various art activities, revealing increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and positive emotional responses.

SourceDrexel University·JournalThe Arts in Psychotherapy·DateJun 13, 2017

Epigenetic signaling axis regulates proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem/progenitor cells

Researchers discovered a novel epigenetic signaling axis involving PRC1, microRNA, and PRC2 that regulates the self-renewal and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells. The study found that Ezh2 represses miR-203 expression, which negatively regulates self-renewal and proliferation but promotes neuronal differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 12, 2017

inflammatory molecule essential to muscle regeneration in mice, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a lipid metabolite called prostaglandin E2 that activates muscle stem cells responsible for repairing damage after injury or exercise. Treating mice with PGE2 accelerates muscle repair and strength regain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit this process.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers used X-ray experiments and theoretical models to study the conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels using copper catalysts. The findings revealed that oxygen atoms embedded near the surface of copper had a significant impact on the reaction, leading to more efficient reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Risk, benefit or cost: What stops patients from receiving a diagnostic test?

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that the level of benefit, risk, and cost significantly influence patients' decisions to receive a diagnostic test. The researchers discovered that participants were more likely to accept a diagnostic test when the cost was lower, highlighting the impact of financial burden on medi...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 12, 2017

Status epilepticus: An overview

Status epilepticus is a neurologic emergency with neuronal damage and systemic complications, emphasizing the need for timely treatment. The latest ILAE classification of epilepsy seizures and underlying etiologies are discussed, along with management guidelines and anticonvulsant drug therapies.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Drug Metabolism·DateJun 12, 2017

Mixing booze and pot is a serious threat to traffic safety

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that mixing booze and pot increases the risk of fatal two-vehicle crashes. Drivers who used alcohol, marijuana, or both were more likely to be responsible for causing fatal crashes compared to sober drivers. The researchers analyzed data from 14,742 fatal two...

Volcanic 'plumerang' could impact human health

A team of scientists discovered a previously undetected health risk from volcanic plumes, finding that certain fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs, exacerbating asthma attacks. The study recommends considering both young and mature plumes when forecasting air pollution and dispersion.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 12, 2017

Study: Underweight female runners more likely to get stress fractures

A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that female runners with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 19 are more likely to develop stress fractures. Lighter women who suffered stress fractures took longer to recover, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy BMI through resistance training.

SourceMediaSource·JournalCurrent Orthopaedic Practice·DateJun 12, 2017

How do preemies perform in school?

A large-scale study found that premature babies born at 23-24 weeks were ready for kindergarten on time, while those born 25 weeks or later performed only slightly lower than full-term infants. Nearly 2% of extremely premature babies achieved gifted status in school.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 12, 2017

Can a single exercise session benefit your brain?

A new review of research on acute exercise found that it improves executive function, enhances mood, and decreases stress levels in humans. Neurophysiological and neurochemical changes also show widespread brain activation after a single bout of physical activity.

SourceIOS Press·JournalBrain Plasticity·DateJun 12, 2017