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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

Thwarting metastasis by breaking cancer's legs with gold rods

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new treatment that prevents cancer cells from migrating and spreading, known as metastasis. The treatment uses locally administered gold nanorods heated by a low-energy laser to target and destroy cancer cells' leg-like protrusions, effectively halting their migration.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

New insights into the toxin behind tetanus

Researchers at Stockholm University have determined the three-dimensional structure of the entire tetanus toxin protein, revealing its exact atomic positions. The discovery sheds light on how the toxin interacts with nerve cells and causes life-threatening muscle cramps and spasms.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJun 26, 2017

Young American Latinos report the most discrimination

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Research·DateJun 26, 2017

A little place for my stuff

A new study published in Current Biology found that bacterial cells are limited by their ability to produce fat, which affects their growth and size. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, used a novel approach to understand the role of biosynthesis in cell-size regulation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 26, 2017

Skin cell model advances study of genetic mutation linked to heart disease, stroke risk

Researchers have developed a new skin cell model to study the genetic mutation ACTA2-R258C, which is linked to early-onset aortic aneurysm and moyamoya-like cerebrovascular disease. The study found that the mutation disrupts cytoskeleton functions, leading to impaired smooth muscle contraction and increased risk of heart disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Mitochondrial flash signals long-term memory at neuronal synapse

Researchers discovered that dendritic mitochondrial flash, also known as 'mitoflash,' is essential for converting short-term memories into long-term ones. The study revealed that mitoflash facilitates the transition from short-term to long-term synaptic potentiation through a bi-directional interaction between mitochondria and synapses.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2017

Dementia patients may die sooner if family caregivers are mentally stressed

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley found that dementia patients tend to die sooner when cared for by family members with depression or anxiety. The study tracked 176 patients and their caregiver mental health over several years, revealing a strong link between patient survival and caregiver well-being.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

'Own-point-of-view' video method leverages power of perception to improve emergency care

Researchers developed a novel technique that combines a micro-camera with a subjective re-situ interview to better understand physician decision-making in emergency medicine. The study found that this approach provided a more authentic understanding of clinical decision-making compared to traditional external perspectives.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Hot cities spell bad news for bees

A study from North Carolina State University found that common wild bee species decline as urban temperatures rise. The researchers used a lab test to predict how whole populations will fare at higher temperatures in urban areas, finding that the least heat-tolerant species are most affected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 26, 2017

Mechanism shown to reverse disease in arteries

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a mechanism to reverse disease in arteries by targeting an immune reaction. Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that certain immune cells can switch from promoting inflammation to healing, which can lead to reduced plaque growth and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 26, 2017

Gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Southwestern US Hispanic families

A study has identified a common gene mutation linked to retinitis pigmentosa in Hispanic families from the Southwestern US, with over 70 genes now known to cause the disease. The researchers found that a dominant mutation in the arrestin-1 gene is responsible for 36% of cases, offering hope for future treatments and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJun 26, 2017

Glycans as biomarkers for cancer?

Scientists have developed a bioorthogonal labeling approach to identify sialylated glycoproteins in prostate cancer tissue, which could serve as tumor markers. The method allows for direct assessment of tumor metabolism in its natural environment, providing insights into cancer biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2017

Panda love spreads to benefit the planet

A recent Michigan State University study reveals that panda conservation in China has far-reaching benefits for the environment, including increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. The research found that nature reserves created to protect pandas are also benefiting other plant and animal species.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcosphere·DateJun 26, 2017

Predicting future outcomes in the natural world

A study reveals how individual-based modeling can help researchers predict the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on invasive species, such as melaleuca. The model suggests that introducing a native beetle can reduce melaleuca growth by 83% and its reproduction by 49% over 20 years.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateJun 26, 2017

Animals, not drought, shaped our ancestors' environment

Researchers from the University of Utah analyzed oxygen isotope data from herbivore teeth and tusks to understand climate dynamics in the Omo-Turkana basin. The findings suggest that fluctuations in rainfall timing and interactions between plants and animals, rather than long-term drought, drove changes in the region's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

Night shifts may hinder body's ability to repair DNA damage

Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

Water exists as two different liquids

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can exist as two different liquids at low temperatures, with large differences in structure and density. The discovery was made possible through experimental studies using X-rays, which revealed the existence of these two liquid phases.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2017

New method to rapidly map the 'social networks' of proteins

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput technique to determine protein interactions, generating massive libraries and revealing over 8,000 interactions in Arabidopsis transcription factors. This approach enables faster study of fundamental biological interactions and potential treatments for metabolic dysfunction.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 2017