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Science News for March 2, 2017


Chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate

Chronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in albino mice increased serum aldosterone and sodium ion levels, indicating possible steroid-related cardiovascular disorders. The study suggests a correlation between altered aldosterone concentrations and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2017

Skill trumps luck

DeepStack, a computer program developed by the University of Alberta's Computer Poker Research Group, has defeated professional poker players in heads-up no-limit Texas hold'em poker. The program uses a technique called continual re-solving to determine the correct strategy for each situation, allowing it to play at human speed.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

More bang for the buck

Coral ecosystems in West Maui's northern reefs have declined by 20% due to sediment runoff, compromising corals' ability to photosynthesize. Researchers found that cooperation among landowners results in more cost-efficient and ecologically effective outcomes than individual actions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateMar 2, 2017

UTHealth receives $2.4 million grant to drive action-oriented research on healthier cities

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a $2.4 million grant to create the Healthy Cities Research Hub, exploring drivers of diabetes and other chronic diseases in urban settings. The hub will facilitate knowledge exchange and evaluate community-based interventions aimed at improving public health in cities.

Trump's policy changes put women's sexual and reproductive health at risk, argues expert

The Trump administration's policy changes put women's access to effective contraception and abortion care at risk. Professor Daniel Grossman warns that the re-imposition of the Mexico City Policy and proposed legislation could severely limit access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for low-income individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care·DateMar 2, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, March 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative methods for creating complex patterns, accelerating gas separation, and optimizing manufacturing processes. The lab's expertise in additive manufacturing has enabled the rapid prototyping of components, while membrane-based gas separation has shown promising results.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 2, 2017

Study finds new mechanism to control information flow in the brain

A team of neuroscientists has found that somatostatin-expressing (Sst) interneurons play a key role in controlling the flow of information in the brain. The researchers discovered that these cells operate like a switchboard, selectively blocking or encouraging the flow of information to help animals make informed decisions and guide th...

Researchers report first known case of CTE in patient with no known head trauma

Researchers at Toronto Western Hospital's Canadian Concussion Centre discovered CTE in a brain without head trauma or concussion history. The finding suggests that the cause of CTE might be more complex than previously thought, with Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati stating that there are more questions than answers about the definitive causes of CTE.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalInternational Journal of Pathology and Clinical Research·DateMar 2, 2017

Researchers store computer operating system and short movie on DNA

A team of researchers at Columbia University has developed an algorithm that unlocks DNA's full storage potential, storing up to 215 petabytes of data in a single gram. They demonstrate the reliability and efficiency of their DNA Fountain technique, which packs more information into DNA molecules than previously published methods.

New path suggested for nuclear fusion

Scientists at Rice University and Chile have proposed a new approach to nuclear fusion by simulating the use of shaped laser pulses to control atomic reactions. This method could potentially produce energy efficiently from deuterium and tritium, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and clean source of power.

'Red hair' gene variant may underlie association between melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A gene variant that produces red hair and fair skin in humans and mice has been found to contribute to the association between melanoma and Parkinson's disease. The study shows that mice carrying this variant have reduced dopamine production and increased sensitivity to toxins, making them more susceptible to neurodegeneration.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 2, 2017

Reducing cancer-related fatigue

A meta-analysis of 113 randomized clinical trials found that exercise, psychological interventions, and their combination were effective in reducing cancer fatigue. Pharmaceutical interventions did not show the same magnitude of improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 2, 2017

Research finds a majority endorsing revenge porn

Research by University of Kent psychologists finds that most people (99%) approve of revenge porn being posted online, with a link to specific psychological characteristics. The study also found a positive correlation between revenge porn proclivity and the 'Dark Triad' of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Journal of Technoethics·DateMar 2, 2017

Ancient peoples shaped the Amazon rainforest

A new study suggests that ancient peoples domesticated tree species thousands of years ago, which are now more common in mature upland forests. The research found that a quarter of these domesticated species dominate large expanses of forest and are vital for the livelihood and economy of Amazonian peoples.

SourceField Museum·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

Cigarette smoke curbs lung's self-healing

Researchers discovered that cigarette smoke silences the lung's natural self-healing process by blocking key receptors. Increasing these receptors can restore repair and lead to increased production of vital proteins, offering new hope for developing therapies for COPD patients.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 2, 2017

Cause of killer cardiac disease identified by new method

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to identify the origin of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other complications. The technique uses 64-lead electrocardiogram signals to pinpoint the location of the irregular heartbeat.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 2, 2017

Most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made by design

Scientists at Northwestern University and University of Michigan report creating the most complex nanoparticle crystal ever made, with potential applications in controlling light, capturing pollutants, and delivering therapeutics. The crystal structure was achieved through a combination of DNA technology and controlled nanoparticle shape.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMar 2, 2017

Horse-riding can improve children's cognitive ability

Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 2, 2017

Genome editing: Pressing the 'delete' button on DNA

A new software tool, CRISPETa, has been developed to efficiently delete non-coding DNA in living cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the genomic basis of disease and may lead to discovery of new disease-causing genes and potential new drugs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 2, 2017

Woolly mammoths experienced a genomic meltdown just before extinction

Researchers compared the genomes of a 45,000-year-old mainland mammoth with one from Wrangel Island, which had only 300 animals. The analysis revealed an excess of genetic defects, including loss of olfactory receptors and urinary proteins. This study provides insights into the effects of small population sizes on genome deterioration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 2, 2017

Aging faces could increase security risks

Researchers found that 99% of face images can still be recognized up to six years later, but accuracy drops if images are taken more than six years apart. The study emphasizes the importance of capturing new images every four to five years to reduce false positives.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 2, 2017