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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Making 'mulch' ado of ant hills

Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Does boosting 'good' cholesterol really improve your health?

A new review suggests that augmenting the function of HDL cholesterol rather than increasing its concentration is crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing adipose tissue-associated inflammation to support the atheroprotective role of HDL.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMar 22, 2017

Combating wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that collagen can get unraveled at a molecular level before complete failure of connective tissues, leading to common injuries such as ligament and tendon tears. This breakthrough allows for early detection and potential treatment using the CHP probe.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2017

How do metals interact with DNA?

Researchers developed a protocol to detect high-precision how, where, and why drugs interact with DNA biomolecules. This method uses X-ray radiation and advanced simulations to rationalize drug preferences, revealing new insights into the mechanism of platinum-based drugs like Pt103.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 22, 2017

Visualizing nuclear radiation

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel imaging technique using gamma-ray spectroscopy to visualize and quantify ground-level radiation. This method enables the detection of previously unknown contamination hotspots around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, allowing for more effective decontamination efforts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2017

Safety of autologous Schwann cell transplantation demonstrated following SCI

A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 22, 2017

Machine learning lets scientists reverse-engineer cellular control networks

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can predict the outcome of cellular interactions and design new cancer treatments. The Stampede supercomputer enabled the team to run billions of simulations, allowing them to identify patterns in the data and create a system capable of predicting laboratory results.

Too much structured knowledge hurts creativity, shows Rotman study

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that giving structure to information can hinder creativity and cognitive flexibility. Participants in organized information groups displayed less creativity and spent less time on tasks compared to those working with unorganized information.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 22, 2017