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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 30


Page 30 of 41

Hard choices? Ask your brain's dopamine

Researchers at Salk Institute find that changing dopamine levels can alter upcoming choices, suggesting new avenues for treating Parkinson's and OCD. The study uses advanced techniques to measure dopamine concentration in mice brains, revealing a tight association between brain chemistry and decision-making.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateMar 9, 2017

Five new artificial yeast chromosomes set stage for first synthetic eukaryotic genome

Scientists construct five new artificial yeast chromosomes, representing over one-third of yeast's entire genome, paving the way for building the first fully synthetic complex organism. The successful assembly demonstrates genetic plasticity and potential applications in gene therapy, biofuel production, and medicine.

'Blurred times' in a quantum world

Researchers demonstrate that clocks placed next to each other necessarily disturb each other, causing a universal limitation on measuring time. This effect is independent of clock mechanism or material, highlighting the need to re-examine our ideas about time in both quantum mechanics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2017

Using nature to build nanomachines

Researchers at Osaka University used electron cryomicroscopy to study flagellar motors, revealing that small changes in amino acids can significantly impact function. The discovery provides insight into constructing synthetic nanomachines with similar properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2017

New NHS safety investigator must become fully independent body

The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) will investigate serious risks to patient safety across the healthcare system, publicly reporting findings and issuing recommendations for improvement. The HSIB's independence is crucial to build an authoritative system-wide view of safety issues.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017

Penn researcher calls on the scientific community to defend individuals with disabilities

A new perspective paper warns that the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act poses a threat to critical mental and behavioral health services for people with autism and other disabilities. The author, David S. Mandell, calls on the scientific community to use evidence to guide policy in this area.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2017

Aboriginal hair shows 50,000 years connection to country

A study published in Nature found that Aboriginal populations have been continuously present in the same regions for up to 50,000 years, supporting their cultural connection to country. The research analyzed mitochondrial DNA from hair samples collected during anthropological expeditions across Australia and revealed a single founding ...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

Increasing minimum wage would reduce teen pregnancies

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that increasing the minimum wage would likely reduce the US adolescent birth rate by about 2%. This translates to approximately 5,000 fewer births annually. Higher wages can motivate teens to work and delay childbearing or prioritize leisure time over parenthood.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 8, 2017

Iota Orionis: Pulsating beacon of a constellation

Researchers have discovered a repeating one-per-cent spike in the light of Iota Orionis, a binary star system with a mass 35 times that of the Sun. The unusual variation is caused by the gravitational interaction between the two stars, triggering quakes that allow astronomers to probe the star's inner workings.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 8, 2017

Tooth loss linked to an increased risk of dementia

A study of 1566 community-dwelling Japanese elderly found elevated dementia risks in individuals with fewer remaining teeth. Individuals with 10-19 and no teeth had significantly higher risks compared to those with more teeth.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 8, 2017

Researchers observe reduction in sexual violence among high school students

A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers found a 12-13% lower rate of sexual violence victimization in schools that implemented the Green Dot program, resulting in 120 fewer sexually violent events. The five-year program, funded by CDC and partnering with local organizations, was shown to be cost-effective and culturally im...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Uncovering new relationships and organizational principles in protein interaction networks

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research used topological data analysis to identify new insights into the organization of complicated protein interaction networks. The study revealed topological network modules composed of proteins with shared properties, providing insight into biological functions and disease mechanisms.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2017

Why do shorter men go bald more often?

A study by the University of Bonn found that shorter men have an increased risk of becoming bald prematurely, linked to genetic alterations in the human genome. The research identified 63 genes that increase the risk of premature hair loss, often accompanied by other characteristics and illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017