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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Frozen chemistry controls bacterial infections

Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 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