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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 18


Page 18 of 42

Springer sponsors 2 award lectures at EUROANALYSIS 2017

The EUROANALYSIS XIX conference in Stockholm, Sweden will feature two key prize lectures sponsored by Springer. Luigi Mondello and Lo Gorton are the recipients of the Robert Kellner Lecture and DAC-EuCheMS Award respectively, for their contributions to analytical chemistry research or education.

Microbial fuel cell converts methane to electricity

Researchers have created a bacteria-powered fuel cell that can convert methane into small amounts of electricity near the wellheads, reducing long-distance transport and leakage. The process uses a consortium of bacteria that produces electricity by capturing methane and producing acetate, electrons, and an energy enzyme.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2017

Men sing about dating and sex more often than women

Research analyzing popular song lyrics across five decades reveals men singing about romantic love and sex more frequently, while female artists focus on love. The study highlights gender-based differences in sexuality and stereotyping, with women's bodies being objectified more often than men's.

SourceSpringer·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateMay 17, 2017

Microbes seen controlling action of host's genes

Researchers have found that microbes manipulate the molecular machinery of animal cells, triggering patterns of gene expression associated with health and disease. The study suggests ancient parts of the genome and interactions with microbes are relevant to modern-day human diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenome Research·DateMay 17, 2017

Brain's hippocampal volume, social environment affect adolescent depression

A University of California, Davis, study found that adolescents with large hippocampal volume were more susceptible to depression depending on their home and community environments. The research suggests a greater ability to overcome fear and anxiety in larger hippocampi may indicate better resilience against depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 17, 2017

Biomarkers may predict cognitive decline in Parkinson's

Researchers identified brain scans, genetic tests, and CSF analysis as predictive biomarkers for Parkinson's disease-related cognitive decline. Biomarkers associated with dopamine deficiency, beta-amyloid protein, and single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to correlate with cognitive impairment in newly diagnosed patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 17, 2017

Parents with bipolar benefit from self-help tool

Researchers at Lancaster University found that online self-management support for parents with Bipolar Disorder improves parenting skills, child behavior, and reduces parenting stress. The intervention combines self-management strategies with mood management to promote consistent parenting.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology·DateMay 17, 2017

Researchers create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials

Researchers at University of Illinois create first significant examples of optical crystallography for nanomaterials, improving precision of nanocrystal engineering and understanding of reactions. The new technique uses absorption spectroscopy to identify crystal type in liquid-dispersed nanomaterials, offering simple, accurate analysis.

Is religion an evolved domain or instinct?

Researchers propose that religion is an evolved domain or instinct, while intelligence allows people to rise above instincts. This association is supported by historical evidence and recent survey data across different countries and groupings.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateMay 17, 2017

Solving the mystery of the white oak

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences reveals that Eurasian white oaks arose from a North American ancestor that migrated to Europe. The research also shows that two oak species found on opposite ends of the globe are closest relatives and part of a widespread white oak lineage.

Designing better drugs to treat type 2 diabetes

Two studies have shown how new potential anti-diabetic drugs interact with their target in the body, reducing blood sugar by increasing sensitivity to insulin and changing metabolism of fat and sugar. Researchers are now designing modified drugs that will work even more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017

Antibody that neutralizes sMIC boosts CTLA4 immunotherapy response and reduces colitis

Researchers found that co-administering an antibody that neutralizes tumor-released soluble MHC I chain-related molecule (sMIC) improves anti-CTLA4 therapy effectiveness and reduces treatment-related colitis. The combination therapy dramatically improves CTLA4 therapy response and avoids colitis, suggesting a new powerful immunotherapy...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 17, 2017

New test to rapidly diagnose sepsis

Researchers have created a TaqMan-Based Multiplex real-time PCR detection system to rapidly diagnose sepsis, increasing the chance of targeting the correct agent and avoiding antibiotic misuse. The test detects 10 frequent bacterial pathogens from blood samples and can even identify pathogens in blood culture-negative cases.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis·DateMay 17, 2017

Sacrificing sleep for love

A study found that male fruit flies have specific neurons called MS1 that release octopamine to keep them awake during courtship, suppressing sleep. The researchers also discovered that these neurons communicate with other brain cells to enhance male sexual behavior.

Researchers track groundwater loss during drought in California's Central Valley

A study by UCLA and University of Houston researchers reveals significant groundwater loss in the Central Valley during two droughts, with losses totaling 16.5 cubic kilometers and 40 cubic kilometers, respectively. The increase in groundwater loss was attributed to reduced precipitation, snowmelt, and changes in crop cultivation, high...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 17, 2017

Blue and purple corn: Not just for tortilla chips anymore

A University of Illinois project has identified a source of natural blue and purple corn, providing an affordable alternative to synthetic food dyes. The researchers found that anthocyanin concentrations in Peruvian corn lines remained stable across generations, paving the way for breeding high-yielding, colored corn hybrids.