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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 42

Cross-species links identified for osteoarthritis

A new study from the University of Liverpool has identified common 'cell messages' that can help diagnose osteoarthritis in both humans and rats. The research also found that these messages are strongly associated with diseased cartilage, suggesting a potential breakthrough in early diagnosis and personalized treatment for OA.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateMay 17, 2017

Not all cool pavements are created equal

A new research from Berkeley Lab found that the choice of pavement material can significantly impact carbon emissions. The study's decision tool helps cities understand the trade-offs of cool pavements and their potential environmental consequences. Cities may need to reconsider their cool pavement strategies, as the benefits may not o...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateMay 17, 2017

Computer game could help children choose healthy food

A new study found that a simple brain-training game can help children make healthier snack choices by creating an association between happy cartoon faces and healthy food. The game involves reacting to images of healthy food by pressing a button, and doing nothing if unhealthy foods are shown. Researchers tested over 200 schoolchildren...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAppetite·DateMay 17, 2017

Resurrecting identities in the Andes

Researchers developed a new model to analyze ancient lives using biological and cultural data from grave sites. They examined cranial characteristics, head shapes, isotopic analyses, and grave goods to understand individual identities and community shifts in northern Chilean society during the Middle Horizon and Late Intermediate Period.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 17, 2017

Study of schoolchildren's soft drink consumption patterns suggests taxing sugar sweetened soft drinks could help tackle obesity epidemic

A study of schoolchildren found that overweight and obese kids drink more sugar sweetened soft drinks than their normal weight peers. The researchers suggest taxing such drinks could reduce consumption, particularly in children, and have the potential to impact the scale of childhood obesity.

The dangers of money

Researchers found that banknotes harbor a diverse range of bacteria, including pathogens like E. coli and Vibrio cholera. The banknotes also contain higher amounts of antibiotic-resistance genes than other environmental samples, highlighting the potential for currency to pose a health risk.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMay 17, 2017

Extra weight may increase dental risks

A recent study of 160 participants found that being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of having poor oral health. Patients with obesity were almost 6-times more likely to have severe periodontitis compared to normal-weight individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalOral Diseases·DateMay 17, 2017

When birds of a feather poop together

Researchers found that even small amounts of bird feces can significantly impact water quality by altering nutrient conditions and microbial communities. The study suggests that bird droppings may contribute to algal blooms, but further research is needed to fully understand the effects.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 17, 2017

Cutting down on cancer surgeries

Engineers at Caltech have developed a new microscopy technique that can analyze tumor tissue in real-time, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries. The technology, called photoacoustic microscopy, has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment and could be available to surgeons within several years.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 17, 2017

Social networking for the proteome, upgraded

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a high-throughput approach to map protein interactions, identifying over 56,000 unique interactions for nearly 6,000 proteins. The BioPlex network reveals functional roles for previously unknown proteins and links them to human diseases like cancer and hypertension.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2017

City model created from images alone

VarCity technology uses machine learning to analyze images and videos, creating precise 3D models of cities. The platform can recognize buildings, streets, and traffic patterns in real-time, making it useful for urban planning and management.

Precise mechanisms of a calcium-dependent kinase during the formation of new memories

Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience researchers optimized imaging methods to visualize CaMKII activation induced by calcium level increases. They found that CaMKII activity spiked in response to each pulse, just like calcium, but with longer-lasting and step-wise patterns that influenced synapse strength and structure.