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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 36


Page 36 of 42

Improving control of age-related obesity

A team of researchers has discovered that the epigenetic enzyme Lsd1 plays a key role in maintaining beige adipocytes, which burn fat to generate heat. By targeting this gene, they were able to prevent premature transformation of beige to white adipose tissue and reduce metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

Trash into treasure: Sandia could help biofuel pay for itself with goods made from waste

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have made a breakthrough in converting lignin, plant waste from biofuel production, into useful products like renewable plastics and fabrics. The discovery of LigM enzyme has opened a path toward new molecules and marketable products, potentially making biofuels competitive with petroleum.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

COBRE to focus on women's reproductive health

The COBRE for Reproductive Health aims to develop research infrastructure for a center supporting interdisciplinary research in women's reproductive health. Four investigators will focus on understanding mechanisms of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and prematurity using pre-clinical models and computational approaches.

Can trusting your doctor help reduce pain?

A new study by Dr. Elizabeth Losin suggests that clinician-patient similarity and trust can significantly reduce pain during medical procedures. Patients who trusted their doctor and felt similar to them reported less pain, with those experiencing higher anxiety levels showing greater reductions in pain.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Pain·DateMay 4, 2017

Lessons in inhumanity

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that Nazi-era physicians were required to study medical ethics in German medical schools, with a focus on the 'people's body' over individual health. This challenges the notion of medical ethics as a universal construct.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2017

New technology measures small-scale currents that transport ocean plastics, oil spills

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School developed a new technique to measure near-surface ocean currents using a specialized video camera. This innovation can help scientists predict the fate of spilled oil and other marine pollutants, improving disaster response and understanding pollutant transport.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMay 4, 2017

Researchers develop new capabilities for genome-wide engineering of yeast

Researchers have successfully integrated cutting-edge technologies to produce novel yeast strains for industrial use, as well as reveal a more sophisticated understanding of the yeast genome. The new method enables exploration of all genes in yeast, identifying previously unknown functions.

For richer or poorer, we all eat fast food

A nationwide study found middle-income Americans were most likely to eat fast food, with rich people also consuming fast food regularly. The study also showed that people with changing income levels didn't alter their eating habits, and heavy users of fast food often have less leisure time.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateMay 4, 2017

Holography with the Wi-fi-router

Researchers at TUM create holographic imaging process using Wi-Fi data to generate 3D images of the surrounding environment. This technology allows for centimeter-scale precision and can be used in industrial facilities to track objects as they move, improving efficiency and accuracy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

New intervention brings hope to patients with primary progressive aphasia

A new group language intervention has been developed to help individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) maintain their communication abilities. The 10-week intervention includes working on language activities and learning communication strategies, resulting in improved or unchanged communication assessments for patients.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalJournal of Communication Disorders·DateMay 4, 2017

Scientists solve major cancer protein conundrum

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute uncover how a protein called angiomotin regulates the Hippo-YAP pathway, a key signaling system in cells that controls cell growth and division. The study sheds light on the protein's role in cancer development and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying diseases such as fibrosis.