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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 38


Page 38 of 42

Half of breast cancer patients pursue reconstruction without understanding risks

A study conducted by Ohio State University researchers found that over half of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy lack necessary medical knowledge to make informed decisions about reconstructive surgery. Only 43% of patients demonstrated adequate understanding of reconstruction facts and made choices aligned with their prefer...

Spotted skunk evolution driven by climate change

Scientists analyzed DNA samples from 97 western spotted skunks and found three genetic sub-groups corresponding to different climate refugia created by Ice Age climate change. This discovery suggests that climate change played a more important role in the evolution of spotted skunks than geographical barriers.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 3, 2017

Making the numbers work: Researchers use math to develop personalized chemo treatments

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a statistical model that ranks chemotherapy treatment options for patients based on the gene expression profile of their tumor. The model takes into account both effectiveness and potential side effects, predicting a higher complete response rate for some subtypes of breast cancer.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2017

How technology use affects at-risk adolescents

A new study from Duke University found that adolescents already at risk for mental health issues face increased attention, behavior, and self-regulation problems when using technology. However, excessive digital device use was also linked to fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

SourceDuke University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 3, 2017

Phthalates increase the risk of allergies among children

Researchers found that phthalate exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to epigenetic modifications in children, increasing the risk of developing allergic asthma. The study also showed that the effects are not limited to the child, as the offspring of exposed mothers continued to be affected even after birth.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 3, 2017

How do fishes perceive their environment?

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a realistic 3D model of a fish's lateral line system, allowing them to simulate precise current conditions. The results show that anatomical adaptations minimize background noise, enabling fishes to navigate and identify prey with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 3, 2017

Hand that sees offers new hope to amputees

A new generation of prosthetic limbs with built-in cameras can now automatically pick up objects, eliminating the need for manual control. Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a 'hand that sees' using computer vision and neural networks, which can assess object shape and size in real-time to trigger precise movements.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 3, 2017

Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions

Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.

Robots may bring reef relief

A study has mapped nearly two square kilometers of seafloor around the leeward side of Bonaire, revealing new details about mesophotic reefs. The data can help local conservation efforts by identifying areas worthy of further investigation and providing insights into reef dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 3, 2017

One step closer to finding out how wine may protect your neurons

Researchers found that wine-derived human gut metabolites are protective against neuronal death in human cells under stress conditions. The exact composition of these metabolites depends on the individual's gut microbiota, highlighting the importance of personalized nutrition in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 3, 2017

New hope in the fight against superbugs

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how specific bacterial enzymes, known as kinases, confer resistance to macrolide antibiotics. The study provides a detailed atomic view of the kinases and their interaction with different macrolide antibiotics, paving the way for the design of next-generation antibiotics.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStructure·DateMay 3, 2017

'Last African dinosaur' discovered in Moroccan mine

A study led by the University of Bath discovered a distinct dinosaur fauna in Africa at the end of the Cretaceous period. The newly discovered species, Chenanisaurus barbaricus, was found in phosphate deposits in Morocco and is considered one of the last dinosaurs on Earth before its extinction.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCretaceous Research·DateMay 3, 2017

You're not too old to learn that

A new theory published in the journal Human Development proposes that adults can learn new skills and combat cognitive aging by adopting broad learning strategies similar to those used in infancy. By embracing open-minded learning, individualized scaffolding, growth mindset, forgiving environment, serious commitment to learning, and le...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHuman Development·DateMay 3, 2017

Doctoring the soil

Researchers found that minimizing soil disturbance, ensuring permanent organic cover crops, and diversifying crops through crop rotation improved soil properties. These techniques created a beneficial environment for microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms, ultimately leading to increased crop productivity and reduced erosion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 3, 2017