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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 42

Study outlines 'perfect storm' that led to Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic

A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2017

How far did you fall from the tree?

Researchers at Kyoto University used a chimpanzee parent-offspring trio to estimate direct mutation rates, finding higher rates than in humans. The study also revealed a strong male-biased mutation spectrum and new structural alterations.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 7, 2017

Take charge, wine lovers, and trust your palate

A Michigan State University study found that people fit into specific 'vinotypes' based on their food and beverage preferences. The researchers recommend that servers and sommeliers consider these preferences when suggesting a wine. By trusting their own palate, consumers can make informed choices about wine pairings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Wine Business Research·DateNov 7, 2017

Do violent communities foster violent kids?

Researchers found that exposure to community violence is associated with increased antisocial behavior in children and adolescents, regardless of pre-existing conduct disorder. The study suggests that prevention programs can help break the cycle of violence.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2017

Trial shows most people will complete treatment for latent TB without direct observation

A phase 4 randomized clinical trial found that self-administered treatment for latent tuberculosis infection had a high rate of treatment completion in the United States, Spain, and Hong Kong. The findings suggest that once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine by self-administration is noninferior to direct observation in completing treatm...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Lightning-fast communications

University of Utah researchers create a new component for ultra-high-speed communications and computing using perovskite, a mineral discovered in Russia. The technology uses the terahertz spectrum to transmit data a thousand times faster than current systems.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2017

The impact of the 'war on drugs' for female 'mules'

A University of Kent study has found that women working as drug 'mules' are not victimized by their sex but by the illicit trade and its illegal status. The research highlights a legal bias that distorts sentencing policies, drawing attention away from the negative effects of punitive drug laws.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalThe Howard Journal of Crime and Justice·DateNov 6, 2017

Language patterns and gene expression

Researchers analyzed audio clips from 143 adults to find individual language patterns related to gene expression and adversity; they discovered that these patterns better predicted adverse gene profiles than self-reported measures of anxiety and stress. This study provides a new link between spoken language and immune system regulation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

Cool idea: Magma held in 'cold storage' before giant volcano eruption

A team of researchers has found that the magma body at Long Valley was much cooler before the eruption than previously thought. The discovery challenges the traditional view of a long period with a big tank of molten rock in the crust, instead suggesting that magma is stored for a short period in a cool, crystalline state.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2017

Crime-scene technique used to track turtles

Green turtles breed in Cyprus and forage in Lake Bardawil, a new important feeding ground discovered using stable isotope ratios and satellite tracking. The study found that 82% of female turtles show high consistency in their isotope ratios, indicating they return to the same places.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateNov 6, 2017

Breaking cell symmetry

Researchers discover that cortical tension plays a key role in clustering proteins and establishing cell polarity. This force-driven mechanism allows cells to establish polarity without wasting energy by actively transporting proteins or cellular components.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 2017

Dental filling failure linked to smoking, drinking and genetics

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to experience dental filling failure. Genetic differences were also discovered to be associated with increased filling failure rates, suggesting personalized treatments could lead to improved outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Study: Lupus patients endorse PROMIS assessment tool as relevant, valuable and potentially useful in improving clinical care

PROMIS is a patient-reported outcomes measurement system that evaluates physical, psychological, and social well-being to provide information on the subjective patient experience. Lupus patients endorse PROMIS assessments as reflecting their experience with lupus, highlighting its potential utility in validating symptoms, tracking dise...

Afterschool program environments linked to academic confidence and skills

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that afterschool programs with positive, responsive, and organized environments can have significant academic benefits for students. The study examined the role of afterschool classroom environment in terms of academic outcomes for youth with and wi...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders·DateNov 6, 2017