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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 42

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rise of ampicillin resistance began years before human use -- likely triggered by overuse of penicillins in agriculture in the 1950s

Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Home-based activity program helps older veterans with Dementia maintain function

A home-based activity program called Tailored Activity Program (TAP) was found to significantly reduce dementia-related behaviors in veterans, as well as decrease caregiver distress. After four months, nearly 70% of TAP group participants eliminated or reduced their behavioral symptoms compared to 46% in the control group.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 29, 2017

Robust Bain distortion in the premartensite phase of a platinum-substituted Ni2MnGa

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discovered robust Bain distortion in premartensite phase of Pt-substituted Ni2MnGa, which transforms to martensite with additional Bain distortion on further cooling. This phenomenon enhances applicability as magnetic actuators and refrigeration technology due to lower hysteresis.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017

Trisomy 21: Research breaks new ground

The study found that trisomy 21 affects proteins on all chromosomes, leading to an overdose of proteins and dysregulated cellular functions. This deregulation disrupts the cell's ability to regulate protein production, resulting in symptoms such as intellectual impairment and congenital heart disease.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Dogs mouth-lick to communicate with angry humans

Researchers found that dogs exhibit mouth-licking behavior in response to visually perceived anger, suggesting a form of communication with humans. The study suggests that domestication may have selected this behavioral trait, indicating dogs' potential understanding of emotional information.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateNov 28, 2017

The hero of preconception care

A new study at Boston Medical Center will test Gabby's effectiveness in reducing pregnancy health risks. The AI-powered system has been successful in previous trials, identifying and resolving health risks by over 25% compared to a control group.

Child-proofing the Internet of Things

A new project at Lancaster University aims to discover the likely privacy and security challenges arising from children using IoT devices. Researchers will work closely with child protection experts to provide guidelines and advice for children, their families, and teachers on programming IoT devices.

Type 2 diabetes, it all starts in the liver

Researchers from UNIGE have identified a key role for the liver in the development of type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and inflammation. By targeting the protein PTPR-γ, scientists may uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Sometimes, it pays for the boss to be humble

Researchers discovered that humble leaders foster higher levels of creativity in teams when team members value open communication and collaboration. Humble leaders acknowledge their limitations, facilitate information sharing, and broaden the scope of team skills.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 28, 2017

This 'sweet spot' could improve melanoma diagnosis

A new technique using machine learning can improve the diagnosis of melanoma by identifying the optimal amount of context around skin lesions. By segmenting images into two parts, separating the lesion from surrounding skin, researchers found that a limited border beyond the lesion enhances classification performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Digital Imaging·DateNov 28, 2017

Biology and chemistry combine to generate new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Bristol created a new platform for producing desperately needed antibiotics by combining synthetic biology with biology and chemistry. The team successfully generated a semi-synthetic pleuromutilin derivative with enhanced antibiotic activity, addressing the growing resistance to existing antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 2017

Call for workers to rise up

A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateNov 28, 2017