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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 11


Page 11 of 39

Usher syndrome: Gene therapy restores hearing and balance

Researchers at Institut Pasteur successfully restored hearing and balance in a mouse model of USH1G syndrome using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of hereditary deafness. The study demonstrates that inner ear defects caused by mutations in the USH1G gene can be reversed even after birth with durable efficacy.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2017

Families of survivors of ECMO for heart conditions report favorable quality of life

A large study found that families of children treated with ECMO for heart conditions report positive outcomes regarding health and physical limitations. However, a higher rate of medical and behavioral issues were revealed through more detailed questioning, including learning disabilities in over 50% of patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 22, 2017

From galaxies far far away!

The Pierre Auger Collaboration reports that cosmic rays with energies a million times greater than the protons accelerated in the Large Hadron Collider come from much further away. The study discovered an anisotropy in the arrival directions of over 30,000 cosmic particles, indicating an extragalactic origin.

Tackling air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa

The University of Portsmouth's AIR Network aims to address the significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease in low-resource settings. By engaging with local communities through arts, theatre, and other methods, researchers will explore co-creating viable interventions to reduce exposure to air pollution.

Are you happy you voted -- or didn't?

A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalParty Politics·DateSep 22, 2017

Rapid imaging of granular matter

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new technique using magnetic resonance imaging to study granular systems, enabling real-time imaging and measurement of particle velocities. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as carbon capture and could lead to higher efficiency and energy savings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2017

Study links brain inflammation to suicidal thinking in depression

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has found a link between brain inflammation and suicidal thinking in patients with major depressive disorder. Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered increased levels of microglial activation in brains of living patients with MDD who were experiencing suicidal thoughts.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2017

In US, spread of Zika linked to time outdoors

A study by Northeastern University expert Marco Ajelli found that people who spend less time outdoors are less likely to contract the Zika virus. However, a small group of people who spend large amounts of time outdoors are at high risk for infection and can spread the disease quickly.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 21, 2017

Alternative splicing, an important mechanism for cancer

Researchers analyze data from over 4,000 cancer patients and discover that changes in alternative splicing lead to a loss of functional protein domains, affecting gene function in a manner similar to genetic mutations. This study reveals the potential oncogenic power of these changes, enabling healthy cells to become cancerous.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 21, 2017

Lightning-fast trappers

Researchers discovered that bladderwort traps suck in prey like water fleas at incredible speeds, decelerating them before trapping. Comparative analyses of different species revealed unique trap entrance structures and movement patterns adapted to various habitats.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 21, 2017

Air pollution may have damaging effects on the kidneys

A study found a linear relationship between air pollution levels and the risk of experiencing kidney function decline and developing kidney disease or failure. The results suggest that particulate matter above the EPA's recommended limit is associated with new cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 21, 2017

Signs of sleep seen in jellyfish

Researchers observed reduced pulsing activity at night and delayed responses to stimulation in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea. The findings suggest that jellyfish do indeed sleep, but the study also raises more questions about the origin of sleep and its relationship with neural systems.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 21, 2017

New study on reasons for low rates of blood glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes in China

A Chinese study found very low rates of blood glucose monitoring among nearly 19,000 patients with type 2 diabetes before and after initiating basal insulin treatment. The data showed an increase in mean SMBG frequency after 6 months, but the percentage of patients who never monitored their blood glucose remained high.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateSep 21, 2017

Better rechargeable batteries coming soon?

Researchers have developed a novel coating that prevents side-reactions and promotes uniform lithium deposition, leading to improved battery performance. The new indium-lithium hybrid electrodes showed stability over 250 cycles with high capacity retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 21, 2017

Understanding the dance to save the dance

Researchers investigate the effects of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions, exploring new techniques for measuring floral cues, rewards, and pollinator behavior. Studies reveal diverse tactics being used to deepen understanding of these complex relationships in a changing environment.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateSep 21, 2017

When good immune cells turn bad

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a molecular pathway in an immune cell called a tumor-associated macrophage that supports neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer. Targeting the STAT3 pathway with a clinically available drug may be a promising approach to improve outcomes for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 21, 2017

Touching helps build the sexual brain

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that sexual touch can contribute substantially to the acceleration of puberty in rats. The researchers observed that young female rats housed with male rats experienced an expansion of their genital cortex, a finding that was not seen in females housed with other females or males separated by...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 21, 2017

IUPUI study links juveniles' views of police with likelihood of aggressive behavior

A new IUPUI study found that juveniles who perceive police injustice are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, particularly those who justify immoral actions. Intervention programs addressing perceptions of police injustice and moral disengagement may help reduce aggression among youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateSep 21, 2017