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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 116


Page 116 of 473

Who needs genetic testing for breast cancer?

According to Dr. Holly Pederson, genetic testing can help identify patients at risk of breast cancer and reduce their chances of survival. The presentation highlights the importance of early screening and advances in cancer genetics, making it possible to save lives through preventive medications and surgical procedures.

What doesn't kill you

Researchers found that some frog species persist despite infection, attributed to eco-evolutionary rescue. This occurs when ecological and evolutionary mechanisms allow for host-pathogen coexistence, including immune adaptation and reduced transmission rates. The study provides a glimpse of hope for amphibian populations threatened by Bd.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018

CU Anschutz scientists identify genetic causes of mitochondrial diseases

Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified previously unknown genetic causes of mitochondrial diseases, including cardiomyopathy and excess acid in blood. The study found that mutations in specific genes caused lethal conditions, and increasing a nutritional compound improved cell function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2018

Warmer springs can reduce summer plant productivity

A new study reveals that warmer springs in northern regions lead to reduced plant productivity in summer and autumn months. The team used satellite images to survey 41 million km2 of land and found that the early onset of spring does not continue into the summer, resulting in depleted water resources and reduced biomass.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Kidney care conflicts of interest: Experts call for transparency on joint-venture dialysis clinics

Nephrologists and health policy experts advocate for greater transparency in joint-venture dialysis clinics to ensure patient referrals and clinical outcomes are not influenced by financial ties. The lack of disclosure poses a significant barrier to evidence-based research, depriving patients of critical information.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 3, 2018

Stem cells organize themselves into pseudo-embryos

Researchers have developed artificial pseudo-embryos from mouse stem cells that display characteristics of early embryonic development, including the formation of antero-posterior, dorso-ventral, and medio-lateral axes. These structures, called gastruloids, could complement animal embryos in studying mammalian embryonic development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Wheat that pumps iron, naturally

Researchers successfully biofortified wheat to naturally increase its iron content, a process that could help address global iron deficiency. The breeding lines showed no significant decrease in grain yield, making it a promising solution for improving nutrition without compromising farmers' profits.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 3, 2018

Alternatives to pesticides -- Researchers suggest popular weeds

The study reveals that botanic soil amendments with popular weeds like black nightshade and jimsonweed can effectively control nematodes. Researchers report a significant reduction in female nematode populations when treated with weed extracts, making these natural alternatives a promising eco-friendly solution.

SourceExeley Inc.·JournalJournal of Nematology·DateOct 3, 2018

Low vitamin D linked to earlier death in Thai men

A new study found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a 77% higher risk of death in community-dwelling Thai older men. The risk is significant only in diabetic males, suggesting cardiovascular disease may be the link.

SourceWiley·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateOct 3, 2018

Sexual harassment and assault linked to worse physical/mental health among midlife women

A new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault could have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of midlife women. Women who were younger or more financially stressed were more likely to be harassed, and both sexual harassme...

Tropical frogs found to coexist with deadly fungus

A study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that frog populations in El Copé developed the ability to tolerate chytrid fungus, enabling them to persist despite severe species losses. The findings, published in 2018, could mean good news for other hot spots of amphibian biodiversity hit hard by the chytrid fungus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018

Study sheds light on atypical periprosthetic femoral fractures

A study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 8.3% of patients with total hip replacements experienced atypical femoral fractures, a type of rare stress fracture. The researchers also discovered a strong association between bisphosphonate use and the risk of these fractures.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateOct 3, 2018