Food activates brown fat
Researchers at TUM demonstrated that food increases thermogenesis in brown fat, contrary to the long-held assumption that it only responds to cold. This discovery could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and diabetes.
Science News Archive 2018 - Page 162
Browse by Month - 2018
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Scientists take big step toward finding non-addictive painkiller
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discover a safe and non-addictive pain medication called AT-121, which suppressed addictive effects of opioids and produced morphine-like analgesic effects. The compound also blocks abuse potential of prescription opioids like buprenorphine, offering hope to treat pain and opioid abuse.
Ferraro, Infurna to receive GSA's 2018 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award
Kenneth Ferraro and Frank Infurna received the award for their innovative publications on aging and life course development. The research highlights the complexity of resilience in the face of spousal bereavement, challenging previous assumptions.
Breakthrough could see bacteria used as cell factories to produce biofuels
A team of scientists from the University of Kent has developed a new technique to manipulate bacterial cellular structures, enabling them to convert sugar into fuel. The breakthrough could lead to the production of biofuels and vaccines using synthetic biology.
A new take on fighting multi-drug resistant bacteria
Researchers at UH University have won a $3.5M grant to develop technology suggesting the best combinations of antibiotics to kill certain resistant bacteria. The project aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major public health threat.
Funding to create unique drug and alcohol treatment for young people with mental illness
A new treatment approach aims to address substance use problems in young people with mental illness, targeting early intervention and integrated services. This funding will support developing prevention-oriented drug and alcohol and mental health services for young people aged 12-25.
HKBU scholars in world-first breakthrough for difficult-to-treat breast cancer
Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a metal compound that inhibits the enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in TNBC tumours with less toxicity in mice. This discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted drugs for TNBC therapy, offering a new approach to treating this difficult form of bre...
$3.8 million NIMH grant to diagnose suicidal thinking using brain imaging
A $3.8 million NIMH grant will support the development of a predictive model that uses machine learning techniques to identify neural signatures of suicidal ideation and behavior. This technology has the potential to improve clinicians' ability to detect and treat suicidal patients, reducing suicide risk among young adults in the US.
Study highlights urgent need to tackle fisheries management and climate change together
A new study highlights the urgent need for nations to tackle both climate change and sustainable fisheries management. By adopting effective management practices and limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, significant increases in food, fish, and economic activity are possible.
More than just a DNA repair deficiency syndrome
Researchers found that the CSB protein, previously thought to be solely responsible for DNA repair, also enhances acetylation of alpha-Tubulin and regulates autophagy. HDAC inhibition restores balance, improving skin symptoms in mouse models. Further studies aim to explore its potential treatment for Cockayne syndrome.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 29, 2018
Nerve fibers regrow through scar tissue after spinal cord injury in rodents
Scientists have discovered a three-pronged treatment that stimulates axon growth through scar tissue in rodents, potentially leading to therapies for humans. The approach triggers axon growth and transmission across damaged tissue, opening doors to restoring connections in people with spinal cord injury.
NSF funds projects to 'connect dots' (and data), address multi-scaled environmental issues
The National Science Foundation awards $9 million for nine new research projects using ecological data from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to address long-standing questions about climate, land use and invasive species. MacroSystems Biology projects explore ecological interactions across spatial and temporal scales.
What's that smell? Scientists find a new way to understand odors
Researchers at Salk Institute and Arizona State University develop mathematical model to organize odor molecules by frequency of co-occurrence in nature, mapping pleasant directions. This breakthrough enables construction of artificial pleasant odor mixtures, with potential implications for understanding diseases like Parkinson's.
Sicilian amber in western Europe pre-dates arrival of Baltic amber by at least 2,000 years
Researchers found that Sicilian amber traveled to Western Europe as early as the 4th Millennium BC, at least 2,000 years before Baltic amber arrived in Iberia. This challenges previous suggestions of direct trade between Scandinavia and Iberia.
A tool to improve the design of growing urban areas
The study provides a framework to analyze and improve urban design in growing cities, connecting disconnected areas with minimal infrastructure costs. Researchers used topology and spatial analysis to identify opportunities for reblocking, transforming informal settlements into more livable spaces.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2018
Breast cancer surgery in frail elderly women linked to poor results
For frail nursing home residents with breast cancer, surgery often cures the cancer but worsens quality of life and daily activities. Researchers recommend individualized care with hormonal therapy or symptom management instead.
New genetics findings unravel key components of fracture risk in osteoporosis
A recent genome-wide association study found that only two factors - bone mineral density and muscle strength - contribute to fracture risk, while vitamin D levels do not directly predispose people to fractures. Increasing bone strength is more effective in preventing fractures than widespread vitamin D supplementation.
McMullen to receive GSA's 2018 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award
Tara McMullen has been recognized with the 2018 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her outstanding contributions to social research, policy, and practice. The award honors her work in standardizing post-acute care assessment data and quality measures.
For children, immersion in a rainforest lifestyle can lead to more diverse gut microbes
A study found that immersing children in a rainforest lifestyle for 16 days led to more diverse gut microbes, with higher proportions of helpful bacteria. In contrast, adult participants showed little change to their microbiome, suggesting dietary interventions may be most effective in children.
Researcher links diplomats' mystery illness to radiofrequency/microwave radiation
A researcher has linked the mysterious illness affecting American and Canadian diplomats in Cuba and China to radiofrequency/microwave radiation. The study's findings may aid in treating affected individuals and shed light on a larger population of people experiencing similar health problems.
Overconfident CEOs are more likely to get sued
Researchers found that overconfident CEOs are 33% more likely to be sued by shareholders. A shareholder lawsuit can curb future risk-taking behavior, leading to lower confidence and more prudent actions. This study highlights the importance of shareholder power in regulating CEO behavior.
SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateAug 29, 2018
Dectin-1-mediated pain is critical for the resolution of fungal inflammation
Researchers found Dectin-1 critical for onset of pain in fungal infection, with inhibition blocking pain and resolving inflammation. A novel signaling mechanism was identified, from Dectin-1 to TRP channels, which could lead to new treatments for severe fungal pain.
Trump supporters on campuses more likely to show prejudice toward international students
A University at Buffalo study suggests that support for President Donald Trump is a predictor of prejudice against international students, along with university identity and socialization. Factors such as standardized test scores and stereotypes also play a role in shaping attitudes towards international students.
How your brain experiences time
A team of researchers has identified a neural clock in the brain that organizes the flow of our experiences into an orderly sequence of events. This discovery sheds light on how our brains measure subjective time, which is distinct from external timekeeping mechanisms like clocks and circadian rhythms.
Terahertz wave activates filamentation of actin
Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that terahertz wave irradiation activates the filamentation of actin protein. This non-invasive method could overcome problems with current drugs used to control actin filamentation and expand its applications in biological technologies.
Watching two-dimensional materials grow
Researchers have developed a new method to directly observe the crystallisation process of two-dimensional materials under the electron microscope. This allows for accurate study and control of the process, leading to better production methods for ultra-thin crystals with desired properties.
The fate of plastic in the oceans
Researchers discovered that microplastics form stable aggregates with biogenic particles, such as plankton and faecal material, which can sink into deeper water layers. The presence of biofilms on microplastics also facilitates aggregation, potentially affecting the transport and distribution of microplastics in the oceans.
Unstoppable monster in the early universe
Astronomers used ALMA to create the most detailed map of a distant starburst galaxy, finding highly unstable molecular clouds that lead to rapid star formation. The galaxy's gas is estimated to be consumed in 100 million years, 10 times faster than in other galaxies.
Male and female tennis players decline at same rate
Researchers found similar patterns of performance decay in male and female tennis players. As power declined, accuracy tended to increase. The study used data on top players from ATP and WTA tours.
USU biologist Will Pearse receives NSF Macrosystems Biology and Early NEON Science Award
Will Pearse, a USU biologist, has been awarded a $300,000 NSF grant to study the impact of invasive species like cheatgrass. His project aims to use evolutionary history to model practical ecological challenges and engage students in real-world research.
A recipe for regenerating nerve fibers across complete spinal cord injury
Researchers have discovered a three-pronged recipe to regenerate severed nerve fibers across complete spinal cord injuries, replicating conditions that promote growth during development. The treatment involves delivering growth factors and proteins to reanimate the genetic program for axon growth and create a permissive environment.
Failing immune system 'brakes' help explain type 1 diabetes in mice
A study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that a specific immune checkpoint molecule, interleukin-10 (IL-10), is not functioning properly in mice with type 1 diabetes. This defect leads to an overactive immune response, attacking insulin-producing cells and causing the disease.
Ancient African herders had lasting ecological impact on grazed lands
A new study found that ancient animal herders in Africa added to the ecological richness and diversity of the savanna thousands of years ago. Their practice of penning cattle, goats, and sheep at night created nutrient-rich grassy glades, or hotspots, that still attract wildlife and have increased habitat diversity in the region.
Hospital rating tools should allow patients to customize rankings
A new web tool demonstrates how patients can create customized hospital rankings based on their individual needs and preferences. By allowing patients to prioritize quality measures, hospital ratings can be made more relevant to each person's healthcare needs.
Soy natural: Genetic resistance against aphids
Researchers have discovered genetic landmarks associated with soybean aphid resistance in thousands of varieties, paving the way for developing new resistant varieties. This breakthrough could provide an alternative to insecticides, reducing environmental issues and crop losses.
Improving soil quality can slow global warming
A new study suggests that low-tech ways of improving soil quality on farms and rangelands worldwide could capture significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. If instituted globally, these practices could reduce global temperatures by nearly half a degree Fahrenheit by 2100.
Beavers have an impact on the climate
Beaver dams raise water levels, releasing organic carbon to the atmosphere. Research indicates beavers can act as both carbon sinks and sources, with some ponds fixing up to 470,000 tons of carbon per year or releasing 820,000 tons annually.
Researchers recommend new herbicide registration for weed control in watermelon crops
Bicyclopyrone, a corn herbicide, shows potential as an alternative for extended residual weed control in watermelon crops. The herbicide was found to be safe and effective against common weeds, reducing yield losses by up to 82%.
Department of Energy invests $1.1 million in sorghum disease resistance research
The US Department of Energy has awarded a $1.1 million grant to the University of Illinois for sorghum disease resistance research. The project aims to develop host resistance in sorghum, a key trait for lignocellulosic bioenergy production, by leveraging knowledge from corn.
Lamming to receive GSA's 2018 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award
Lamming received the award for his work on basic biological research related to aging, including regulation of lifespan and healthspan by regulatory deacetylase proteins and mTOR signaling pathway.
Cold climates contributed to the extinction of the Neanderthals
A recent study suggests that climate change contributed to the decline and eventual extinction of the Neanderthals. The researchers found that prolonged extreme cold periods coincide with a near complete absence of archaeological artefacts from the Neanderthals. This indicates that climate change played a significant role in their demise.
SourceNorthumbria University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2018
Ultralaser treatment for fibromyalgia yields 75 percent pain reduction when applied to the hands
Researchers developed a new device combining low-intensity laser light and therapeutic ultrasound, reducing fibromyalgia pain by 73.37%. The treatment showed better analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the palms instead of tender points.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Novel Physiotherapies·DateAug 29, 2018
Ancient livestock dung heaps are now African wildlife hotspots
Research reveals that ancient herders' livestock dung created fertile environmental niches for diverse wildlife over three millennia. Fertile sites attracted wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and carnivores, influencing migration patterns.
New strategic funding to metabolic research at the University of Copenhagen
The Center's new grant will accelerate research on mechanisms involved in metabolic health and disease, aiming to develop new prevention and treatment strategies. The funding will also enable the establishment of technology platforms to empower scientists to conduct cutting-edge research.
Experts warn of cardiovascular risk from heavy metal pollution
A systematic review and meta-analysis found exposure to arsenic, lead, cadmium, and copper increases the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that even low doses of toxic chemicals pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for policymakers to take action to reduce p...
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen receives 2018 John Goldsmith Award
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal, wins the 2018 John Goldsmith Award for his work on promoting healthier cities through reduced car use and increased public transportation. His research aims to reduce premature deaths in cities like Barcelona due to suboptimal urban planning.
Children suffering from tics can be helped by both group and individual therapy
Researchers at Aarhus University found that group and individual therapy can significantly reduce tics in children with Tourette's Syndrome. The study confirms the effectiveness of training strategies outlined in a new Danish manual, which combines multiple methods for treating the condition.
Quality of life after spinal cord injury -- what functional abilities have the greatest impact?
A study published in American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that mobility and self-care abilities are the greatest impactors on quality of life for spinal cord injury patients. The research, which analyzed data from 195 patients with traumatic spinal cord injury, revealed differences in priorities between tetraple...
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation·DateAug 29, 2018
Student science policy groups receive microgrants to engage public and candidates for elections
Research!America announced microgrants for student-led science policy groups to engage the public and candidates ahead of midterm elections. The initiative aims to elevate scientific research as a national priority, with a strong majority of Americans believing scientists should inform the public about their research.
US soldiers who attempt suicide often have no prior mental health diagnosis
A recent study of 9,650 US soldiers who attempted suicide reveals that nearly one-third had no prior mental health diagnosis. Risk factors for attempting suicide were similar across both groups, but being in the first year of service and certain sociodemographic characteristics increased the risk in soldiers without a prior diagnosis.
Air pollution can put a dent in solar power
Research reveals that air pollution can reduce solar panel output by up to 17% in some cities, leading to significant financial losses. The study found that urban areas like Delhi and Beijing could lose tens of millions of dollars annually due to haze-related reductions in solar power.
New way to break cancer's vicious cycle
University of Toronto researchers have identified protein NUAK2, associated with poor disease prognosis in bladder cancer. Blocking NUAK2 slows down cancer cell growth and raises hopes for treating patients.
Cleveland Clinic-led trial shows unprecedented slowing in progressive multiple sclerosis
A phase 2 trial conducted by Cleveland Clinic shows that ibudilast decreased progression of brain atrophy in progressive MS patients by 48 percent versus placebo. The study also demonstrated the utility of advanced imaging in clinical trials to measure the impact of therapies on brain health.
Celebrity culture likely contributed to destigmatizing out-of-wedlock childbirth
A new study by Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk found that celebrities in the US have lower rates of out-of-wedlock births compared to the general population, but this disparity is seen among white women with college education. Celebrity news outlets like People magazine may be contributing to a shift towards more non-traditional family arrangeme...
EPFL's Blue Brain Project open sources interactive visualization tool -- RTNeuron
The project aims to build accurate digital reconstructions and simulations of the rodent brain. The latest version of RTNeuron provides real-time rendering capabilities for visualizing neurons, synapses, and simulation data.
NASA's GPM Satellite sees Jebi as another tropical threat To Japan
GPM analyzed Typhoon Jebi as it approached Japan, revealing intense feeder bands of thunderstorms and powerful downpours. The typhoon is forecast to intensify due to favorable environmental conditions, posing a threat to the Japanese islands.
Changes in breakfast and dinner timings can reduce body fat
A 10-week pilot study found that participants who delayed their breakfast by 90 minutes and had their dinner earlier lost more than twice as much body fat compared to those in the control group. This reduction was partly due to decreased food intake, with 57% of participants reporting a decrease in eating opportunities.
A climate 'wake-up call'
Research suggests that proactive implementation of fisheries management and climate action can create a more bountiful future for the world's oceans. The study finds that concerted responses to climate change can lead to increased fish populations, food availability, and profit for fishermen.
China is hot spot of ground-level ozone pollution
A new study reveals China's air quality is worse than the US, Europe, Japan, and South Korea in terms of surface ozone levels. The country experiences more high ozone days than any other nation, posing a significant threat to human health and crops.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateAug 29, 2018
Manmade mangroves could get to the 'root' of the problem for threats to coastal areas
Researchers developed a new model for bioinspired coastline structures based on the complex hydrodynamics of mangrove roots. The study found that flexible roots can increase drag force, but also reduce wake deficit behind the patch, allowing for more efficient erosion control and coastal protection.