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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 227


Page 227 of 473

New insight into Huntington's disease may open door to drug development

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a unique type of signaling from damaged DNA that triggers huntingtin activity in DNA repair. This signaling is defective in Huntington's disease and can be restored with a molecule called N6-furfuryladenine, reversing symptoms and restoring mutant huntingtin protein levels to normal.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Can fasting improve MS symptoms?

Researchers are testing whether drastically cutting calories twice a week can change MS symptoms. A study found that intermittent fasting reduced MS-like symptoms in mice, with changes in immune cells and gut microbiome.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 9, 2018

How antifreeze proteins stop ice cold

Researchers at the University of Utah and University of California, San Diego discovered how antifreeze proteins function, providing a direction for future research. The study found that AFPs prevent water from freezing by surrounding and binding to small ice crystals, preventing their spread.

Blood flow in the heart revealed in a flash

Linköping University researchers have developed a method to simulate the heart's function using CT scan data, which may revolutionize cardiovascular disease diagnosis. This technique allows for quick and easy investigations, enabling the study of blood flow in individual patients.

SourceLinköping University·JournalRadiology·DateJul 9, 2018

Genome editing reduces cholesterol in large animal model, laying human trial groundwork

Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully reduced cholesterol levels in rhesus macaques using genome editing, offering a new approach to treating heart disease patients who don't tolerate PCSK9 inhibitors. The study demonstrates the potential of this therapy for large-scale clinical trials and future treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 9, 2018

Parents who had severe trauma, stresses in childhood more likely to have kids with behavioral health problems

A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences reveals that parents who experienced severe childhood trauma are more likely to have children with behavioral health problems. The study found a strong association between parents' adverse childhood experiences and their children's behavioral health issues, par...

Physician burnout in small practices is dramatically lower than national average

Research led by NYU School of Medicine found that physicians in small independent primary care practices (SIPs) report dramatically lower levels of burnout compared to the national average. The study suggests that independence and autonomy may provide some protection against symptoms of burnout, highlighting the importance of creating ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Using hepatitis C-infected donor kidneys could reduce time on dialysis for transplant patients with HCV

A computer analysis predicts that transplanting HCV-infected dialysis patients with organs from HCV-positive donors and treating the infection after transplantation is more effective and less costly. This strategy shortens wait times for donated organs, saves $41,591 per patient, and increases quality-adjusted life years.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Genome's gyrations fit right into Rice University model

Researchers at Rice University have developed an energy landscape model that details the combination of forces driving nuclear motion in cells. The model, based on a protein folding algorithm, reveals the presence of dynamically associated domains and phase separation in chromatin segments.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Seeing yourself as Einstein may change the way you think

A virtual reality simulation of Albert Einstein's body reduces age stereotypes and enhances cognitive performance in those with low self-esteem. Participants with low self-esteem who experienced the virtual Einstein body performed better on cognitive tasks and showed reduced implicit bias against older people.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 9, 2018

Where river meets ocean

A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018