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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 354


Page 354 of 473

Computational approaches reveal new insights into molecular protein function

Recent studies published in PLOS Computational Biology have introduced novel computational methods to explore the molecular function of proteins. These approaches aim to simplify the challenge of determining functions for an ever-increasing amount of known proteins by identifying shared functional sites and predicting their activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

Why do children tattle?

Young children tattle even when blameless, as a way to enforce social norms and cooperate with others. Research suggests that tattling can be seen as evidence of children recognizing important norms and caring about their importance.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Development·DateApr 5, 2018

Genetic link to IBS identified in women

Research at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden links specific DNA variants to IBS in women, explaining its higher prevalence compared to men. The study found associations with constipation-predominant IBS and harder stools, reinforcing the role of sex-hormones.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 5, 2018

Climate change is wreaking havoc on delicate relationship between orchids and bees

A study by the University of Sussex reveals that climate change is altering the timing of events in the interdependent relationship between a rare orchid species and the Buffish Mining-bee. The research shows that rising temperatures are causing an increase in years where the sequence of events needed for successful pollination does no...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society·DateApr 5, 2018

Better roads essential for safer cycling

A QUT-led study found that lane widths and speed limits significantly influence the distance drivers leave when passing, not cyclist characteristics. The study's key finding is that cycling would be safer with improved road infrastructure, such as more cycling lanes and stronger enforcement of the law.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 5, 2018

An index measures similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells

Researchers developed an index measuring similarity between cancer cells and pluripotent stem cells to predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment resistance, and clinical outcome. The index may help identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer by pinpointing the point at which tumor cells acquire stem cell-like characteristics.

Study reveals large drop in infection-related deaths following kidney transplantation

A recent analysis found that the risk of death due to infectious causes after kidney transplantation has dropped significantly, with common bacterial infections remaining the most frequent cause. The study revealed a drop in infection-related mortality by half since the 1990s, indicating improved outcomes for transplant recipients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 5, 2018

More dairy associated with higher bone density and greater spine strength in men over 50

Research found that higher dairy consumption is associated with improved volumetric bone mineral density and vertebral strength in men aged 50 and above. The study also showed positive associations between cream intake and bone health in women, although results were less significant compared to men.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Eating less enables lemurs to live longer

A study on grey mouse lemurs found that chronic caloric restriction increased their median survival time to 9.6 years, compared to 6.4 years in control groups. Calorie restriction also delayed the onset of age-related pathologies and preserved motor capacities.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 5, 2018

It's all about the (stem cell) neighborhood

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche, including hormones R-spondins and Wnts. The team's study shows that subepithelial myofibroblasts are essential sources of these hormones, highlighting the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and their niche.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

What is the best way to treat infected hip replacements?

A recent study has found that treating an infected hip replacement in a single stage procedure may be as effective or better than the widely used two-stage procedure. The one-stage revision strategy is shown to have advantages for patients, including shorter hospital stays and reduced functional impairment. However, further research is...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 5, 2018

Bonobos share and share alike

Researchers observed bonobos sharing meat across community borders for the first time, demonstrating cooperative behavior and social structure dominance by females. The study provides insights into how our last common ancestor may have acted when dividing food with others, shedding light on human origins.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateApr 5, 2018

Web-based program may help address underage drinking

A new study found that a brief, web-based program is effective in delaying drinking initiation among female ninth-grade students. The program was more effective than traditional education when combined with personalized feedback.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Addictions & Offender Counseling·DateApr 5, 2018

Prehistoric reptile pregnant with octuplets

A 180 million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur has been discovered in Yorkshire, featuring six to eight tiny embryos. This find is significant as it is the first time a reptilian embryo has been found in Yorkshire and the youngest of British embryo-bearing specimens.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society·DateApr 5, 2018

When health care hurts: High-deductible plans raise financial risk

A new study by the University of Southern California finds that high-deductible health plans increase the risk of financial trouble and out-of-pocket spending for low-income and chronically ill consumers, who are more likely to face excessive financial burden or financial disaster. The study shows that enrollment in high-deductible pla...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 5, 2018

Patients with Medicaid have limited access to physical therapy in Massachusetts

A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 5, 2018

Presentations at #AGS18 address advance care planning, osteoporosis, hypertension and falls

Researchers investigated barriers to advance care planning in prisons, finding profound patient mistrust and obstructive institutional policies. The study also explored the link between hypertension treatment and an increased risk of falls, suggesting that de-intensified blood pressure control may reduce recurrent falls.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2018

Researchers identify the cells that trigger flowering

A new study identifies the cells responsible for producing the small protein Flowering Locus T (FT), which triggers the flowering process in plants. The research reveals an extensive intercellular signaling system that regulates FT production, shedding light on how plants control their flowering times.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018