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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 76


Page 76 of 473

Decoding how brain circuits control behavior

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding how brain circuits control behavior by identifying two types of intermingled nerve cells with distinct roles. The study used extensive analyses of neurons' shapes, gene activity, and function to tease out which cells are responsible for planning and initiating movements.

Are we losing one of our biggest CO2 sinks?

A recent study reveals that eelgrass meadows store significant amounts of organic carbon, comparable to tropical seagrass species and mangroves. The distribution area of these meadows has decreased by at least 1/3rd over the past 50 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateOct 31, 2018

Don't underestimate the force

A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has identified the weak van der Waals forces holding together a tiny, self-assembling box. The box can bulge to accommodate large or long guest molecules and contract to eliminate extra space when hosting negatively charged guests.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2018

Relapsed leukemia flies under immune system's radar

Researchers found that relapsed leukemia cells have reduced expression of genes involved in immune recognition, making them invisible to the immune system. Interferon gamma has been shown to turn back on these hidden immune markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for AML patients who relapse after transplantation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Minimally invasive surgery associated with worse survival for women with cervical cancer compared to open hysterectomy

Two studies found that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy is associated with higher recurrence rates and worse overall survival for women with early-stage cervical cancer. The findings have already changed care at MD Anderson Cancer Center and could impact surgical management of all women with early-stage disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Virtual program successful in linking adult protective services, geriatric specialists

The virtual program, launched at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, has increased mistreated elderly Texans' access to elder mistreatment and geriatric experts by quadrupling APS worker and client referrals. The network provides access to UTHealth team for APS workers using videophone-assisted secure devices.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 31, 2018

Chirality of vitamin-D derivative affects the protonation states of its receptor protein

Researchers found that altered chirality of vitamin-D derivatives can change the protonation states of histidine residues in the VDR protein, leading to stronger binding and more stable complexes. This discovery emphasizes the importance of considering protonation states in molecular simulations for drug design.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateOct 31, 2018

The when, where and what of air pollutant exposure

Researchers in South India measured personal exposure to fine particulate matter using a combination of techniques, finding significant differences between men and women. Men showed higher levels of personal exposure throughout the day, while women's exposures were related to cooking and industrial activities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 31, 2018

Large cells for tiny leaves

Researchers discovered that LMI1 protein limits cell growth, preventing large cells from developing into other tissue types, resulting in smaller leaves despite early cell growth. The study also found that LMI1 regulates pea leaf morphology by producing thread-like tendrils at the tip of the leaf and large stipules at the base.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2018

Cooling 'brains on fire' to treat Parkinson's

Researchers at The University of Queensland have developed a promising new therapy using the small molecule MCC950, which blocks NLRP3 activation and prevents brain cell loss in Parkinson's patients. The therapy shows marked improvement in motor function and may offer an alternative approach to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Ultrasensitive toxic gas detector

Scientists have created a novel gas sensor based on vertically aligned WO3-CuO core-shell nanorod arrays, achieving ultrasensitivity to ammonia (NH3) gas. The hybrid sensor exhibits high gas response and short recovery times, making it suitable for detecting toxic gases.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateOct 31, 2018

3 percent of children hit daily activity target

A recent study published in Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that only 3.2% of Year Five children (aged nine or ten) met the recommended daily physical activity target of 60 minutes, with even lower levels among girls. This suggests that previous studies may have overestimated the prevalence of children meeting the recomme...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·DateOct 31, 2018