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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 2


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UMD researcher discovers mechanisms and epigenetic markers with implications for diseases ranging from cancers to infertility

A UMD researcher has discovered mechanisms dictating germline stem cell development and epigenetic markers associated with diseases such as cancers, viral infections, and male infertility. These findings provide insight into treatments for these conditions and unlock future animal and human health research.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 30, 2018

Do women with epilepsy have similar likelihood of pregnancy?

A study of 89 women with epilepsy and 108 without found that women with epilepsy had a similar likelihood of becoming pregnant, achieving live births, and experiencing low miscarriage rates. The research suggests that biological and social factors may contribute to previous findings of lower birth rates among women with epilepsy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 30, 2018

Why Armenia's transition to democracy failed

A new paper by Arman Grigoryan attributes Armenia's stalled democratization to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and subsequent political processes. The conflict undermined liberal aspirations and empowered a military establishment, leading to the failure of Armenia's transition.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNationalities Papers·DateApr 30, 2018

Editing brain activity with holography

Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a technology to read and write neural activity, enabling them to stimulate specific sets of neurons to simulate sensory experiences. The goal is to replace lost sensations after peripheral nerve damage or control prosthetic limbs, with potential applications in treating neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 30, 2018

ISIL activity is not funded by oil, study suggests

A new study suggests that ISIL activity was not funded by oil as previously thought. The research used remote sensing technology to estimate oil production in areas controlled by the group, finding that production quickly fell after expansion.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateApr 30, 2018

The effects of diet on the start of the menopause

A large UK cohort study found that eating oily fish and legumes was associated with a later onset of menopause, while consuming refined pasta and rice was linked to an earlier start. The study's findings could have implications for women's health and wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2018

Identifying the mechanism in obesity's link to colon cancer

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a new molecular mechanism explaining the link between obesity and increased risk of colon inflammation, a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. Inhibiting an enzyme called soluble epoxide hydrolase may abolish this risk, suggesting a potential treatment for obesity-induced colonic inflamm...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

Targeting chemotherapy with genetic testing benefits women with aggressive breast cancer

A clinical trial found that women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer and BRCA gene faults have better responses to carboplatin, a less toxic alternative to standard treatment docetaxel. The study suggests that genetic testing can guide treatment for this patient group, offering new hope for those with limited treatment options.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 30, 2018

Study suggests ample warning of supervolcano eruptions

Researchers at University of Illinois found geological signs pointing to catastrophic supervolcano eruptions would be detectable hundreds to thousands of years before an eruption. The study suggests that people need not panic, as the precursors to massive eruptions will be long-lasting and far greater than recent seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 30, 2018

Labeling and detecting RNA modifications

Biochemists and molecular biologists use a new method to label m6A modifications in mRNA, allowing for precise detection using Next Generation Sequencing. The approach enables researchers to analyze the role of m6A modifications in physiological and pathological processes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2018

The laws of star formation challenged

Researchers challenged the existing understanding of star formation by observing a distant molecular cloud, W43-MM1, with ALMA. Contrary to previous findings, they discovered an overabundance of massive cores and underrepresentation of less massive cores.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 30, 2018

Diet rich in fish and legumes may help to delay natural menopause

A diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateApr 30, 2018

World's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty shows promise for successful treatment of tracheobronchomalacia

A new study presents the world's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that expands treatment options for patients with tracheobronchomalacia. The results show significant improvement in pulmonary function tests and patient satisfaction, with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Study finds very few pages devoted to climate change in introductory science textbooks

A recent study found that less than 2% of pages in leading biology, chemistry, and physics textbooks discuss climate change. The research team analyzed over 15,000 combined pages from current editions of 16 undergraduate textbooks published between 2013 and 2015, concluding that there is a significant lack of emphasis on renewable ener...

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Communication·DateApr 30, 2018

Horses get the flu, too

University of Rochester researchers have developed a new live equine influenza vaccine that is safe and more protective than existing vaccines. The vaccine targets the H3N8 strain currently circulating in North America and Europe, and was shown to protect horses against the virus in a small study.

Following five healthy lifestyle habits may increase life expectancy by decade or more

Researchers found that adopting five low-risk lifestyle factors—eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking—can add up to 14 years of life for women and 12 years for men. This translates to a 74% lower risk of early death compared to those who didn

Are damselflies in distress?

Researchers found that damselfly genes strongly responded to environmental changes as they moved towards the northern edge of their range. The study suggests that the blue-tailed damselfly has a wealth of evolutionary strategies available to help it adapt to a changing climate.

SourceScience in Public·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 30, 2018

Man vs. machine?

Recent studies by Case Western Reserve University's Anant Madabhushi show that his diagnostic imaging lab's 'deep learning' computers can accurately diagnose heart failure and detect various cancers. The machines offer valuable tools for pathologists and radiologists, helping them become more efficient in their work.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2018