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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 35


Page 35 of 42

New actors identified in atherosclerosis

Researchers have identified three distinct macrophage populations that play different roles in the development of atherosclerosis. These findings provide new insights into the disease and may lead to improved treatments. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze immune cell populations in affected vessels.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 5, 2018

Parents struggle to discuss sex with LGBTQ teens

A Northwestern University study found that parents of LGBTQ teenagers face challenges discussing sexual health, including general discomfort and limited knowledge. The study emphasizes the importance of providing resources to help parents overcome these obstacles and establish supportive relationships with their children.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

More evidence shows exposure to traffic and outdoor air pollution increases risk of asthma

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that long-term exposure to high levels of road traffic and ozone significantly increases the risk of asthma symptoms and medication use. The study also identified a biological marker, 8-isoprostane, which is exhaled in the breath and linked to tissue damage in the lungs.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 5, 2018

Double perovskites in environmentally friendly solar cells

Researchers at Linköping University have developed high-quality lead-free double perovskite films with long electron-hole diffusion length, a necessary property for efficient solar cells. The power conversion efficiency of these solar cells is still low, but the team has taken a major step towards increasing efficiency in the near future.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 5, 2018

Macular degeneration linked to aging immune cells

Research at Washington University School of Medicine found that aging immune cells contribute to inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in macular degeneration, potentially leading to vision loss. The study identified microRNA-150 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing progression to advanced forms of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 5, 2018

Urinary incontinence may have negative effects on sexual health

Women with urinary incontinence reported declines in sexual activity and arousal, while men experienced decreased desire, erectile difficulties, and orgasm issues. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing the coexisting impact of incontinence on quality-of-life and well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 5, 2018

Cysticercosis epidemiology in Spain: What's new?

Researchers analyzed cysticercosis cases in Spain from 1997 to 2014, finding increasing hospitalizations, particularly among children under 15. The study also identified regional variations, with the Murcia region having the highest rate, and common clinical characteristics such as epilepsy and convulsions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 5, 2018

270 million visits made to English coastlines each year

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that 271 million people visit England's coastal environments each year, with walking being the most popular activity. Additionally, research shows that these 'blue' spaces play a crucial role in supporting physical activity, especially among females and older adults.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 5, 2018

Penguins go through the flow

Breeding king penguins form large, dense colonies that resemble particles in liquids, providing protection against predators and maintaining social cohesion. The unique structure of these colonies enables them to adapt to internal and external changes, making it crucial for predicting the species' resilience to climate change.

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