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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 41

Our perceived birth status can affect our adult relationships

Research found that people who believe they were unwanted or unplanned pregnancies tend to have more insecure relationship styles as adults. This perceived birth status affects attachment styles, leading to increased anxiety and avoidance in relationships. The study suggests that revealing such information can increase insecurities and...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 15, 2018

Play-Doh helps plant research

Researchers at the University of Delaware discovered that plants emit scent cues when under attack by insects, recruiting birds to provide a food source while defending crops. The study used Play-Doh larvae and dispensers to replicate plant volatiles, finding that birds were attracted to these cues more strongly than to a control measure.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateAug 15, 2018

Better statistical methods to understand gene interactions leading to cancer development

Researchers have developed a novel statistical method called AA9int to evaluate gene-to-gene interactions associated with cancer and other complex diseases. This approach identifies combinations of genetic variants for predicting cancer risk and prognosis, increasing our understanding of the biological mechanisms of cancer development.

My counterpart determines my behavior

A social-psychological study at Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that while social class influences behavior, the communication situation plays a more significant role in shaping behavior towards counterparts from different social classes. The study found that individuals exhibit solidarity with those from lower social classes and a...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 15, 2018

Study of greater Yellowstone pronghorn finds highway crossing structures a conservation success

A recent study found that installing wildlife crossing structures over highways has increased the success rate of pronghorn crossings, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 70 percent. Pronghorn adapted to using these structures within four years, increasing their crossing success rates and decreasing stress levels.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateAug 15, 2018

The secret behind cell revival revealed

Researchers have identified 85 genes essential for fission yeast cells to maintain their ability to divide after being starved of nitrogen. The study sheds light on the genetic network required for resting cells like cancer stem cells to reactivate and has potential applications in developing new therapies to treat cancer. This discove...

Mount Sinai researchers discover how to restore vision using retinal stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai have successfully restored vision in mice by activating retinal stem cells, which could lead to treatments for patients with blinding diseases. The study found that new rod photoreceptor cells were generated and integrated into the existing retinal structure, restoring function of the visual pathway.

The science behind rooting for the home team

A review by Yale psychologist Yarrow Dunham suggests that ingroup bias is a natural phenomenon driven by membership in a social group, explaining why people favor their own group over others. This bias may have evolved to boost group living and social learning.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateAug 14, 2018

Fishing quotas upended by nuclear DNA analysis

A study published in Nature Scientific Reports found that nuclear DNA analysis can highlight genetic differences between sardine populations, contradicting previous conclusions based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. This new understanding has significant implications for fisheries management and conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2018

Tiny helpers that clean cells

Researchers have identified three known SNAREs and a new protein Ykt6 as essential for the fusion of autophagosomes with vacuoles, allowing for efficient cellular waste recycling. This breakthrough study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying autophagy, a vital process in maintaining cellular homeostasis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 14, 2018

Effectively expressing empathy to improve ICU care

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that physicians who showed unburied empathy during care conferences had more effective conversations with families, leading to better patient outcomes. The researchers recommend slowing down, using the 'NURSE' mnemonic, and avoiding transitions like 'but' to improve empathetic communication.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 14, 2018

2018-2022 expected to be abnormally hot years

A new method predicts mean air temperature will be abnormally high in 2018-2022, higher than figures inferred from anthropogenic global warming alone. This is due to a low probability of intense cold events and a high probability of heat events, leading to increased tropical storm activity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2018

Societies recommend policies to retain, increase ranks of ID physician scientists

Challenges facing ID physician scientists include inadequate funding for fellowship opportunities and steep compensation disparities, leading to a decline in trainees pursuing careers as physician researchers. To address this, medical societies recommend expanded mentorship, training opportunities, and workforce diversity measures.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 14, 2018

Models give synthetic biologists a head start

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston created models to predict the output of custom-built genetic circuits, enabling unprecedented precision in programming microorganisms. The models can be used to design microbes for complex environments, such as the gut microbiome or soil, and improve the controllable manufact...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateAug 14, 2018

Elephants resist cancer by waking a zombie gene

Researchers discovered elephants' ability to resist cancer stems from the 'zombie LIF6' gene, which kills cells poised to become cancerous. This strategy may inspire new treatments for humans by mimicking the gene's behavior or activating its existing copies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 14, 2018

Extending palm oil production in Africa threatens primate conservation

A new study finds that only a few areas in Africa are suitable for palm oil production without harming primate populations, raising concerns about the industry's impact on conservation. The research highlights the need for sustainable practices and policy initiatives to mitigate large-scale deforestation.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2018

How hot is Schrödinger's coffee?

A new uncertainty relation has been discovered, linking the precision of temperature measurements to quantum mechanics. This discovery establishes a connection between quantum uncertainty and the accuracy of nanoscale thermometers.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2018