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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

Massive effort yields image-based cell sorting technology

A new intelligent machine, Image-Activated Cell Sorting (IACS), sorts cells based on their spatial and morphological properties using an image-driven approach. The platform has been optimized for analyzing individual cells and holds promise for making machine-based discoveries in biological sciences.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 27, 2018

Child lead exposure study finds substantial reductions possible

Researchers reduced household lead levels and found significant reductions in dust lead levels, especially among black children. However, the intervention did not result in significant neurobehavioral improvements, such as improved IQ or behavior. The study suggests that eliminating residential lead exposure may be necessary to fully p...

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 27, 2018

The sugar wars: Rhetoric or reason?

Researchers argue that sugar is not responsible for obesity and metabolic diseases, citing evidence from multiple domains. Experts also highlight the importance of physical activity in determining metabolic health. The debate raises questions about the role of sugar in modern diets and whether restrictive recommendations are effective.

SourceElsevier·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateAug 27, 2018

In sync: How cells make connections could impact circadian rhythm

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an algorithm to reveal connections between cells over time, potentially impacting circadian rhythms. The approach, called ICON, shows the strength of these connections, which could lead to a better understanding of brain disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Metabolic engineering of E. coli for the secretory production of free haem

Engineered E. coli strains have successfully produced extracellular free haem using a novel strategy, overcoming previous limitations in production efficiency and yield. The optimized metabolic pathway enables high titer production of haem, paving the way for its use as a bioavailable iron-supplying agent in medical applications.

Significant Dialysis Development

A new minimally-invasive surgical technique has been developed to create dialysis access for patients with severe kidney disease. The WavelinQ endoAVF System allows vascular surgeons to create a connection between an artery and vein using magnets, reducing the risk of complications and surgeries.

A blue paradox

Researchers at UCSB and the University of Oregon discovered that efforts to close off fishing in marine reserves paradoxically led to more fishing, exacerbating habitat degradation. The preemptive behavior was equivalent to 1.5 years of avoided fishing following the ban.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Traffic noise may make birds age faster

A study published in Frontiers in Zoology found that traffic noise may contribute to aging in Zebra finches, with birds exposed after fledging having shorter telomeres. The researchers suggest that this period is critical for song learning and development, making birds more sensitive to noise.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateAug 27, 2018

Scientists identify a new kind of human brain cell

Researchers discover a new type of human brain cell that has never been seen in mice and other laboratory animals. These 'rosehip neurons' may play a role in fine-level control between regions of the human brain, and their absence in rodents suggests difficulties in modeling human brain diseases.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 27, 2018

Unearthing the secrets of cellular energy

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes identify 156 genes affecting ATP levels in cells, shedding light on cellular energy production. The findings could lead to the development of new therapies for diseases such as mitochondrial disorders, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 27, 2018

Chemists develop tools to reduce pesticide impact

Researchers have developed tools to break down pesticides in the environment using catalytic amyloids. The discovery shows that these molecules can facilitate multiple chemical transformations at once, offering a promising approach for OP detoxification. Catalytic amyloids have been shown to hydrolyze paraoxon by several thousand-fold.

How we judge personality from faces depends on our beliefs about how personality works

A new study by NYU researchers found that people form impressions of others' personalities from facial features based on their pre-existing beliefs about personality. The study's findings suggest that face impressions are shaped by our own beliefs, and can be highly inaccurate but consequential in real-world outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018

Connectome organization in childhood ALL and risk of delayed neurodevelopment

A new study explores the cognitive effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment on brain function. The research reveals that connectome disruption is associated with delayed neurodevelopment in long-term survivors, with younger age at diagnosis and longer chemotherapy duration linked to poorer outcomes.

RENCI to lead two $1 million grants to support data-intensive scientific research

Two new $1 million NSF grants will support RENCI's efforts to develop a high-performance platform for scientific data processing and detect unintentional data errors. The projects aim to improve scientific productivity, increase confidence in outcomes, and facilitate seamless integration of available resources and networks.

Many Arctic pollutants decrease after market removal and regulation

Levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention are decreasing in the Arctic, according to an international team of researchers. The biggest decreases were in a byproduct of the pesticide lindane and PCBs, with mean annual declines of 9% and 4% per year across the Arctic region.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 27, 2018