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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 33

MON 810 and NK603 GM Maize: No effects detected on rat health or metabolism

Researchers tested rats on GM maize MON 810 and NK603 for 6 months, using high-throughput biology techniques. No significant biological markers were found, and anatomic pathology examination revealed no alteration of organs. The study does not detect any harmful effects of the GMOs on rat health or metabolism.

Tumor cells conquer territory from their neighbors using a newly discovered mechanism

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that allows tumor cells to eliminate their neighbors through mechanical competition. The study found that compressed cells are killed by modulated EGFR/ERK signal, which is decreased and then leads to cell death. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic strategy to halt tumor growth

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 13, 2018

New techniques better determine how ancient viral DNA influences human genes

Researchers have developed new techniques to identify which of our genes are influenced by ancient viral DNA snippets, revealing complex interactions between viruses and human genetic material. The study found that a single transposon can control multiple genes, increasing the complexity of its impact on health and disease.

Gold recycling

A new gold recycling method has been developed using pyridinethiols and hydrogen peroxide, allowing for efficient extraction of gold from electronic waste. The process produces a stable cationic gold-containing product in organic solution, with nearly quantitative dissolution of gold after 20 minutes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2018

Swarming behavior discovered in fish-dwelling parasite

Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·DateDec 13, 2018

To repair DNA damage, plants need good contractors

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a complex gene regulation network that helps plants cope with DNA damage. The research identified approximately 2,400 genes responding to DNA damage, with only 200 directly activated by SOG1, revealing its 'hands-off' overseer role.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2018

The immune system's supercell -- how it matures

Researchers at Lund University have mapped the maturation process of natural killer cells, which play a key role in fighting cancer and infections. The study found that Notch signaling is essential for NK cell development and function, highlighting its potential as a target for immunotherapies.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 13, 2018

How the brain tells you to scratch that itch

Researchers have revealed the brain mechanism behind the uncontrollable itch-scratching cycle. A small subset of neurons in the periaqueductal gray region tracks itch-evoked scratching behavior. The study provides a starting point to decipher how itch is processed and modulated in the brain.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 13, 2018

Cancer patients face higher risk for shingles, new vaccines hold promise for prevention

A new study found that cancer patients, particularly those with blood-related cancers, have a significantly higher risk of developing shingles due to the virus reactivating later in life. New shingles vaccines offer great promise as a strategy to prevent shingles and its complications in cancer patients.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateDec 13, 2018

Revealed by a multidisciplinary effort: History of maize domestication not what we thought

A new study reveals southwestern Amazonia as a secondary improvement center for early maize, contradicting previous understanding of its history. The analysis of ancient grains' genetic heritage provides insight into human-mediated evolutionary processes that led to one of the world's most important staple crops.

Fitness instructors' comments shape women's body satisfaction

A Northwestern University study found that exercise improves women's mood and body satisfaction, but instructor comments play a crucial role. Women who received health-focused comments reported increased positive emotions and self-satisfaction, whereas those with appearance-focused comments felt ashamed and disgusted. The study highlig...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Sport Psychology·DateDec 13, 2018

Septin proteins act as cellular police to identify, imprison and kill 'superbug' Shigella

Researchers discovered that septins can detect where bacteria will split for division and prevent it from doing so by forming cage-like structures around the bacteria. This finding provides new clues to stop the spread of deadly infections, including Shigella, a 'superbug' deemed a priority by the World Health Organization.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 13, 2018

Control HIV by treating schistosomiasis, new study suggests

Researchers found that schistosomiasis is associated with increased HIV transmission, acquisition in uninfected women, and mortality in infected women. Treating schistosomiasis may be a cost-effective way to reduce new HIV cases and death rates among HIV-positive individuals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateDec 13, 2018

Clearest view ever of cell membrane yields unexpected structure, research possibilities

A team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University has gained the clearest view yet of a patch of cell membrane and its components, revealing an unexpected hexagonal structure. This discovery opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical research, particularly in targeting medical drugs that interact with cell membranes.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2018