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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 29


Page 29 of 33

High lead levels found in some spices purchased abroad

A study by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that over half of spice samples had detectable lead concentrations, with higher levels detected in spices purchased abroad. The study highlights the importance of considering spices as a potential risk factor for lead exposure in high-risk populations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateDec 4, 2018

More diversity than before

Researchers found that hybridization during eutrophication led to an expansion in biodiversity of the European whitefish species once the ecosystem recovered. This rapid niche expansion was made possible by genetic variation, demonstrating functional variation can quickly recover after ecosystem restoration.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 4, 2018

Inactivating genes can boost crop genetic diversity

Researchers have discovered that inactivating the RECQ4 gene can treble recombination frequency, leading to increased chromosome shuffling and greater genetic diversity. This discovery is expected to improve crop breeding operations by allowing breeders to combine more genes in a single generation.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 4, 2018

Gene therapy for blood disorders

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel approach to gene therapy using microparticles that deliver gene-regulating material to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This technology could potentially treat inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia by altering the genetic defect in t...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2018

Yumanity Therapeutics announces publication of paper in Cell Reports

The company's discovery engine identified a series of compounds that shielded cells against alpha-synuclein-induced toxicity by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase. This finding suggests that inhibition of fatty acid desaturation could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson's disease and other synuclein-based disorders.

SourceW2O Group·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 4, 2018

Blast to the future

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing a machine learning-based framework called BLAST to accelerate and simplify materials modeling and simulation. This software will enable companies to quickly perform molecular dynamics simulations needed for new material vetting, with applications in polymers and steel alloys.

Nine honored by Society for Risk Analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis awarded six scholarly and service awards and named three new Fellows at its Annual Meeting. The recipients were selected for their expertise in regulatory impact analysis, training of new risk analysis experts, and substantial achievements in science or public policy relating to risk analysis.