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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 32


Page 32 of 37

Swallowable sensors reveal mysteries of human gut health

The ingestible capsule detects and measures gut gases, revealing a potentially new immune system and mechanisms in the human body that have never been seen before. The technology offers a game-changer for gastrointestinal disorders and could lead to fewer invasive procedures like colonoscopies.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 8, 2018

Ibuprofen and testicular health

Researchers found that ibuprofen modified hormonal profiles through selective transcriptional repression of testicular endocrine cells, leading to a state of compensated hypogonadism. The study used testis explants and human steroidogenic cell lines to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on testicular health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

Uncovering the power of glial cells

Researchers have found that brain implants can function with the help of glial cells, which are often overlooked as a potential target for treatment. The study suggests that glial cells play a critical role in maintaining optimal brain activity and suggest targeting them may improve current treatments for neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 8, 2018

Less chewing the cud, more greening the fuel

A team of researchers has identified a gene involved in the stiffening of cell walls whose suppression increases the release of sugars by up to 60%. This breakthrough could lead to improved feed for ruminants and better biomass for biofuels, with potential global implications.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 7, 2018

Immune response to Zika virus contributes to fetal harm

A study published in Science Immunology suggests that Zika virus triggers an immune response that can cause abnormal placental development and restricted fetal growth. Researchers found that the immune system's antiviral proteins, known as type I interferons, can be detrimental to fetal development if present in excess.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018

Family Medicine and Community Health Journal Volume 5, Issue Number 4 publishes

The December 2017 issue of Family Medicine and Community Health Journal explores various topics in family medicine, including the assessment of family physicians' knowledge of childhood autism. The study found a lack of knowledge about autism among family physicians, highlighting the need for training to improve early detection and int...

SourceFamily Medicine and Community Health·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 5, 2018

Batman's Gotham City provides test case for community resilience model

A new mathematical model, developed by Colorado State University researchers, integrates a community's infrastructural, social, and economic features to quantify resilience. The 'hazard-agnostic' model, tested in the fictional city of Gotham, provides a framework for predicting long-term effects of disasters and disruptions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateJan 5, 2018

Radiation therapy algorithm could reduce side effects, maintain effect against tumors

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 5, 2018

Temperature may affect pollen color

New research on Campanula americana found that temperature influences pollen pigmentation, with dark pollen outperforming light under higher temperatures but not elevated UV. This study suggests temperature stress may play a significant role in geographic variation of pollen color.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 5, 2018

First discover the disorder and then find the patients

Scientists at Bielefeld University confirm the presence of a previously unknown genetic defect 'MPS III-E' causing progressive blindness and inner ear hearing impairment in patients. Biochemical studies revealed that the disorder is caused by an enzyme deficiency, which can be treated with biotechnological enzyme replacement therapy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJan 5, 2018

Study shows treeshrews break evolutionary 'rules'

A new study reveals that treeshrews defy two widely tested rules governing geographical variation within species: the island rule and Bergmann's rule. In contrast to predictions, treeshrew populations exhibit no size difference between mainland and island habitats.

SourceYale University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 5, 2018

Depression in black adolescents requires different treatment

A new study led by Rutgers University-Camden researcher Wenhua Lu found that Black adolescents express depressive symptoms through complaints about interpersonal struggles and physical pains. This highlights the need for clinicians to tailor treatments such as interpersonal psychotherapy to address these unique expressions of depression.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateJan 5, 2018

Study boosts hope for cheaper fuel cells

Researchers at Rice University have optimized nanomaterials for fuel-cell cathodes, revealing that nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons can replace platinum to boost fuel cell efficiency. The study showed that the right balance of binding energy is crucial for good catalytic performance.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 5, 2018

How Zika infection drives fetal demise

A powerful antiviral protein acts as a checkpoint for keeping or ending pregnancy. Mouse fetuses with the protein commit cell suicide when exposed to Zika virus, while those without it continue to develop. The study suggests that this signaling pathway plays a role in spontaneous abortions and other human pregnancy complications.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 5, 2018