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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 37

Study provides new insights on bone loss in women

A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that more than 80% of bone loss in post-menopausal women is due to cortical bone, not trabecular. Cortical bone loss is likely to contribute to the occurrence of fractures in these women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateJan 3, 2018

Researchers find differences in infant morbidity-mortality rates in NYC hospitals

A study of NYC hospitals found that black and Hispanic preterm infants are more likely to be born at hospitals with higher morbidity-mortality rates, contributing to racial disparities in neonatal deaths and severe complications. These differences explained 39.9% of the black-white disparity and 29.5% of the Hispanic-white disparity in...

Virus-bacteria coevolutionary 'arms race' solves diversity paradox by 'Killing the Winner'

Researchers have shed new light on the diversity paradox by developing a stochastic model of bacteria-virus interactions. Their findings suggest that the coevolutionary arms race between bacteria and viruses leads to diverse populations and boom-bust cycles, preventing any single species from dominating the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 2, 2018

Math for midges that pull 10g

Researchers at Rothamsted Research have developed a simple mathematical model to predict the behavior of midge swarms, which can help protect crops from airborne pests. The model uses basic physics principles to simulate the complex flight dynamics of midges and predicts their dispersal patterns.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalInterface·DateJan 2, 2018

Novel diabetes drugs sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy agents

Researchers have discovered that experimental diabetes drugs can make cancer cells more vulnerable to traditional chemotherapy agents. The combination of carboplatin and one of the experimental compounds, SR1664, sensitized lung tumor cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells in laboratory models, leading to reduced tumor growth.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2018

Zebrafish brain repair following concussion

Researchers discovered that zebrafish exhibit significant spatial memory impairment after a blow to the head, with slower reaction times to familiar environments. Genetic analysis identified key genes involved in brain cell proliferation and migration, offering new insights into potential human recovery strategies.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJan 2, 2018

A changing climate, changing wine

A new study suggests that climate change could force winemakers to switch from traditional grape varieties to more drought-tolerant and heat-resistant ones. Researchers at Harvard University are exploring the potential of lesser-known grape varieties to adapt to changing weather patterns.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 2, 2018

Exploring electrolysis for energy storage

Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel electrolytic flow cell that can produce glycolic acid (GC) from oxalic acid, offering a promising solution for energy storage. The device uses a polymer membrane and porous TiO2 catalyst to achieve high efficiency and capacity.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 2, 2018

A safer route to ultrasonic therapy

Biomedical engineers have discovered a way to enhance the effectiveness and safety of sonogenetics, emerging techniques that use sound waves to control neuron behavior. By attaching microscopic beads to receptors on cell surfaces, they can produce cell-stretching effects with much less risk of cellular injury.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2018

'Quantum radio' may aid communications and mapping indoors, underground and underwater

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a quantum method for detecting digitally modulated magnetic signals that can travel through building materials and water. The technology has the potential to improve communication range and accuracy in environments where GPS signals are weak or unreliable.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJan 2, 2018

Zooming in on protein to prevent kidney stones

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the structure of the TRPV5 protein, which serves as a passageway for calcium across kidney cell membranes. The study reveals how inhibitor molecules attach to and close the channel, leaving calcium stranded in the urine where it can form kidney stones.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 2, 2018

Perfectionism among young people significantly increased since 1980s, study finds

Research by the American Psychological Association found that self-oriented perfectionism increased by 10%, socially prescribed perfectionism by 33% and other-oriented perfectionism by 16% between 1989 and 2016. This rise in perfectionism is linked to social media pressures, meritocracy, and unrealistic educational expectations.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 2, 2018

Hairy skin grown from mouse stem cells

Indy University researchers created lab-grown skin tissue with hair follicles using mouse stem cells. The skin model closely resembles natural hair growth, making it useful for testing drugs and understanding hair development. The team discovered that the two layers of skin cells must grow together to form hair follicles.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 2, 2018

ADHD medications may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection

A nationwide study found that ADHD medication use was associated with a lower risk of developing sexually transmitted infections. The study, which tracked data from over 17,000 individuals with ADHD, found that those who used ADHD medications had a 30-41% lower risk of STIs compared to non-ADHD controls.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 2, 2018

Immune cells play key role in early breast cancer metastasis even before a tumor develops

Researchers found that macrophages, which reside in healthy breast tissue, help early breast cancer cells leave the breast for other parts of the body. The study identified how macrophages and early cancer cells form a 'microenvironment of early dissemination' that can be targeted to prevent metastasis.

Migraine surgery produces 'dramatic improvements' in functioning, study finds

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that migraine surgery can lead to significant improvements in functional disability and ability to cope with pain. Patients who underwent surgery showed a large percent improvement in Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire scores, indicating high levels of recovery from disability.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJan 2, 2018

Social susceptibility

Research led by Jonathan Pruitt finds that the population majority determines whether influential individuals can emerge and lead a society, not just charismatic leaders. The study uses African social spiders to show that shy, generic spiders are key to creating advantageous social orders.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 2, 2018

A fossil fuel technology that doesn't pollute

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a process to transform shale gas into products like methanol and gasoline while consuming carbon dioxide. The technology, known as chemical looping, uses metal oxide particles to burn fossil fuels without oxygen in the air.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 2, 2018