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Science News Archive July 2018


Page 1 of 38

Exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields at work not associated with brain tumors

The INTEROCC study found no clear association between occupational exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and risk of glioma or meningioma. However, the researchers suggest that radiofrequency magnetic fields may be associated with increased tumour promotion, warranting further investigation.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJul 31, 2018

Red-blood-cell 'hitchhikers' offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets

A new drug-delivery technology called RBC-hitchhiking has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs in specific organs, potentially decreasing side effects and improving efficacy. The technology uses red blood cells to transport nano-scale drug carriers, achieving a 40-fold increase in drug uptake in the lungs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Father's genes can impact motherly love

Research in genetically altered mice reveals that paternal genes can affect the type of care a mother provides to her offspring both before and after birth. This study suggests that a father's genes can impact maternal behavior, potentially affecting the wellbeing of the new baby and their lifelong mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

Chinese researchers further develop adenine base editing system

Chinese researchers have improved the adenine base editing (ABE) system to generate mouse or rat models for human genetic disorders, such as DMD and Pompe disease. The ABE system allows for efficient alteration of genetic codes with minimal undesired outcomes, making it a promising technology for therapeutic applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalProtein & Cell·DateJul 31, 2018

Single-cell RNA profiling

Researchers have developed a more sensitive single-cell RNA sequencing method, mcSCRB-seq, to analyze the functional state of individual cells. This technique provides a molecular fingerprint of each cell's mRNA population, revealing its protein-making capacity and gene regulation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Study: Prayer makes families connected, unified and bonded with less relational tension

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that family prayer has a positive impact on family relationships, reducing relational tension and increasing feelings of connectedness. The research involved 198 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim families from diverse backgrounds who shared their experiences of praying together as a family.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJul 31, 2018

The tipping point: Service sector employees are more susceptible to mental health issues

A nationwide health study found that service workers, particularly those who rely on tips, are more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and stress. The research team suggests that the precarious nature of service work, including lower wages and lack of control over work hours, may contribute to these findings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 31, 2018

Real-time foot-and-mouth strategy to better fight disease

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new real-time strategy for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, finding that local targeted methods are the most effective in halting disease spread. The approach prioritizes surveillance and vaccination to quickly control outbreaks, even with minimal information.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

ERC Starting Grant for Clara Saraceno

The ERC grant will help Dr. Saraceno find new highly-efficient sources of light waves in the terahertz range, with potential applications in chemistry, physics and biology. The researchers aim to gain further insights into interactions between water molecules and substances dissolved in it.

Hate speech from women is judged harsher than that from men

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that women who make hateful remarks on social media are more likely to be flagged and judged severely. Women's reactions to hate speech are also less accepted than those made by men, highlighting the need for online moderators to be sensitive to gender stereotypes.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 31, 2018

British Journal of Cancer press notice

Scientists have found that internal mammary chain irradiation and anthracycline-based chemotherapy increase cardiovascular disease risks, while a new test may detect colorectal cancer in primary care. Researchers also discovered circulating tumor cell clusters in human glioblastoma, suggesting a new target for treatment

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 31, 2018

Heatwave deaths will rise steadily by 2080 as globe warms up

A new study predicts a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries, with Australia, Europe, and the US expected to be among the hardest hit. The study suggests that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, heatwaves will become more frequent, intense, and deadly.

SourceMonash University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 31, 2018