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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 22


Page 22 of 38

Residential segregation associated with black-white disparity in firearm homicide rates

A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateJul 13, 2018

Reducing Australia's cancer death rate

A study by La Trobe University found that cutting back on tobacco and alcohol consumption as a population would significantly reduce future cancer deaths. Reducing smoking by half a kilogram less annually per capita could lower cancer deaths by 8%, while reducing drinking by three litres less annually per capita could lower them by 12%.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2018

Growing a dinosaur's dinner

Researchers at the University of Leeds grew herbivore dinosaurs' diet by mimicking atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago. The study showed that many plant species had significantly higher energy and nutrient levels under high CO2 concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPalaeontology·DateJul 13, 2018

How looking at the big picture can lead to better decisions

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people make more efficient decisions when they consider the long-term consequences and maximize overall value for the group. By creating psychological distance from a decision, individuals can see beyond immediate considerations and allocate resources effectively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 13, 2018

Finding the proteins that unpack DNA

Researchers developed a high-throughput method to screen and categorize transcription factors based on their ability to displace nucleosomes. The study identified both new and previously known nucleosome-displacing factors, which tend to be highly abundant in the nucleus and bind tightly to DNA.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 12, 2018

New control of cell division discovered

A class of enzymes, DYRK3, has been found to promote mixing of phases in cells during division, ensuring correct distribution of genetic material, organelles, and cell contents. This process is crucial for preventing errors like those seen in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2018

Study forecasts growth rates of loblolly pine trees

Researchers at Virginia Tech used ecological forecasting to predict future growth rates of loblolly pine trees, showing a potential 30% increase in productivity by the middle of the century. The study focused on planted loblolly pine plantations in the Southeastern United States and highlighted uncertainties depending on specific regions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 12, 2018

Algae have land genes

Research on freshwater algae Chara braunii reveals ancient genetic traits associated with plant adaptation, including the stress hormone abscisic acid and electrical signal transmission. These findings provide insights into the evolutionary origins of land-dwelling plants.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2018

A gene required for addictive behavior

Researchers found that mice lacking the Maged1 gene are unresponsive to cocaine and show diminished dopamine release, highlighting its role in addictive behavior. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying drug addiction.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 12, 2018

Leading experts in diabetes, metabolism and biomedical engineering discuss precision medicine

International Conference on Engineering Biomedical Breakthroughs brings together bioengineers, diabetes researchers and scientists to share cutting-edge concepts for biomedical discovery. The conference focused on advanced biomedical imaging, bioinformatics and bioengineering tools to inform future noninvasive diagnostics.

Wearable device can predict older adults' risk of falling

A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a wearable device can accurately predict the risk of falls in older adults. The device uses motion sensors to measure walking patterns and combines this data with an individual's fall history to determine future risk. This prediction could enable preventative measures...