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Science News Archive July 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 38

Treatment prevents symptoms of schizophrenia in tests with rats

Researchers found that sodium nitroprusside prevented behavioral alterations associated with schizophrenia in rats, suggesting a potential preventive treatment for young people at risk. The study used an animal model that mimics the condition in children and adolescents considered at risk for development of the disease in adulthood.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateJul 12, 2018

Voters do not always walk the talk when it comes to infidelity

An analysis of Ashley Madison user data found that conservative voters were more likely to use an adultery dating website, while liberal Democrats were least likely. The study, published in Springer's Archives of Sexual Behavior, suggests a discrepancy between reported and actual behavior on sexual matters.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJul 12, 2018

Study highlights genetic risk of heart failure

A new population study in Sweden has found that genetic heritage is the dominant factor when it comes to heart failure in families. The study, led by Magnus Lindgren, found a 45% higher risk of heart failure in adoptees with at least one biological parent suffering from the condition.

SourceLund University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 12, 2018

Rice plants evolve to adapt to flooding

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a key gene responsible for deepwater rice's ability to thrive in flood conditions. The SD1 gene enables the plant to increase its height and accumulate ethylene, allowing it to ride out lengthy floods.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience·DateJul 12, 2018

Study estimates eyeglass use by Medicare patients

A new study estimates that 92% of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older use eyeglasses for distance or near vision correction. Researchers found sociodemographic differences between those who used eyeglasses, shedding light on potential implications of policy changes regarding eyeglass coverage.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 12, 2018

New technologies for producing medical therapeutic proteins

Researchers at Lobachevsky University developed a new method for producing medical therapeutic proteins by eliminating SlyD/SlyX genes in E. coli strains, reducing contamination and increasing purification efficiency. The approach enables the production of a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins in a pure form.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

Massive genome havoc in breast cancer is revealed

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have published a detailed map of structural variations in breast cancer cells, revealing 20,000 genetic errors that disrupt cell growth and cause cancer's hallmark. The study sheds light on how cancer cells rapidly evolve and provides valuable insights for future research and clinical practice.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 12, 2018

New species may arise from rapid mitochondrial evolution

A recent study sequenced the genome of a Pacific tidepool crustacean and found that mitochondrial genes differ widely between populations. Hybrid offspring suffer from lowered fitness due to incompatibility. The research suggests that rapid mitochondrial evolution may be an early stage of one species becoming multiple species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 12, 2018

Speaking up for patient safety

A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.

Antioxidant benefits of sleep

Researchers found that short-sleeping fruit fly mutants are sensitive to acute oxidative stress, supporting the idea that sleep defends against oxidative damage. The study suggests a bi-directional relationship between sleep and oxidative stress, with sleep helping to reduce oxidative stress and vice versa.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 12, 2018