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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 40

New insights into pruning

Researchers at the University of Münster have discovered a correlation between the spatial organization of a nerve cell and its process degeneration. The study found that specific arrangement of cytoskeleton components influences the direction of dendrite degeneration in fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalDevelopment·DateJun 26, 2018

Serotonin speeds learning

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that serotonin plays a crucial role in learning by influencing an animal's decision-making strategies. When the interval between trials was short, mice relied on their working memory, while longer intervals activated their long-term memory, allowing them to learn from past rewar...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2018

New studies illustrate need for rigorous review of infection preventionist staffing models across healthcare systems

Two new studies highlight the critical need for evaluating and updating standards for infection preventionist (IP) staffing levels, citing severe gaps in staffing and outdated coverage benchmarks. The studies found that actual IP labor needs are 31-66% higher than current benchmarks, indicating a greater need for IP oversight.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 26, 2018

Fluciclovine PET/CT locates recurrent prostate cancer and advises management

A clinical trial found that 59% of patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer had their clinical management changed by fluciclovine PET/CT imaging. The study detected disease in the prostate, pelvic lymph nodes, and less commonly, bone, guiding treatment decisions for men with recurrent prostate cancer.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 26, 2018

More post-acute care isn't always better, study finds

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that patients covered under Medicare's fee-for-service plan spent more time in nursing homes after hip fracture hospitalization, yet saw slightly worse health outcomes. In contrast, those covered under Medicare Advantage had shorter stays and similar or better health outcomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 26, 2018

Research on cancer-frying nanoparticles heats up

Scientists at the University at Buffalo have developed heated magnetic nanoparticles that can selectively target and destroy tumors with significant amounts of heat under low-magnetic fields. The new technology has potential benefits over other treatments, including minimal side effects and deeper penetration into hard-to-reach body pa...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSmall·DateJun 26, 2018

Substance found in grapes prevents agglomeration of a mutant protein that leads to cancer

Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits mutant p53 protein aggregation, preventing breast cancer cell migration and proliferation. This breakthrough could lead to a treatment for over half of malignant tumors, targeting novel strategic targets in cancer research.

Blockade at the receptor

Researchers found that Chlamydia trachomatis deactivates immune cells by activating a protein that cleaves key receptors, allowing the bacterium to evade detection. This discovery holds promise for developing targeted therapies against Chlamydia infections.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2018

Study solves mystery of genetic-test results for patient with suspected heart condition

Researchers have developed a technique to determine the significance of gene variants of uncertain significance in patients with suspected heart conditions. By using advanced genetic-editing tools and stem cell technology, they were able to confirm that a patient had a mild case of long QT syndrome and rule out another condition.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 26, 2018

In search of biomarkers to detect patients with latent 'Plasmodium vivax' infection

A study by ISGlobal reveals the presence of proteins from hypnozoites in circulating extracellular vesicles, providing a potential diagnostic tool for asymptomatic patients. This breakthrough could help identify and stop malaria vivax transmission, an essential requirement to achieve the WHO's target of eliminating malaria by 2030.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2018

Why popcorn tastes better when you eat it with chopsticks

Researchers found that using chopsticks while eating popcorn, finding novel ways to drink water, or watching a video with hand-goggles all intensified the experience and made it more enjoyable. These unconventional methods help focus on what's enjoyed about the product, making experiences feel brand new.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 26, 2018

A bright light in a dark room

A team of researchers has developed a minimal logic system to bridge the gap between mathematical proofs, algorithms, and real-world outcomes in control systems. The work, published in IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, aims to improve the realism of theoretical mathematics by focusing on computational certainty.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 26, 2018

UMass Amherst geoscientists offer new evidence for how the Adirondack Mountains formed

Researchers at UMass Amherst used advanced seismic imaging and data from the National Science Foundation's EarthScope program to construct a detailed model of the tectonic plate beneath the Adirondack Mountains. They discovered a 'pillow' of low-density, relatively light rock material that appears to have been squeezed up under the mou...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 26, 2018

Timings and behaviour influence worm's response to force

Researchers discovered that worms' behavior at the time of experiencing stimuli influenced how their brains interpreted information, leading to a more sophisticated understanding of mechanosensory circuitry. The study paves the way for further investigations into how simple brains interpret sensory signals and turn them into actions.

SourceeLife·DateJun 26, 2018

What nipple size means for evolutionary biology

Researchers found female nipple sizes vary significantly due to functional use in breastfeeding, contradicting previous claims. The study's findings support the idea that highly variable features result from weak evolutionary selection.

SourceSpringer·JournalAdaptive Human Behavior and Physiology·DateJun 26, 2018

New insight into how Autism might develop in human brain

A team of scientists from McGill University discovered a key role for the GRIN2B gene in early neural stem cell development and autism. They used genetic engineering to reprogram skin cells into brain cells with the patient's mutation, showing how improper protein production leads to impaired brain development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

Control of quantum state of optical phonon in diamond induced by ultrashort light pulses

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology successfully formulated and experimentally verified a unified theory for controlling coherent optical phonons in diamond. The theory explains the generation and detection of coherent optical photons based on a model involving two states of electrons and the quantum harmonic oscillator.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 25, 2018

Scientists found means to inhibit capillary leakage in sepsis

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a monoclonal antibody that inhibits capillary leakage in sepsis. The antibody targets β1-integrin, a key molecule in endothelial cells, and improves junctions between endothelial cells, decreasing vascular leakage and protecting against sepsis-induced heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

Having more allies may decrease a country's power

Researchers developed a computer game to examine relationships between countries and strategic environments. They found that having more allies can increase a country's responsibility, leading to decreased overall welfare. The study has potential implications for current events, including the China-US-North Korea conflict.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 25, 2018