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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 18


Page 18 of 41

Modified biomaterials self-assemble on temperature cues

Biomaterials with precisely ordered structures could be used for various biomedical applications due to their precise control of self-assembly. The hybrid approach allows researchers to expand the chemical diversity of protein-based materials by combining different alphabets, such as amino acids and lipids.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2018

A third of young adults have ridden with an impaired driver, NIH analysis suggests

A third of recent high school graduates have ridden in a motor vehicle with a substance-impaired driver, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. The study found that 23% of young adults had ridden with marijuana-impaired drivers, while 20% had ridden with alcohol-impaired drivers.

Smithsonian reports first evidence of live-traded dogs for Maya ceremonies

Researchers analyzed animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, and found that dogs, turkeys, and cats were raised for ceremonial purposes, with dogs being traded across the landscape. The study sheds light on the role of animals in Maya civilization and challenges previous assumptions about their management.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

At first blush, you look happy -- or sad, or angry

A groundbreaking study found that people can correctly identify others' feelings up to 75% of the time by analyzing subtle changes in blood flow color around the nose, eyebrows, cheeks, or chin. Computer algorithms developed from the research accurately recognize human emotion via face color with up to 90% accuracy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

New osteoarthritis genes discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified nine novel genes associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers used the UK Biobank resource and found that five of these genes differ significantly in their expression between healthy and diseased cartilage, offering new targets for future research into therapies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 19, 2018

New optical modules could improve thyroid cancer screening

Researchers developed a point-of-care device that simultaneously probes patient hemodynamics, chemical constitution, and anatomy to diagnose thyroid nodules. The device uses near-infrared time-resolve spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to collect tissue data, promising improved accuracy and reduced costs.

SourceOptica·DateMar 19, 2018

Decoding the chemistry of fear

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that nematode worms exhibit a rudimentary fear-like response when exposed to chemicals from their predator, which has parallels to human anxiety. This discovery may lead to refined prescriptions for current anti-anxiety drugs and enable new treatments for PTSD and panic disorder.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2018

Muslims face high rates of discrimination in Canada

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that Muslims are the least liked group in Canada, with higher rates of discrimination than most other demographic groups. Residents of Quebec and those with conservative views hold more negative feelings towards Muslims.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateMar 19, 2018

Treating postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms in women

A study of 302 postmenopausal women found that prescribed vaginal estradiol hormone tablets and over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer didn't improve symptom relief or sexual function compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that a better understanding of the underlying mechanism is needed to develop more effective treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 19, 2018

Termite queen, king recognition pheromone identified

Researchers have identified a wax-like hydrocarbon called heneicosane as a royal recognition pheromone in termites, enabling workers to recognize and care for queens and kings. This discovery could upend current understanding of insect social behavior and evolution, suggesting that CHCs evolved as royal pheromones 150 million years ago.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018