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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 32


Page 32 of 41

Enzyme ensures thick insulation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that Schwann cells produce fatty acids through an enzyme called FASN, which is essential for myelin layer formation and maintenance. This breakthrough has implications for understanding the development of rare childhood diseases and potential treatments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 8, 2018

Scientists accurately model the action of aerosols on clouds

Researchers have developed a high-resolution climate model that accurately simulates the interaction between aerosols and clouds. The model shows that increasing aerosol density can lead to a decrease in cloud cover in certain areas, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2018

The shapes of water

Researchers at Arizona State University have observed a previously unseen property of water, where it changes from one liquid to another under super-cooling and specific conditions. This phenomenon, known as a liquid-liquid phase transition, was only seen in computer simulations until now.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018

Non-invasive brain stimulation improves gait impairment of Parkinson's disease patients

A new study suggests that transcranial direct-current electrical stimulation can significantly improve gait impairment in Parkinson's disease patients by simultaneously targeting both motor and cognitive networks. The treatment shows promising results in reducing freezing of gait and improving executive functions and mobility.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalMovement Disorders·DateMar 8, 2018

Decoy molecules target E. coli to treat UTI in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have discovered a way to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) without using antibiotics. By targeting specific sugar-protein interactions, they found that decoy molecules can trick E. coli bacteria into releasing their grip on the bladder and kidneys.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 technique suppresses malaria infection in mosquitoes

Using CRISPR/Cas9, scientists have shown that inactivating the FREP1 gene reduces mosquitoes' susceptibility to malaria parasite infection. This technique holds promise for preventing malaria transmission to humans, but may require further refinement to balance resistance with fitness costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 8, 2018

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy linked to brain alterations

A new study has linked air pollution exposure during fetal life with brain abnormalities, including a thinner cortex, which may contribute to impaired cognitive function in school-age children. Exposure to fine particles was associated with difficulties in inhibitory control, related to mental health problems such as addiction and ADHD.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 8, 2018

Mending materials

A Lehigh University professor has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to explore the role of human mesenchymal stem cells in remodeling hydrogel materials for wound healing. Her research aims to develop new biomaterials with optimal properties for tissue regeneration and structural integrity.

A new kind of star

Researchers have developed a novel mathematical model combining general relativity with quantum vacuum polarization, enabling the existence of ultracompact stars and new stellar configurations. The study suggests that these stars could be detectable in future gravitational wave observatories.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2018

Exposure to childhood violence linked to psychiatric disorders

A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly one-quarter of 12-year-olds from public schools had a psychiatric disorder, with depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder being the most common diagnoses. Investing in socio-economic inequality prevention and preventing violent events during child...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBrazilian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 8, 2018

Studies examine trends in pain medication use

Two studies found that acetaminophen use increases during cold/flu season, with a 24% increase in high-dose intake. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used analgesic in France, but its use can lead to liver harm if not taken correctly.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 8, 2018

Some teachers don't talk to anyone about violent incidents

A nationwide study found that one in five teachers who experienced physical or verbal violence at their schools didn't report the incidents to school administrators. The study also showed that significant minorities of teachers who experienced violence also didn't tell their colleagues (14 percent) or family (24 percent).

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateMar 7, 2018

Mapping a genetic risk

Researchers mapped gene expression levels to understand how mutations affect traits, finding non-linear relationships that aren't proportional to the level of mutation. This discovery helps improve prediction accuracy for diseases like cleft lip and palate.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2018

More realistic and accurate organs-on-chips

Researchers created a new type of microfluidic device using collagen-based membranes to mimic the growth of human intestinal cells. The results showed that colon cells grown on the collagen membrane were more viable and differentiated compared to those in other devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 7, 2018

Virtual testing of parts could replace physical tests

A £1 million funded research project at Swansea University is developing virtual qualification for high-value manufacturing. This technology uses 3D X-ray imaging to create digital replicas of components, allowing for the assessment of performance and reduction of human error. The goal is to reduce testing time from weeks to hours.

Mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking -- Journal of Psychiatric Practice presents initial recommendations

A review in Journal of Psychiatric Practice recommends cognitive therapies as a favored approach to addressing trauma symptoms in human trafficking victims. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) shows promise in treating trauma-related distress, with potential benefits including reduced feelings of guilt and shame.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMar 7, 2018