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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 44

Shedding light on a cyclic molecule with a twist

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a Möbius aromatic molecule that exhibits strong antiaromatic properties when exposed to light. The twist in the molecule's structure allows for high energy levels and magnetism, which could be utilized in eco-friendly organic devices such as solar cells and electroluminescent elements.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 14, 2018

Memory transferred between snails

A study published in eNeuro demonstrates that memories can be transferred between organisms by extracting ribonucleic acid (RNA) from a trained animal and injecting it into an untrained animal. This finding provides new clues in the search for the physical basis of memory.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 14, 2018

Identifying PTSD could be affected under proposed changes to global diagnostic tool

An international study found that proposed changes to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) could lead to a 57% reduction in moderate PTSD diagnoses. The study examined almost 4,000 individuals from six countries and showed that severe PTSD cases increased by up to 36%, while moderate cases decreased by more than half.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 14, 2018

Gender discrimination results in the deaths of extra 239,000 girls per year in India

A new study reveals that India experiences an average of 239,000 excess female child mortality annually, primarily in rural areas with lower education and socioeconomic development. The researchers argue that addressing gender discrimination is crucial to reducing mortality rates among girls under five.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateMay 14, 2018

New 'Scoring' System for Advanced Colorectal Cancer

A new 'scoring' system developed by Johns Hopkins Medicine enhances the prediction of survival in people with colorectal cancers that have spread to the liver. The system includes traditional Fong indicators plus genetic and morphological evaluation (GAME) factors, which outperform the existing Fong system in predicting patient outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBJS·DateMay 14, 2018

Scientists discover a variation of the genome predisposing to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that inheriting a variation in the PM20D1 gene increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, making it an excellent candidate for clinical prevention trials. The study highlights the importance of international scientific collaboration and multidisciplinary research to tackle complex diseases like dementia.

Plant peptide spells relief from salty stress

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered a hormone-like peptide in plants that increases their resistance to excessive salt. The peptide, AT13, enhances salinity stress tolerance and can be applied as a natural supplement for crops growing in high-salt conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Scientists in Russia and Singapore investigate inorganic biomaterials with antimicrobial properties

Researchers from Lobachevsky University and Nanyang Technological University have developed a new method for obtaining bismuth-containing apatite, a material with antimicrobial properties. The team used solid-phase synthesis and thermodynamic modeling to study the compound's crystal structure and behavior under operating conditions.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMay 14, 2018

Using MRSA's strength against it

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified how MRSA absorbs human fatty acids to resist antimicrobials, providing a new target for developing more effective treatments. By inhibiting the cell membrane's ability to produce lipids, scientists may improve the efficacy of existing antibacterial agents like triclosan.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMay 14, 2018

Nouns slow down our speech

Researchers found that nouns slow down speech more frequently than verbs, indicating difficulties with planning noun utterances. This discovery has implications for understanding human language processing and suggests universal long-term effects on grammar evolution.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Cystitis treatment: Back to the 1950s

A recent study found that one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics does not meet expected success rates, while another is as effective as newer drugs. The study suggests re-evaluating old antibiotics against modern standards to ensure patient well-being and restrict newer antibiotic use.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJAMA·DateMay 14, 2018