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Science News for November 27, 2018


First calf born following IVF embryo breakthrough

University of Kent researchers have successfully used IVF embryo breakthrough technology to screen for genetic merit and chromosome disorders in cattle. This innovative approach allows for earlier decision-making on the quality of breeding stock and more efficient delivery of genetically screened embryos to farms.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalTheriogenology·DateNov 27, 2018

British Journal of Cancer press notice

Researchers have discovered that dasatinib sensitizes triple negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by targeting breast cancer stem cells. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis found an increased risk of second cancers at sites associated with HPV after a prior HPV-associated malignancy.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateNov 27, 2018

Stigma impairs cognition in men living with HIV

A recent study found a direct link between the amount of stigma men with HIV report experiencing and their scores on cognitive tests, measuring abilities like memory and attention. The researchers suggest that addressing stigma may address cognitive impairment in this population by reducing anxiety and depression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateNov 27, 2018

How water fleas detect predators

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that water fleas detect predator presence through a cocktail of signalling molecules secreted by Chaoborus larvae during digestion. The fleas respond by growing defensive features such as neckteeth and spines, making them harder to consume.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 27, 2018

Fitbits go the distance in running study

A study by La Trobe University found that Fitbits have good-to-excellent reliability for measuring running speeds between 8-14kms/h. The accuracy of the device was also confirmed in a slow motion visual count, with a difference of less than one per cent.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Physical Therapy·DateNov 27, 2018

'Dancing' hyperon in pear-shaped hypernuclei

The study of 'dancing' hyperons in pear-shaped hypernuclei reveals unique behaviors and new insights into fundamental interactions. Researchers found that the hyperon's spatial distribution has a spherical symmetry when occupying the lowest-energy state, shrinking nuclear size and decreasing quadrupole deformation.

The warm and loving tegu lizard becomes a genetic resource

The tegu lizard's genome has been sequenced to an unprecedented level of quality, revealing its ability to regulate its body temperature and potentially threatening native species. The high-quality genome assembly will aid scientists in studying other lizards and snakes, shedding light on their evolutionary history.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateNov 27, 2018

First ancient DNA from mainland Finland reveals origins of Siberian ancestry in region

The study found the earliest evidence of Siberian ancestry in Fennoscandia in a population inhabiting the Kola Peninsula, Russia, dating to around 4,000 years ago. Ancient DNA from Finland reveals that people genetically similar to present-day Saami people inhabited areas in much more southern parts of Finland than the Saami today.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2018

Not just a pretty face: Botulinum toxin shows promise in trials to reduce post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in cardiac surgery patients

Two clinical trials using botulinum toxin injections to suppress post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) showed promising results. Patients who received BTX injections during surgery had a sustained reduction in POAF incidence and overall burden over three years, accompanied by reduced hospitalization needs.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateNov 27, 2018

Keep it complex: Study shows that previous research oversimplified Schizophrenia symptoms

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry proposes a new classification system for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, moving away from the oversimplified two-category approach. This shift aims to improve treatment outcomes by providing more precise measures of symptom severity and guiding the development of targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2018

How antibiotics help spread resistance

Researchers found that certain antibiotics can alter the way bacteria divide and interact with each other, leading to increased competence and the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Biofilms play a crucial role in this process, allowing cells to secrete higher concentrations of a peptide that triggers quorum sensing.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018

Trial of investigational Ebola treatments begins in Democratic Republic of the Congo

A randomized, controlled trial is enrolling patients with confirmed Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo to compare mortality among those receiving three investigational drugs with a control group. The trial aims to establish the safety and efficacy of these treatments in a comprehensive response to combat Ebola.

Early detection of epilepsy in children possible with deep learning computer science technique

Researchers developed a novel classification method combining brain imaging data from MRI and fMRI to recognize patients with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. This approach improved diagnosis accuracy, enabling early detection and treatment, which leads to better health outcomes for children. The study used a dataset of 40 B...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalIET Computer Vision·DateNov 27, 2018

Hacking the aging code: Big data to the rescue

Researchers use big data from medical studies and large biobanks to develop models predicting biological age, aging rate, and potential targets for future anti-aging therapies. The approach also led to the identification of wearable-based biomarkers of aging and frailty.

SourceGero·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateNov 27, 2018

UA researchers help discover genetic factor that can help or hurt risk for heart disease

A team of UA researchers discovered a previously unknown genetic effect that can raise or reduce the risk of coronary artery disease or ischemic stroke. People with the beneficial version of the genetic factor have less inflammatory cells lining their blood vessels, making them more resistant to building up plaque.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2018

Why screen time can disrupt sleep

Salk scientists discovered that melanopsin cells, responsible for regulating consciousness and sleep, respond to prolonged illumination, but can become desensitized. The study may lead to new treatments for migraines, insomnia, jet lag and circadian rhythm disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018