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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 3


Page 3 of 37

Can we teach heart cells to grow up?

Researchers have identified serum response factor (SRF) as a critical regulator of cardiomyocyte maturation. SRF plays a key role in organizing contractile structures and regulating gene expression, but its level affects cell maturity. The study provides new insights into heart muscle development and regeneration.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2018

Silver fox study reveals genetic clues to social behavior

A new Cornell University-led study has identified genes that were altered in tame animals in two areas of the brain involved with learning and memory. Genes impacting serotonergic and glutaminergic neurons, important for learning and memory, were clearly affected by selection toward tameness.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

Certain reflux and ulcer medications linked with bone fractures in dialysis patients

A new study finds that proton pump inhibitors are associated with a 19% higher risk of hip fractures in dialysis patients, regardless of usage level. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not linked to increased fracture risk. The findings highlight the need for individualized assessment and caution in PPI use among hemodialysis patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 27, 2018

UBC study: Publicizing a firm's security levels may strengthen security over time

A new UBC study found that publicizing a firm's security levels can lead to reduced spam and strengthened security over time. The research quantified the security levels of over 1,200 Pan-Asian companies, revealing that firms were more likely to prioritize security improvements when cyberattacks were less likely to directly harm them.

Skin is a battlefield for mutations

Researchers have discovered that mutant skin cells in humans compete with each other for survival, leading to only the fittest mutants progressing to form cancer. This study reveals that normal human skin is more resilient to cancer than previously thought, and can function normally despite a battle between mutated cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 27, 2018

The brain diet

Researchers found a relationship between high FGF23 levels and structural compromise in the brain, particularly in the frontal lobes, which control learning and complex cognitive functions. Elevated FGF23 levels were also associated with increased disconnection in the brain, indicating problems with brain health in those areas.

In the battle of cats vs. rats, the rats are winning

Researchers monitored microchipped rats in the presence of feral cats, finding that rats avoided cats and spent more time in burrows, contradicting popular opinion about cat-rat interactions. The study adds to growing evidence that releasing cats to control city rats is outweighed by threats to urban wildlife.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateSep 27, 2018

New gene variants associated with chronic back pain

Researchers have discovered three genetic variants associated with chronic back pain, which may provide clues for understanding its occurrence. The study found that these variants are linked to genes controlling skeletal development and spinal cord function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 27, 2018

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity

A simple measurement of abdominal obesity index (ABOI) has been developed to determine central obesity, focusing on abdominal fat content rather than total body weight or shape. ABOI can be calculated by measuring abdominal circumference and chest circumference, providing a more accurate assessment of abdominal obesity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Nutrition Journal·DateSep 27, 2018

Vampire bats found to carry infectious bacteria at high rates

A study found that 67% of vampire bats in Belize and Peru are infected with Bartonella bacteria, which can cause endocarditis. The research suggests transmission may occur through bites or environmental contamination, highlighting the risk of cross-species transmission.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 27, 2018