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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 216


Page 216 of 486

Laugh tracks make 'dad jokes' funnier

New evidence suggests that laugh tracks increase the perceived funniness of corny 'dad jokes'. The study found that spontaneous laughter has a greater effect on humor ratings than posed laughter, and this effect holds true for both neurotypical and autistic individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2019

Study finds Nunavik Inuit are genetically unique

A new study has found that the Nunavik Inuit population in Canada's Arctic have a distinct genetic profile, which may predispose them to brain aneurysms. Researchers analyzed the genetic characteristics of 170 Inuit volunteers and identified unique variants correlated with a higher risk of this condition.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

College spending habits may predict when 'adulting' starts

A study found that fourth-year college students with good financial habits were more likely to see themselves as adults five years after graduating. Financial behaviors during this period continued to have a positive impact on emerging adults' adult identity formation, including lower symptoms of depression and higher relationship sati...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJul 22, 2019

Researchers unveil experimental compound to block therapeutic target in blood cancer

Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a hyperactive cell signal contributing to tumor growth in aggressive blood cancer. They developed an experimental therapeutic compound, UNC3810A, that targeted and slowed tumor growth by blocking the hyperactive Tyro3 protein.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Learning to look

Researchers developed an algorithm that can identify a certain type of bacterial viruses called inoviruses, significantly expanding their known diversity. The tool was trained on a reference dataset and combed through over 70,000 microbial and metagenome datasets, ultimately identifying more than 10,000 inovirus-like sequences.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 22, 2019

New, high-resolution images reveal clues to improve anti-nausea drugs for cancer patients

A new study using a cryo-electron microscope provides critical information for developing anti-nausea drugs that are effective against cancer patients' vomiting side effects. The high-resolution images reveal the attachment site of widely-used setron drugs on serotonin receptors, offering insights into how their design might be improved.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2019

Living components

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a system to control the dynamics of energy-consuming DNA structures using an artificial chemical approach. The researchers successfully programmed these dynamic systems, enabling them to adapt to different situations and respond to stimuli faster.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2019

Delay from breast cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy after an operation may shorten survival

A new study published in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that delaying chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery can lead to poorer overall survival. The research found that patients who received postoperative chemotherapy within four months of diagnosis had better survival rates than those whose treatment was delayed.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateJul 22, 2019

Gut microbes may affect the course of ALS

A study published in Nature suggests that certain strains of gut microbes, particularly Akkermansia muciniphila, may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice. The researchers found that supplementing ALS-prone mice with this strain significantly improved their survival and reduced disease symptoms.

Genes linked to death from sepsis ID'd in mice

Scientists at WashU Medicine have found a set of genes that help cells survive exposure to cytokines, which can trigger a deadly cytokine storm. Targeting these genes may lead to new treatments for sepsis, a life-threatening condition that claims 15% of patients despite prompt medical care.

Machine-learning detection of neurodevelopmental disorders

A machine learning algorithm identified altered pupil diameter fluctuations in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders, allowing early detection of developmental disorders. The algorithm distinguished Rett syndrome patients from controls based on heart rate fluctuations, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Evolutionary gene loss may help explain why only humans are prone to heart attacks

Researchers suggest a genetic mutation two to three million years ago led to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in all humans, while also setting up a further risk for red meat-eating humans. Human-like mice modified to lack the CMAH gene showed a significant increase in atherogenesis compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019