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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 322


Page 322 of 486

Risk of deaths among incarcerated youth by suicide on the rise

A new study found that incarcerated youth are at an increased risk for suicidal behavior, with rates reported to be 2-to-3 times higher than those in the general population. Key risk factors such as history of mental health conditions and substance use were not significantly different between groups.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2019

Tumor cells' drug addiction may be their downfall

Cancer cells' acquired resistance to anti-cancer drugs can be exploited as an Achilles heel, according to research that shows removing a MEK1/2 inhibitor drug causes reversal of drug resistance in colon cancer cell populations. This finding may inform decisions about intermittent use rather than continuous exposure.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2019

Pluripotency or differentiation -- That is the question

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discover key molecules in the cell nucleus that orchestrate paraspeckles formation, a structure linked to ALS progression. The discovery provides new insights into pluripotency and differentiation processes, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and therapeutic strategies for ALS.

Researchers find gene for urethral obstruction

A team of researchers has identified the first gene associated with LUTO, a rare condition causing urinary tract obstruction in boys. The study found that variants of the BNC2 gene are linked to the disease, which can lead to kidney damage and other complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Medical costs create hardships for more than half of Americans

A new study by American Cancer Society researchers finds that more than half of Americans experience medical financial hardship, with 56.0% of adults reporting at least one domain of hardship. The study estimates that 137.1 million adults in the US suffer from this issue, which can lead to delays in care, distress, and economic hardship.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 2, 2019

How could a changing climate affect human fertility?

A study found that climate change may lead to increased fertility due to reduced resources for education, as people allocate time and money for child-rearing. The researchers used a quantitative model to examine the economic channels through which climate change affects fertility, finding that it worsens inequalities in richer countries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

ESA tipsheet for May 6, 2019

A study reveals that nearly half of protected areas face staffing shortages, affecting conservation progress. Meanwhile, researchers identify remote high-elevation areas with ancient trees in China. Fuel breaks aim to prevent wildfires but may create new problems, such as altering predator migration routes.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019

Researchers crack the peanut genome

The study provides a reference framework for breeding and improvement of the peanut crop, revealing the origin of peanut in South America and genetic mechanisms that generated diversity. The team mapped the entire peanut genome, identifying key traits like seed size and disease resistance.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 2, 2019

Bronx river turtles get a check-up

A team of scientists conducted a comprehensive health evaluation on Bronx River turtles, discovering the presence of various environmental contaminants, including PCBs, heavy metals, viruses, and bacteria. The study established a baseline for future comparisons, expanding knowledge of turtle health markers and ecosystems.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateMay 2, 2019

Spider venom is a dangerous cocktail

Researchers at the University of Bern studied spider venom from the Cupiennius salei species, discovering a dual prey-inactivation strategy involving neurotoxins and metabolic pathways. This complex effect mechanism attacks an organism's muscles, nervous system, and internal homeostasis, causing paralysis, pain, and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalToxins·DateMay 2, 2019