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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 73


Page 73 of 486

'Big data' for life sciences

A new co-regulation map of the human proteome has been created, enabling the prediction and assignment of functions to uncharacterized human proteins. The map reveals unexpected partnerships between proteins, including peroxisomal membrane protein PEX11β with mitochondrial respiration factors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 5, 2019

Gene-OFF switches tool up synthetic biology

Researchers developed programmable repressor elements that can switch off protein production in response to specific stimuli, enabling sophisticated diagnostic, environmental and biofabrication approaches. The new tools have the potential to improve applications in next-generation diagnostics, environmental reporting and biomanufacturing.

Increased risk of suicide for teens who visit emergency for self-harm

Youth who self-harmed were five times more likely to have repeat visits to the emergency department and eight times more likely to die from suicide than their non-self-harming peers. Serious mental conditions, including anxiety and substance abuse issues, were common among adolescents with recurrent self-harm hospitalizations.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 4, 2019

Teens who visit the emergency department for self-harm at increased risk of suicide, repeated self harm

A recent study found that teens who visit emergency departments for self-harm are five times more likely to have repeat visits and three times more likely to die from any cause compared to non-self-harming youth. The study also reveals that these adolescents incur significantly higher health costs over the following five years.

New approach uses light to stabilize proteins for study

Researchers developed a new technique using light to stabilize proteins for study, allowing scientists to observe how specific proteins contribute to health, development, and disease. The method, called GLIMPSe, involves attaching a short peptide sequence that signals the cell to degrade the protein, which can be controlled using light.

What factors predict success?

A large-scale study of over 11,000 West Point cadets reveals that both cognitive and non-cognitive factors predict success outcomes. Grit is crucial during Beast Barracks, while cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of academic grades in the classroom. Physical ability also plays a key role in determining graduation rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Study of African animals illuminates links between environment, diet and gut microbiome

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 1,000 African herbivores to understand the relationship between diet, environment, and gut microbiome. They found that closely related species had similar microbiomes and diets, while domesticated animals like cattle had more sensitive seasonal changes in their microbiomes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

Scientists probe the limits of ice

Researchers found that the transition between ice and water breaks down at the nanoscale, with clusters oscillating between solid and liquid states. The study provides new insights into the conditions necessary for ice formation and has implications for understanding climate regulation and life viability.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019