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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 24


Page 24 of 37

Gut microbes from healthy infants block milk allergy development in mice

A new study suggests that gut microbes from healthy human infant donors can protect against the development of cow's milk allergy in mice. The research found that transplanting these microbes into mice exposed to milk prevented allergic reactions, while those with microbes from infants allergic to milk did not experience protection.

New research from Barnard president Sian Beilock helps students excel on science exams

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that brief pre-exam de-stressing strategies can reduce performance gaps between lower-income and higher-income students. The interventions, which included expressive writing and reappraisal, improved exam scores and course-passing rates for lower-incom...

SourceBarnard College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Wild insects 'get old' before they die

Researchers studied wild crickets for ten years and found that those who invested more in reproduction showed signs of aging, including reduced chirping and increased fighting losses. The study suggests that aging may be driven by energy allocation towards reproduction rather than decline, challenging the idea that aging is inevitable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolution·DateJan 14, 2019

Step forward in understanding human feet

A study by the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland reveals that plantar intrinsic muscles have a minimal impact on supporting the arch of the human foot during walking and running. However, these muscles are crucial for propelling forward motion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

ZIP code or genetic code?

Researchers used a massive insurance database to analyze the effects of genes and environment in 560 common conditions among over 56,000 twin pairs. The study found that nearly 40% of diseases had a genetic component, while 25% were driven by environmental factors.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 14, 2019

In breast-cancer prevention, race matters

A new study found that African-American women are less likely than white women to pursue potentially life-saving preventive care due to racial disparities in healthcare. High-risk black women were also less aware of their options and at a disadvantage when it came to getting access to information about prevention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEthnicity and Health·DateJan 14, 2019

Fort McMurray homes have normal levels of indoor toxins, U of T Engineering study reveals

A University of Toronto Engineering study found that dust in Fort McMurray homes contained normal levels of contaminants comparable to Canadian homes. The team collected dust from over 60 homes and reported lower levels of toxic substances than health guidelines, with some chemicals even higher in Toronto homes.

Pain and substance abuse interact in a vicious cycle

Research finds that experiencing pain can motivate individuals to use substances and make it harder to quit, resulting in a positive feedback loop that maintains both conditions. Clinicians should assess patients for chronic pain and address it during treatment to help them manage withdrawal and develop healthier coping strategies.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology·DateJan 14, 2019

TGF-beta pathway protects against uterine cancer

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that the TGF-beta signaling pathway acts as a tumor-suppressor mechanism in the uterus, preventing endometrial overgrowth and transformation into cancer cells. This finding suggests potential new treatments for uterine cancer patients.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Demi Lovato's overdose causes surge in media, but few mentions of lifesaving hotline

A new study found that despite high engagement with media coverage of Demi Lovato's overdose, few Americans mentioned the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline. The study analyzed news reports, tweets, and searches following Lovato's hospitalization in 2018 and Anthony Bourdain's suicide i...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2019

UCI/JPL study: Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago

A UCI/JPL study found Antarctica losing six times more ice mass annually now than 40 years ago, resulting in a half-inch rise in global sea levels. The accelerated melting is attributed to climate change and warm ocean water, with East Antarctica contributing significantly to the total ice mass loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Genetic risk for atypical heart attack in women identified

A new study has found a genetic factor on chromosome 6 that increases the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and atypical form of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The genetic variant, known as rs9349379, is also associated with a small protective effect from classic heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

The duration and quality of sleep is of vital importance in cardiovascular health

The study found that participants who slept less than six hours were 27% more likely to have atherosclerosis compared to those who slept seven to eight hours. Poor quality sleep also increased the risk of atherosclerosis, with participants waking during the night or experiencing frequent movements during sleep being at higher risk.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 14, 2019

Anticancer drug candidate inhibits lethal aggregation of mutant tumor suppressor protein

Researchers discovered that PRIMA-1 reverses mutant p53 aggregate accumulation, leading to the restoration of native protein function. The compound's potential as an anticancer drug is highlighted by its phase II clinical trials and positive results in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines.