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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

Vanilla makes milk beverages seem sweeter

Researchers at Penn State used vanilla to reduce sugar content in flavored milk, finding that participants perceived the beverage as significantly sweeter. The study aims to develop a reduced-sugar chocolate milk for the National School Lunch Program.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 20, 2019

Spiders risk everything for love

A study published in Behavioural Processes found that wolf spider's display of courtship behavior can make them an easy target for birds. Females prioritize males with symmetrical tufts on their forelegs and robust leg fur, which indicate overall health and immune competence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBehavioural Processes·DateJun 20, 2019

Study: Phenols in cocoa bean shells may reverse obesity-related problems in mouse cells

Scientists at the University of Illinois found that three phenolic compounds in cocoa bean shells can repair damaged mitochondria, block inflammation, and restore insulin sensitivity in white fat cells. The study suggests that consuming these compounds could prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJun 20, 2019

Bats' brains sync when they socialize

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered synchronized brain activity in Egyptian fruit bats during social behaviors like grooming, fighting, or sniffing. The finding opens the door to future studies on how brains process social interactions and has potential implications for understanding diseases affecting social behavior.

B chromosome first -- mechanisms behind the drive of B chromosomes uncovered

Scientists from Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research identified a B chromosome-specific repeat and asymmetric spindle as key mechanisms behind the drive of B chromosomes. The study reveals that over 93% of B chromosomes accumulate in generative sperm nuclei, providing new insights into chromosome drive.

Pigs help scientists understand human brain

Researchers have used a new imaging method to analyze brain activity in live pigs, discovering that pig brains are better platforms for studying human neurological conditions. The study suggests a promising approach to determining biomarkers or brain signatures that lead to CTE diagnosis while patients are still alive.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateJun 20, 2019

Researchers find link between exposure to world trade center dust and prostate cancer

A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that World Trade Center responders with prostate cancer exhibited chronic inflammation in their prostates, which may have contributed to their cancer. The researchers suggest that this link could lead to the development of anti-inflammatory therapies for similar cases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJun 20, 2019

How bacteria kill host cells from the inside

Researchers found that extracellular pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter host cells and induce cell lysis through the type III secretion system. The study reveals a new mechanism of bacterial killing in macrophages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 20, 2019

Making systems robust

ETH Zurich scientists create synthetic biology approach to make biotechnological production processes more efficient and regulate hormonal activity through cell therapy. They successfully control bacteria's growth rate despite disruptions, paving the way for applications in medicine, including cancer immunotherapy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

Sugar industry's use of dietitians to influence dental professionals, 1974-1978

The Regional Nutritional Information Program was a key component of the U.S. Sugar Association's public relations campaign, designed to promote sugar's safety and benefits in a balanced diet. The program involved dietitians hosting workshops, influencing dental professionals' attitudes towards sugar, and shaping oral health messages.

Family and community central to recovery among Sierra Leone's former child soldiers

A 15-year study tracking former child soldiers in Sierra Leone reveals that earning acceptance from families and communities is crucial for their mental health and social integration. The research highlights the importance of addressing stigma and improving social supports to help these individuals recover from childhood trauma.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 19, 2019

Simple scan could direct treatments for angina

A 40-minute MRI scan has been shown to guide treatment decisions for patients with angina, resulting in fewer hospital stays and procedures. The MR-INFORM trial found similar patient outcomes between those who received the standard invasive angiography and those whose treatment was dictated by their MRI scan.