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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 40


Page 40 of 42

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

Genes hold the key to birthweight

A large-scale international collaboration has identified 190 genetic links to birth weight, with two-thirds discovered for the first time. Research found that a baby's genes play a substantial role in determining their birth weight, while also influencing factors in their intrauterine environment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2019