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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 465


Page 465 of 512

How hereditary genetic testing results impact breast cancer treatment

A new study found that breast cancer treatment among women who test positive for an inherited genetic mutation is less in line with practice guidelines, particularly for radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The researchers found distinct differences in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments among BRCA-positive patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Discovery of genes involved in infertility

Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered the Meiosin gene, which acts as a control tower to switch on hundreds of genes for germ cell formation. This finding has significant implications for reproductive medicine and infertility treatments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 6, 2020

VA's 'Healthy Teaching Kitchens' benefit from holistic approach

The VA's Healthy Teaching Kitchen program provides interactive nutrition education to older veterans, focusing on holistic approaches to address age-related issues. By incorporating the 5M Care Philosophy framework, the program addresses complex health needs through cooking skills, meal planning, and budgeting.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 6, 2020

East African fish in need of recovery

A study reveals that 70% of East African reefs have depleted fish stocks, affecting food production and reef ecology. Rebuilding fish biomass is key to long-term sustainability.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateFeb 6, 2020

Botanical drug is shown to help patients with head and neck cancers

APG-157, a plant-based drug containing curcumin, was shown to reduce inflammation and attract immune cells to tumor tissues in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancers. The treatment also decreased Bacteroides species and had no adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer·DateFeb 6, 2020

Fat-fighting drug discovery

A University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center-led research team has discovered a cancer-fighting compound that also reduces fat in obese mice. The team found that the compound, G-1, increases energy expenditure and targets brown fat cells, leading to weight loss and improved diabetes symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2020

When kids face discrimination, their mothers' health may suffer

A new study suggests that when children experience discrimination, it can harm their mothers' health, particularly African American mothers. The research analyzed data from two generations of families and found a link between acute and chronic discrimination and a decline in mothers' self-rated health between ages 40 and 50.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 6, 2020

Religious, moral beliefs may exacerbate concerns about porn addiction

A new study suggests that moral and religious beliefs may exacerbate concerns about porn addiction. Researchers found that individuals who morally disapproved of pornography were more likely to report addiction, even with low or average porn use. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider these factors when diagnosing c...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Cancer-causing culprits could be caught by their DNA fingerprints

Researchers have cataloged genetic fingerprints of DNA-damaging processes that drive cancer development, providing clues to how each cancer develops. This list allows scientists to search for previously unknown chemicals and biological pathways responsible for causing cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2020

Palliative Medicine Reports launching spring 2020

The new journal will publish peer-reviewed articles on end-of-life care and relief of suffering, focusing on improving quality of life for patients and their families.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPalliative Medicine Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Alaska's national forests contribute 48 million salmon a year to state's fishing industry

A new study by the USDA Forest Service-led Pacific Northwest Research Station found that Alaska's Tongass and Chugach National Forests produce an average of 48 million salmon annually, worth approximately $88 million. The forest rivers and lakes support the salmon population through various life stages.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·DateFeb 6, 2020

Static electricity as strong as lightning can be saved in a battery

A new technology has been developed to collect and convert static electricity into usable energy, which can be used to power devices such as sensors and calculators. The researchers successfully increased the amount of energy generated by a 'triboelectric nanogenerator' using a nanoimprinting process and poling technique, achieving a c...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 6, 2020

Easter Island society did not collapse prior to European contact, new research shows

A new study challenges the widely-held narrative that Easter Island's construction of monumental platforms and statues ceased in 1600 following a societal collapse. The research found that monument construction began soon after colonization and continued beyond European contact in 1722, with a steady rate of construction events.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 6, 2020

UCLA research could be step toward lab-grown eggs and sperm to treat infertility

UCLA researchers have made a breakthrough in developing lab-grown eggs and sperm for infertility treatment. They discovered that human stem cells can be coaxed into forming germ cells, which are the precursors to egg and sperm cells. The study could pave the way for generating healthy eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

What is your risk from smoking? Your network knows!

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people, smokers and non-smokers alike, were often inaccurate in their answers to questions about smoking's health effects. However, when participants discussed their ideas with others, especially in a networked setting, they became more accurate in their assessments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2020

NASA sees tropical storm Damien form off Australia's Pilbara coast

Tropical Cyclone Damien has formed off the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite providing visible images. The storm is expected to continue intensifying as it tracks west-southwest, with severe impacts forecast for the Pilbara coast on Saturday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 6, 2020

Finding connections at the surface

A team of Thomas Jefferson University researchers identified a specific region on brain-cell receptors that helps dock proteins at synapses, potentially leading to better treatments for chronic pain and other diseases. The discovery opens the door for developing new medical interventions by targeting this docking site.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

Enjoying the view? How computer games can help evaluate landscapes

Geographers from Staffordshire University developed virtual landscape visualizations to assess Welsh countryside quality. Over 70% of respondents were satisfied with the realism and representativeness of these digital landscapes, which could engage younger audiences in landscape assessments.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalApplied Geography·DateFeb 6, 2020

Tropical trees are living time capsules of human history

A new study uses novel methods to analyze tree rings, radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis to uncover past human influences on tropical forests. The research promotes conservation priorities by acknowledging the role of tropical trees in cultural and natural ecosystems.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateFeb 6, 2020

Molecular 'switch' reverses chronic inflammation and aging

Scientists at UC Berkeley have identified a molecular 'switch' that controls chronic inflammation, which can contribute to devastating diseases. Removing a small bit of molecular matter through deacetylation switches off the immune machinery, potentially reversing age-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 6, 2020

Pregnant women in Louisiana at increased risk for homicide

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana are at a higher risk of experiencing a homicide. The research team analyzed vital records data from 2016-17, revealing an estimated rate of 12.9 per 100,000 compared to other causes of maternal death.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 6, 2020

The unchanging viscosity of cells

Scientists from the IPC PAS found that cell viscosity remains constant throughout its life cycle, defying intuitive expectations. This discovery has implications for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly in cancer treatment and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Abnormal bone formation after trauma explained and reversed in mice

Researchers have discovered that heterotopic ossification, a painful complication of trauma, is caused by macrophages sending errant signals to bone-forming stem cells. A new study suggests that targeting TGF-beta expressing macrophages may prevent this abnormal bone formation

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

Artificial evolution of an industry

Researchers found that firms like Fabindia use a specific approach to shape industry futures, transforming key aspects of the landscape. The team mapped Fabindia's evolution over 50 years and identified three major instances where the company successfully transformed its industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalOrganization Science·DateFeb 6, 2020

Hard times are coming: Brain tissue stiffness is crucial for neurogenesis

Researchers defined the proteome of neural stem cell niches and compared it to other brain regions to identify key regulators for neurogenesis. The findings suggest that the unique niche environment allows neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain, and may contribute to the stiffness of neural stem cell niches.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 6, 2020

Sequencing sewage for antimicrobial resistance surveillance

Sequencing sewage could provide a powerful tool for AMR surveillance, offering a diverse and anonymous sample of the population. The authors suggest that such a system could be established globally for under $1 million USD annually, providing valuable insights into AMR spread and other public health concerns.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2020

Engineered living-cell blood vessel provides new insights to progeria

Researchers developed an advanced blood vessel model to study progeria, a devastating genetic disease. The model shows that the endothelium, not just smooth muscle cells, plays a crucial role in progeria symptoms, and dynamic 3D models are necessary to understand its effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 6, 2020

Toxic protein, linked to Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases, exposed in new detail

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's and corticobasal degeneration, finding that modifications to the tau protein influence its misfolding behavior. The study reveals key insights into how tau filaments form, grow, and spread throughout the brain, potentially accelerating the fight against neurodegenerative ...

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalCell·DateFeb 6, 2020

Researchers refute 50-year-old doctrine on cell membrane regulation

A team of researchers has refuted a 50-year-old theory on cell membrane regulation by discovering that the packing density of lipid atoms determines sensor activation. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that sensing membrane fluidity is crucial for adaptability.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

Drones can determine the shape of a room by listening

Researchers developed an algorithm that uses first-order echoes from microphones to reconstruct a room's shape. The method is a theoretical problem but has potential applications in various fields, such as vehicle navigation and sound localization.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry·DateFeb 6, 2020

AOCS Research Awards go to five UMass Amherst food science Ph.D. students

Five UMass Amherst Ph.D. students have received AOCS student awards for their work in functional foods, bioavailability of nutrients and nanotechnology applications in food science. Their research has been recognized as innovative and creative, reflecting the caliber of the university's food science program.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 6, 2020

Design approach may help fix bias in artificial intelligence

Researchers propose incorporating 'feminist design thinking' to develop software reducing algorithmic bias against underrepresented groups in IT workforce. The approach aims to value inclusion and equity across gender, race, and ethnicity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalOnline Information Review·DateFeb 6, 2020

How plants are built to be strong and responsive

Plant researchers have discovered a dual guidance system that enables plants to grow stronger and respond more flexibly to environmental cues. This autonomous system allows cellulose synthase complexes to interact with chemical trails left by other complexes, guiding the arrangement of cellulose fibres.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Scientists reveal whole new world of chemistry by stepping indoors

Researchers from CSU's HOMEChem experiment found sharp spikes in hypochlorous acid and chlorine when mopping floors with bleach, revealing a new world of indoor chemistry. The team also observed interactions between nitrogen and ammonia emissions from cooking with cleaning products.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Tel Aviv university researchers demonstrate optical backflow of light

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have demonstrated the backflow of optical light propagating forward, a phenomenon predicted over 50 years ago. This discovery could aid in probing the atmosphere by emitting laser beams and detecting signals moving backward toward the source.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalOptica·DateFeb 6, 2020

Study takes a stand against prolonged sitting

A UCLA study found that prolonged sitting in classrooms poses significant health risks, including heart disease and obesity. The researchers recommend simple solutions such as hourly stretch breaks, more open classrooms, and adjustable desks to promote movement and reduce health concerns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateFeb 6, 2020

Biomimetic optics: Effective substitute for eyes

Researchers at the University of Tyumen developed biomimetic optics that mimic human eye functions, offering excellent adaptation to changing conditions and miniature sizes. The new optics has advantages over traditional technologies, enabling wider range of functional characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Tyumen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 6, 2020

Literature online: Research into reading habits almost in real time

A new study analyzed reading behavior on the digital platform Wattpad, finding that young people intensely engage with both popular and classic literature, but differ in their interaction styles. The research sheds light on the impact of social media on our understanding of culture and literary habits.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2020

Scientists find common approach to self-organization problem

Researchers have identified a common approach to clustering, a phenomenon that leads to nonequilibrium multiscale assembling in biological systems. The proposed method could simplify studying cluster systems in both natural and artificial objects.

SourceUniversity of Tyumen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 5, 2020

Viruses and cancer -- systematic overview published

A systematic overview of viruses in cancer found HPV and EBV in 19 and 5.5 percent of cancer genomes respectively. The study also identified mechanisms by which viruses trigger carcinogenic mutations in DNA.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 5, 2020

Fruit flies respond to rapid changes in the visual environment

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University discovered a mechanism employed by fruit flies to broaden our understanding of visual perception. The team found that L3 neurons, sensitive to brightness, are active in low-light conditions and play a crucial role in detecting sudden changes in luminance.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 5, 2020