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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 1 of 40

New research looks at type 1 diabetes and changes in the environment

New research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that changes in the environment may contribute to the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes. The study examined various environmental exposures and found that none of the associations were strong enough to explain the rapid increase alone.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 31, 2020

Simplifying simple sequence repeats

A recent study by Dr. Mark Chapman optimizes protocols for identifying simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in genomic and transcriptomic data, increasing efficiency in microsatellite discovery. The research found that small assemblies of two million read pairs can generate sufficient markers for basic population genetic studies.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJan 31, 2020

Lung cancer screening decision aid delivered through tobacco quitlines improves informed decision-making

A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shows that a lung cancer screening decision aid delivered through tobacco quitlines effectively reaches a screening-eligible population and results in informed decisions about lung cancer screening. The decision aid, which explains eligibility, risks, and benefits, encoura...

Phantom genes keep diabetes at bay

A recent study published in Nature Communications discovered that a specific Long noncoding RNA called LincIRS2 is essential for maintaining healthy metabolism. Mice lacking this gene developed metabolic complications, while those with activated LincIRS2 maintained normal blood sugar levels even in obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Renewed funding for Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network at UNC-Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has secured renewed funding for the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN), a flagship program for preventing and controlling chronic diseases. Researchers from eight institutions will collaborate to produce research on implementing evidence-based approaches to reduce canc...

Low-dose metronomic cyclophosphamide complements the actions of an intratumoral C-class CpG TLR9 agonist to potentiate innate immunity and drive potent T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses

Intratumoral SD-101 injection complements low-dose cyclophosphamide in boosting innate immunity and driving potent T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. This combination therapy improves efficacy against non-injected tumors and long-term survival, even in large tumors.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJan 31, 2020

Safe potassium-ion batteries

Researchers create a novel, flame-retardant electrolyte for potassium and potassium-ion batteries, enabling safe operation at reduced concentrations. The new electrolyte allows for stable cycling of batteries with concentrations suitable for large-scale applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 31, 2020

Horseback riding combined with cognitive exercises can help children with ADHD and autism spectrum

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that a program combining horseback riding and cognitive training improved motor skills, behavior, and academic performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The program showed promise for improving the lives of young people with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJan 31, 2020

Yale researchers identify protein that could help neutralize deadly bite of the tsetse fly

Researchers at Yale School of Public Health have identified a new family of surface proteins, Fam10, which are uniquely associated with infectious metacyclic parasites transmitted by the tsetse fly. Vaccination with one member of this family significantly reduced parasitemia in mice, making Fam10 proteins promising vaccine candidates.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2020

Exploring strangeness and the primordial Universe

Dr Johann Rafelski reviews decades of work on quark-gluon plasma, exploring strangeness production and discovery methods. He highlights the evolution of understanding this primordial material, which once filled the Universe, and the ongoing experimental efforts to recreate it.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Techniques and Instrumentation·DateJan 31, 2020

Discovery takes pressure off blood measurements

Researchers at Monash University developed a wearable device using continuous wave radar and photoplethysmogram sensors to calculate continuous blood pressure measurements. The device achieved high accuracy rates, with 93% success during sedentary tasks and 83% during exercises.

SourceMonash University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 31, 2020

Could resetting our internal clocks help control diabetes?

Disturbances in the internal clocks of pancreatic cells are linked to type-2 diabetes. Researchers successfully restored clock function using a natural compound, improving insulin secretion and providing new hope for diabetes care. The study shows that synchronizing the internal clocks can help regulate blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2020