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Yale University


Advent of geoengineering may help lower temperature of debate over climate change

A new study found that learning about geoengineering increased open-mindedness toward climate change evidence and reduced polarization. Participants who learned about geoengineering showed more agreement on the significance of such evidence, compared to those who received information on carbon-emission limits.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateFeb 10, 2015

Fossil ankles indicate Earth's earliest primates lived in trees

Researchers found evidence of arboreality playing a key role in primate evolution, suggesting subtle changes allowed for easier navigation and better access to food in the trees. The discovery challenges traditional textbook illustrations and provides the oldest fossil evidence to date for this concept.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Broad immune response may be needed to destroy latent HIV

A team of Yale and Johns Hopkins researchers identified a strategy to stimulate killer T cells to target and destroy infected cells harboring dormant viruses. The study suggests that directing CTL responses to unaltered pieces of virus may be the future direction for developing a therapeutic vaccine to clear HIV.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 7, 2015

Cold virus replicates better at cooler temperatures

Researchers found that the common cold virus, rhinovirus, replicates more efficiently in cooler temperatures, such as inside the nose. The study suggests that lower body temperature impairs the innate immune response to the virus, making it easier for the virus to replicate.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2015

Nature, nurture and time

A new study reveals that genetic factors influencing obesity vary depending on the era of birth and when the research is conducted. Researchers found a stronger association between the FTO gene variant and obesity for individuals born after 1942 compared to those born before 1942.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014

Occasional heroin use may worsen HIV infection

Research suggests that occasional heroin use among HIV-positive patients can lead to lower CD4 cell counts, indicating a weakened immune system. This preliminary study found that intermittent heroin users had lower CD4 counts compared to those who consistently abused the drug.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateDec 15, 2014

Even the perceived risk of disease prompts intention to act

A nationwide survey of American adults reveals that healthy individuals react strongly to hypothetical genetic risk information, wanting to take various actions such as seeking information and managing risk. The study's findings suggest that the experience of living between health and disease is not limited to those already patients.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateDec 5, 2014

Siblings of children with autism can show signs at 18 months

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers has found that about 20% of younger siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will develop the condition by age 3. The study identified specific social-communicative behaviors at 18 months that distinguish infants with ASD from their peers.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2014

Reversing the effects of pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a microRNA mimic, miR-29, that can reverse the effects of pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models. The treatment uses intravenous delivery and has shown sustained effects on lung tissue. Further studies are needed to evaluate its therapeutic potential for human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

SourceYale University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 22, 2014

Brain injuries no match for sPIF treatment

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found a synthetic molecule called PreImplantation Factor (sPIF) that protects against neuronal death and brain injury. The study suggests that sPIF mitigates brain damage through a novel pathway, potentially treating perinatal brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2014

Yale study identifies possible bacterial drivers of IBD

Researchers at Yale University have identified a handful of bacteria that may drive inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The study found a correlation between high levels of an antibody coating on the surface of these bacteria and inflammatory responses in the human intestine.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateAug 28, 2014