Sunday, October 31, 2021

COVID vaccines five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, study finds

COVID vaccines are five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, according to new research. The study was conducted by CDC's VISION Network which gathered data from more than 201,000 hospitalizations in nine different states.

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COVID vaccines five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, study finds

COVID vaccines are five times more effective at preventing COVID-related hospitalization than prior infection alone, according to new research. The study was conducted by CDC's VISION Network which gathered data from more than 201,000 hospitalizations in nine different states.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3wf3Nyp

Towards straintronics: Guiding excitons in 2D materials

Physicists have made an advancement in the study of excitons -- electrically neutral quasiparticles that exist in insulators, semi-conductors and some liquids. The researchers are announcing the creation of an 'excitonic' wire, or one-dimensional channel for excitons. This in turn could result in innovative devices that could one day replace certain tasks that are now performed by standard transistor technology.

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Is it worth trying to sway the most staunch climate deniers?

A researcher surveyed 645 Americans about their beliefs on climate change -- whether or not those beliefs are informed by fact or fiction -- to assess their communication behaviors about climate change.

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Is it worth trying to sway the most staunch climate deniers?

A researcher surveyed 645 Americans about their beliefs on climate change -- whether or not those beliefs are informed by fact or fiction -- to assess their communication behaviors about climate change.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3mv5GDL

New study shows environmental and social factors contribute to higher rates of pneumonia in children

A new study demonstrates that children who are exposed to a certain type of environmental air pollution are more likely to contract community acquired pneumonia, or CAP, and to be hospitalized for longer periods of time. Social factors, including race and socioeconomic status, were also found to be associated with living in high-risk areas for CAP.

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New study shows environmental and social factors contribute to higher rates of pneumonia in children

A new study demonstrates that children who are exposed to a certain type of environmental air pollution are more likely to contract community acquired pneumonia, or CAP, and to be hospitalized for longer periods of time. Social factors, including race and socioeconomic status, were also found to be associated with living in high-risk areas for CAP.

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Dopamine’s many roles, explained

Studying fruit flies, researchers ask how a single brain chemical can orchestrate diverse functions such as learning, motivation and movement.

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How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system

Prior infections appear to shield enteric neurons, preventing these key components of the body's 'second brain' from dying off when future pathogens strike.

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Dopamine’s many roles, explained

Studying fruit flies, researchers ask how a single brain chemical can orchestrate diverse functions such as learning, motivation and movement.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Czdwl8

How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system

Prior infections appear to shield enteric neurons, preventing these key components of the body's 'second brain' from dying off when future pathogens strike.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Y10ZrM

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated the first experimental cross-sectional medical image that doesn't require tomography, a mathematical process used to reconstruct images in CT and PET scans. The work could lead to cheaper, easier and more accurate medical imaging.

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Solving complex learning tasks in brain-inspired computers

Spiking neural networks, which mimic the structure and function of a natural nervous system, are powerful, fast, and energy-efficient. One key challenge is how to train such complex systems. An interdisciplinary research team has now developed and successfully implemented an algorithm that achieves such training. It can be used to train spiking neural networks to solve complex tasks with extreme energy efficiency.

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Engineers develop better method for cleaning up orbiting space junk

Mechanical engineers have discovered a method of manipulating orbiting space debris with the use of spinning magnets, allowing agencies more dexterous movement in clearing out space junk or repairing satellites.

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Detector advance could lead to cheaper, easier medical scans

Researchers have demonstrated the first experimental cross-sectional medical image that doesn't require tomography, a mathematical process used to reconstruct images in CT and PET scans. The work could lead to cheaper, easier and more accurate medical imaging.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3GG29uu

Friday, October 29, 2021

High availability of fast-food restaurants across all US neighborhood types linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes

A new nationwide study suggests that living in neighborhoods with higher availability of fast-food outlets across all regions of the United States is associated with higher subsequent risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Drones show promise in speeding up communication with underwater robots for ocean surveys

Researchers have investigated the performance capability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a communication platform with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for ocean and seafloor monitoring research. Studies suggest that UAVs exhibit suitable communication performance for underwater measurement up to approximately 1 km from the shore, owing to their operation speed, robust hovering control, and stability against sea-surface sway. Further studies are necessary for more complicated applications.

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High availability of fast-food restaurants across all US neighborhood types linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes

A new nationwide study suggests that living in neighborhoods with higher availability of fast-food outlets across all regions of the United States is associated with higher subsequent risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2ZwlBIQ

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Feedback, goal-setting improve attention

For individuals to sustain their attention on a task over a long period of time, goal-setting is effective but receiving feedback produces a much stronger effect, according to a new study.

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After California’s 3rd-largest wildfire, deer returned home while trees were ‘still smoldering’

While many animals have adapted to live with wildfires of the past -- which were smaller, more frequent and kept ecosystems in balance across the West -- it's unclear to scientists how animals are coping with today's unprecedented megafires. A team of researchers tracked a population of black-tailed deer before, during and after the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and found that most of the deer returned home within hours of the fire, while trees were still smoldering.

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Cleveland Clinic study links gut microbiome and aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers have shown for the first time that diet-associated molecules in the gut are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, suggesting dietary interventions may help reduce risk. While more research will be necessary, the study's lead author says findings from the team's analysis of nearly 700 patients may have clinical implications for diagnosing and preventing lethal prostate cancer.

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Best water treading technique to prevent drowning

Unless you're a water-polo player, the 'egg-beater' technique may mean little to you. But new research has found it may be the most effective skill you can learn to prevent drowning.

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Stacking the deck: Layers of crystalline nanosheets enable tunable electronic properties

Researchers have obtained and characterized two-dimensional (2D) boron monosulfide (BS) nanosheets. The bandgap energy of a single BS nanosheet was greater than that of the bulk material from which it came. As additional 2D layers were stacked, the bandgap energy eventually decreased to that of the bulk material. This result reflected the tunable electronic properties of BS nanosheets, which are suitable for electronic devices and photocatalytic applications.

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New study solves energy storage and supply puzzle

Researchers have found a simple and affordable method to determine which chemicals and types of metals are best used to store and supply energy, in a breakthrough for any battery-run devices and technologies reliant on the fast and reliable supply of electricity, including smart phones and tablets.

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These hips don’t lie: 3D imaging of a pelvis suggests social care for saber-tooths

A new study reveals saber-toothed cats suffered from hip dysplasia, an affliction common in pet cats and dogs, and points to supportive social structures for Smilodon.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3BrfaUJ

Increased cognitive demands offset low-back exoskeleton advantages, research finds

In manufacturing, work-related lower-back injuries from lifting and handling heavy objects account for approximately $100 billion in medical bills annually in the United States, according to new data. Although novel ergonomic interventions such as industrial exoskeletons have shown promise in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, new research finds that the cognitive fit (where the wearer has ample mental resources available to accurately operate the exoskeleton while conducting their daily work tasks) of such wearable robotic solutions in the workplace may impose newer risks on workers.

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Feedback, goal-setting improve attention

For individuals to sustain their attention on a task over a long period of time, goal-setting is effective but receiving feedback produces a much stronger effect, according to a new study.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vTZcBf

Cleveland Clinic study links gut microbiome and aggressive prostate cancer

Researchers have shown for the first time that diet-associated molecules in the gut are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, suggesting dietary interventions may help reduce risk. While more research will be necessary, the study's lead author says findings from the team's analysis of nearly 700 patients may have clinical implications for diagnosing and preventing lethal prostate cancer.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3Gx5fR5

Nurses as parents exemplify link between poor sleep and daily stress

A new article details how nurses who also are parents might be more susceptible than other groups to daily stress aggravated by poor sleep.

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How two people controlled HIV after stopping treatment

Research has identified two distinct ways that people with HIV can control the virus for an extended period after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART) under medical supervision. This information could inform efforts to develop new tools to help people with HIV put the virus into remission without taking lifelong medication, which can have long-term side-effects.

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Creating a new 'toehold' for RNA therapeutics, cell therapies, and diagnostics

Synthetic biologists have developed eToeholds -- small versatile devices built into RNA that enable expression of a linked protein-encoding sequence only when a cell-specific or viral RNA is present. eToehold devices open up multiple opportunities for more targeted types of RNA therapy, in vitro cell and tissue engineering approaches, and the sensing of diverse biological threats in humans and other higher organisms.

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Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers have designed a way to selectively turn on gene expression in target cells, including human cells. Their technology can detect specific mRNA sequences, which triggers production of a specific protein.

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Long-lived proteins in mitochondria of brain stabilize protein complexes

Scientists have taken a closer look at how mitochondria are maintained in nondividing cells, such as neurons, with the ultimate goal of developing a better understanding of how to prevent or treat age-related diseases.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3biaXIv

Best water treading technique to prevent drowning

Unless you're a water-polo player, the 'egg-beater' technique may mean little to you. But new research has found it may be the most effective skill you can learn to prevent drowning.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3118QGS

These hips don’t lie: 3D imaging of a pelvis suggests social care for saber-tooths

A new study reveals saber-toothed cats suffered from hip dysplasia, an affliction common in pet cats and dogs, and points to supportive social structures for Smilodon.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3BrfaUJ

Nurses as parents exemplify link between poor sleep and daily stress

A new article details how nurses who also are parents might be more susceptible than other groups to daily stress aggravated by poor sleep.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pLeZkV

How two people controlled HIV after stopping treatment

Research has identified two distinct ways that people with HIV can control the virus for an extended period after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART) under medical supervision. This information could inform efforts to develop new tools to help people with HIV put the virus into remission without taking lifelong medication, which can have long-term side-effects.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3bhQoM6

Engineers devise a way to selectively turn on RNA therapies in human cells

Researchers have designed a way to selectively turn on gene expression in target cells, including human cells. Their technology can detect specific mRNA sequences, which triggers production of a specific protein.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vWh2Uw

Long-lived proteins in mitochondria of brain stabilize protein complexes

Scientists have taken a closer look at how mitochondria are maintained in nondividing cells, such as neurons, with the ultimate goal of developing a better understanding of how to prevent or treat age-related diseases.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3biaXIv

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Cancer cells change shape, how they move to invade different types of tissue

Research has shed new light on the way malignant cells change their shape and migration techniques to invade different types of tissue.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Zz0HJv

Optimal concentrations of enzymes and their substrates

Biological cells invest much of their resources into the production of enzymes, which catalyze the conversion of substrates into products. An international team of bioinformaticians and biophysicists discovered that these processes are most efficient at a certain relationship between the intracellular enzyme and substrate concentrations.

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Flexible device could treat hearing loss without batteries

Some people are born with hearing loss, while others acquire it with age, infections or long-term noise exposures. In many instances, the tiny hairs in the inner ear's cochlea that allow the brain to recognize electrical pulses as sound are damaged. As a step toward an advanced artificial cochlea, researchers report a conductive membrane, which translated sound waves into matching electrical signals when implanted inside a model ear, without requiring external power.

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Astronomers discover massive galaxy 'shipyard' in the distant universe

Astronomers have discovered a structure thought to be a 'protocluster' of galaxies on its way to developing into a galaxy supercluster. Observations show the protocluster, which is located 11 billion light-years from Earth, as it appeared when the universe was 3 billion years old, when stars were produced at higher rates in certain regions of the cosmos.

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Flexible device could treat hearing loss without batteries

Some people are born with hearing loss, while others acquire it with age, infections or long-term noise exposures. In many instances, the tiny hairs in the inner ear's cochlea that allow the brain to recognize electrical pulses as sound are damaged. As a step toward an advanced artificial cochlea, researchers report a conductive membrane, which translated sound waves into matching electrical signals when implanted inside a model ear, without requiring external power.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vSIhiD

New computer modeling could boost drug discovery

Scientists have developed a computer-aided data tool that could improve treatment for a range of illnesses.

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New computer modeling could boost drug discovery

Scientists have developed a computer-aided data tool that could improve treatment for a range of illnesses.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2XULstE

Brain connectivity is lower in adults with PTSD or a history of sexual abuse

A study has found that adults with maltreatment-related posttraumatic stress disorder or a history of sexual abuse have lower brain connectivity in the attention systems known as the ventral and dorsal attention network. These networks enable us to shift attention from external events to a specific task. The team also found that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social affiliation as well as stress response, increases brain connectivity in those systems.

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Powerful X-ray technique finds new degradation-inducing materials in British shipwreck

In 1545, King Henry VIII's favorite ship, the Mary Rose, capsized and sank in the Battle of the Solent defending England and Portsmouth from a French invasion fleet. The wreck remained on the seabed until 1982 when it was salvaged in a widely viewed televised event. Now, it is a time capsule for 16th century Tudor society, and conservators are working to preserve it for future generations. Scientists use X-ray analysis to identify previously undetected products in the wood -- nanoparticles originating from underwater bacterial activity.

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The surprising origins of the Tarim Basin mummies

Researchers have determined the genetic origins of Asia's most enigmatic mummies. Once thought to be Indo-European speaking migrants from the West, the Bronze Age Tarim Basin mummies are revealed to be a local indigenous population with deep Asian roots and taste for far-flung cuisine.

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Genetic risk of mental health conditions may influence where people choose to live, study suggests

Research on around 386,000 UK adults has found that a high genetic risk for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anorexia and autism, is associated with living in and moving to urban areas. In contrast, people with low genetic risk of ADHD preferentially moved from rural/suburban environments to cities.

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Brain connectivity is lower in adults with PTSD or a history of sexual abuse

A study has found that adults with maltreatment-related posttraumatic stress disorder or a history of sexual abuse have lower brain connectivity in the attention systems known as the ventral and dorsal attention network. These networks enable us to shift attention from external events to a specific task. The team also found that oxytocin, a hormone associated with social affiliation as well as stress response, increases brain connectivity in those systems.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3jEP2iX

Genetic risk of mental health conditions may influence where people choose to live, study suggests

Research on around 386,000 UK adults has found that a high genetic risk for schizophrenia and other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anorexia and autism, is associated with living in and moving to urban areas. In contrast, people with low genetic risk of ADHD preferentially moved from rural/suburban environments to cities.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3bkt6Fv

Making Martian rocket biofuel on Mars

Researchers have developed a concept that would make Martian rocket fuel, on Mars, that could be used to launch future astronauts back to Earth.

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Polar bear diet may indicate prey distribution changes due to climate shifts

How are warming temperatures and a loss of sea ice affecting polar bears and their marine mammal prey in the Arctic? A York University-led research team used a novel approach to the question by monitoring what polar bears eat across Nunavut and where they are catching their prey.

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Red paint on 1,000-year-old gold mask from Peru contains human blood proteins

Thirty years ago, archeologists excavated the tomb of an elite 40--50-year-old man from the Sicán culture of Peru, a society that predated the Incas. The man's seated, upside-down skeleton was painted bright red, as was the gold mask covering his detached skull. Now, researchers have analyzed the paint, finding that, in addition to a red pigment, it contains human blood and bird egg proteins.

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Carbon nanotubes could help electronics withstand outer space’s harsh conditions

Space missions, such as NASA's Orion that will take astronauts to Mars, are pushing the limits of human exploration. But during their transit, spacecrafts encounter a continuous stream of damaging cosmic radiation, which can harm or even destroy onboard electronics. To extend future missions, researchers show that transistors and circuits with carbon nanotubes can be configured to maintain their electrical properties and memory after being bombarded by high amounts of radiation.

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Making the strange metal state in high temperature superconductors even stranger

Researchers have uncovered a striking new behavior of the 'strange metal' state of high temperature superconductors. The discovery represents an important piece of the puzzle for understanding these materials.

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A new 3D printing frontier: Self-powered wearable devices

Researchers have created an innovative hybrid printing method -- combining multi-material aerosol jet printing and extrusion printing -- that integrates both functional and structural materials into a single streamlined printing platform.

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How do plants act fast to fight off infections?

New work reveals a new mechanism by which plants are able to rapidly activate defenses against bacterial infections. These findings could inspire efforts to improve crop yields and combat global hunger.

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Potentially harmful industrial chemicals detected in US fast foods

Chicken nuggets, burritos and other popular items consumers buy from fast food outlets in the United States contain chemicals that are linked to a long list of serious health problems, according to a new study.

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Potentially harmful industrial chemicals detected in US fast foods

Chicken nuggets, burritos and other popular items consumers buy from fast food outlets in the United States contain chemicals that are linked to a long list of serious health problems, according to a new study.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3mkGyiN

The path from pollutants in food to a heightened allergic response

Exposure to the heavy metal cadmium is known to irritate the stomach and lungs or cause kidney disease, but new research links another health issue to inadvertently ingesting low doses of the pollutant: high activation of the antibodies that cause an allergic response.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2Ztyovr

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

New research finds air pollution reduces sperm counts through brain inflammation

Researchers have long known that air pollution can increase the risk of disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fertility, but they did not know the exact mechanism for how it can lead to these health conditions. Now researchers have shown how air pollution reduces sperm count in mice by causing inflammation in the brain.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/315IMKU

Metabolic memory plays a key role in breast cancer relapse

Molecular targets for therapies that could prevent breast cancer recurrence have been identified by a group of scientists who analyzed tumor cells that proved resistant to the original treatment. Recent advances in early detection and targeted therapy have led to a growing success in treating breast cancer upon first presentation. This often is achieved by silencing tumor driving oncogenes and causing tumor regression.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3nwecBB

Genes may affect the level of harmful bacterial toxins in the bloodstream

Lipopolysaccharide, a virulence factor produced by bacteria, is a toxin that can cause a systemic inflammation via the circulation. In a recently completed study, genetic markers were discovered which are associated with a heightened lipopolysaccharide level in the blood.

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A big leap forward in using iron catalysts for pharmaceuticals

Researchers have created and characterized a novel, three-component cross-coupling reaction that is a 'tremendous leap forward' in developing effective and practical iron-based reactions that could be used to create pharmaceuticals. Unlike palladium, the transition metal catalyst most often used in industry and academic labs, iron is abundant, cheap and relatively nontoxic.

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Resistance is not futile: Predicting how changes in production, materials impact EV battery life

As demand for electric vehicle batteries continues to grow, researchers have developed a method for predicting how changes to manufacturing processes and materials will impact battery life.

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New study suggests that breastfeeding may help prevent cognitive decline

A new study has found that women over the age of 50 who had breastfed their babies performed better on cognitive tests compared to women who had never breastfed. The findings suggest that breastfeeding may have a positive impact on postmenopausal women's cognitive performance and could have long-term benefits for the mother's brain.

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New study suggests that breastfeeding may help prevent cognitive decline

A new study has found that women over the age of 50 who had breastfed their babies performed better on cognitive tests compared to women who had never breastfed. The findings suggest that breastfeeding may have a positive impact on postmenopausal women's cognitive performance and could have long-term benefits for the mother's brain.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3EaaTa2

Slow release of a drug, TT-10, improves heart attack recovery in a mouse model

A pharmaceutical product called TT-10, which spurs proliferation of heart muscle cells, was thought to offer promise to treat heart attacks. In a mouse heart-attack model several years ago, intraperitoneal injection of TT-10 at first promoted proliferation of heart muscle cells and showed declines in the size of the dead area of heart muscle. However, these early improvements were followed by worsened cardiac function at later time points. Now researchers show that a different delivery method, nanoparticle-mediated, slow-release of TT-10, enhances the potency and durability of TT-10 treatment for repair of heart muscle in the mouse heart-attack model.

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Prozac pegged as potential treatment for leading cause of blindness

An antidepressant best known as Prozac could offer the first treatment for the leading cause of blindness among people over 50, new research suggests.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3CjJ12K

Slow release of a drug, TT-10, improves heart attack recovery in a mouse model

A pharmaceutical product called TT-10, which spurs proliferation of heart muscle cells, was thought to offer promise to treat heart attacks. In a mouse heart-attack model several years ago, intraperitoneal injection of TT-10 at first promoted proliferation of heart muscle cells and showed declines in the size of the dead area of heart muscle. However, these early improvements were followed by worsened cardiac function at later time points. Now researchers show that a different delivery method, nanoparticle-mediated, slow-release of TT-10, enhances the potency and durability of TT-10 treatment for repair of heart muscle in the mouse heart-attack model.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3pEHsst

Machine learning predicts antibiotic resistance spread

Genes aren't only inherited through birth. Bacteria have the ability to pass genes to each other, or pick them up from their environment, through a process called horizonal gene transfer, which is a major culprit in the spread of antibiotic resistance.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3BgKAgC

Experiments confirm a quantum material’s unique response to circularly polarized laser light

Scientists are probing topological insulators with circularly polarized light to reveal their many secrets. These exotic materials have potential for quantum computing and other technologies. They discovered that high harmonic generation produces a unique signature from the topological surface.

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Specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain

A new study reveals the specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain, and identifies this mechanism as a critical target for disease-modifying medicines.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2XMWfpH

Mechanism behind ineffective psoriasis drugs identified

Interleukin-12 -- a messenger molecule of immune cells -- was long considered to trigger the development of psoriasis. Now, researchers have shown that interleukin-12 does not actually cause the skin disease but protects against it. This also explains why common psoriasis drugs that block the messenger show insufficient treatment efficacy.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3bdcHTm

No ‘silver bullet’ for UK reaching net zero carbon emissions for electricity

CO2 emissions from electricity in the UK fell by two thirds in the last decade due to several factors working together, rather than a single panacea.

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Fighting multiple sclerosis with cold

In evolutionary biology, the 'Life History Theory,' first proposed in the 1950s, postulates that when the environment is favorable, the resources used by any organism are devoted for growth and reproduction. Conversely, in a hostile environment, resources are transferred to so-called maintenance programs, such as energy conservation and defense against external attacks. Scientists developed this idea to a specific field of medicine: the erroneous activation of the immune system that causes autoimmune diseases. By studying mice suffering from a model of multiple sclerosis, the research team succeeded in deciphering how exposure to cold pushed the organism to divert its resources from the immune system towards maintaining body heat.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3mhQoSC

Gene therapy shows early promise as angelman syndrome treatment

Scientists have reported encouraging early tests of a gene therapy strategy against Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that features poor muscle control and balance, hard-to-treat epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3En93CT

Machine learning predicts antibiotic resistance spread

Genes aren't only inherited through birth. Bacteria have the ability to pass genes to each other, or pick them up from their environment, through a process called horizonal gene transfer, which is a major culprit in the spread of antibiotic resistance.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3BgKAgC

Specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain

A new study reveals the specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain, and identifies this mechanism as a critical target for disease-modifying medicines.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2XMWfpH

Mechanism behind ineffective psoriasis drugs identified

Interleukin-12 -- a messenger molecule of immune cells -- was long considered to trigger the development of psoriasis. Now, researchers have shown that interleukin-12 does not actually cause the skin disease but protects against it. This also explains why common psoriasis drugs that block the messenger show insufficient treatment efficacy.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3bdcHTm

Fighting multiple sclerosis with cold

In evolutionary biology, the 'Life History Theory,' first proposed in the 1950s, postulates that when the environment is favorable, the resources used by any organism are devoted for growth and reproduction. Conversely, in a hostile environment, resources are transferred to so-called maintenance programs, such as energy conservation and defense against external attacks. Scientists developed this idea to a specific field of medicine: the erroneous activation of the immune system that causes autoimmune diseases. By studying mice suffering from a model of multiple sclerosis, the research team succeeded in deciphering how exposure to cold pushed the organism to divert its resources from the immune system towards maintaining body heat.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3mhQoSC

Gene therapy shows early promise as angelman syndrome treatment

Scientists have reported encouraging early tests of a gene therapy strategy against Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that features poor muscle control and balance, hard-to-treat epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3En93CT

That primate’s got rhythm!

What are the origins of musical rhythm? Are humans the only mammals that have rhythm? Researchers have studied indris, the 'singing primates' from Madagascar to learn more. Indri songs recorded in the wild have rhythmic categories similar to those found in human music. Finding common musical traits across species may shed light on the biology and evolution of rhythm and music.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3nxod1h

TEDDY study compares characteristics of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and after age 6

New findings add to a growing body of evidence indicating that type 1 diabetes is not a single disease. The presentation and, perhaps, cause of autoimmune diabetes differs among genetically high-risk children, the University of South Florida Health-led research suggests.

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Protein involved in heart development boosts stem cell strategy for heart repair, scientists show

With age, the human heart gradually loses its ability to repair itself following injury. Damage wrought by injuries such as cardiac ischemia and heart attack, which are associated with decreased oxygen levels in the heart, can cause the heart to function below normal capacity, making it difficult for patients to carry out day-to-day activities. To augment heart repair after ischemic injury, researchers have turned to stem cell-based therapies, which replace dead heart tissue with new, functional tissue.

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Skin-inspired sensors show how our body moves

Scientists have created wearable, stitchable, and sensitive sensors from flexible polymers and bundles of carbon fibre. Like our skin, these sensors respond to pressure and can measure body position and movement. They could be used to measure disease progress in Parkinson's disease, or sense joint movement in athletes, for example.

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Fingerprinting proteins with force

What if we could identify proteins as easily as we can sequence DNA and RNA? Perhaps soon we will, thanks to new DNA Nanoswitch Calipers. DNA Calipers create a unique 'fingerprint' for peptides (the building blocks of proteins) by repeatedly applying force to them to generate a series of distance measurements for each peptide. This innovation opens up a new avenue for pursuing the goal of single-cell proteomics, and enables potentially life-saving discoveries in human health and disease.

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Back pain common among astronauts offers treatment insights for the earth-bound

As more people travel into space, experts expect more physicians will see patients with space travel-related pain.

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Neutron star collisions are 'goldmine' of heavy elements, study finds

Most elements lighter than iron are forged in the cores of stars, but scientists have puzzled over what could give rise to gold, platinum, and the rest of the universe's heavy elements. study finds that of two long-suspected sources of heavy metals, one of them -- a merger between two neutron stars -- is more of a goldmine than the other.

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That primate’s got rhythm!

What are the origins of musical rhythm? Are humans the only mammals that have rhythm? Researchers have studied indris, the 'singing primates' from Madagascar to learn more. Indri songs recorded in the wild have rhythmic categories similar to those found in human music. Finding common musical traits across species may shed light on the biology and evolution of rhythm and music.

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Research breakthrough could mean better treatment for patients with most deadly form of brain tumor

Scientists studying the most common and aggressive type of brain tumour in adults have discovered a new way of analysing diseased and healthy cells from the same patient.

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Scientists uncover a gene involved in sexual conflict in fruit flies

Sexual conflict in fruit flies is governed by specifically wired neurons in the brain which have been pinpointed by scientists.

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Novel computational pipeline could help repurpose cancer drugs for rare diseases

By combining computational and experimental approaches, researchers identified cancer drugs that show promise for treating pulmonary hypertension, or PH, a rare and incurable lung disease.

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Scientists discover how bacteria use liquid protein droplets to overcome stress

Scientists have revealed how bacteria make tiny liquid droplets from proteins to help them survive harsh environments and thus reduce their chances of being killed by antibiotics.

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A breakdown in communication: Mitochondria of diabetic patients can’t keep time

Muscle cells in patients with type 2 diabetes have a disrupted biological clock. The new findings suggest that treatments for type 2 diabetes may be more or less effective depending on the time of day they are given.

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Monday, October 25, 2021

Potential new therapy for inflammatory arthritis

Researchers have made a discovery that could lead to new treatments for axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), a painful and debilitating form of arthritis which causes inflammation in the spine, joints, eyes, gut and skin.

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Scientists design nanoparticles that communicate with cancer cells

A multi-institutional research team has designed nanoparticles that can communicate with and slow the development of cancer cells. The work has uncovered a novel framework for the potential development of drug-free cancer therapies.

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Epilepsy research reveals unknown trigger for seizures

Epilepsy seizures can be triggered when a natural braking system meant to control brain activity goes awry, researchers found. The discovery could open the door to new treatments.

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Immunotherapy may benefit patients with cancer that has spread to tissues around the brain

Immunotherapy may benefit people with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare but serious complication of cancer that has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors caused notable changes in the characteristics of immune cells within the cerebrospinal fluid of patients. In a phase II clinical trial, treatment extended overall survival in patients compared with historical controls.

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How diet affects tumors

Researchers analyzed ketogenic and calorically restricted diets in mice, revealing how those diets affect cancer cells and offering an explanation for why restricting calories may slow tumor growth.

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Glial cells crucial to maintaining healthy gut immunity

Researchers have uncovered a fundamental role of glial cells in the nervous system of the gut in maintaining a healthy intestine. These cells have been found to coordinate the immune responses of the gut following pathogen invasion and could be key targets when exploring new treatments for inflammatory bowel conditions.

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Biomarker discovery can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of asthma and COPD

Researchers have discovered that people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a protein in their lungs that leaks a small molecule into their bloodstream that restricts their breathing instead of relaxing their airways. The findings will help clinicians diagnose and determine the severity of chronic lung diseases and make bronchodilators more effective.

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Vitamin D deficiency for the first time visible after cremation

The cremation process destroys a lot of information that can usually be obtained from the human skeleton. Especially diseases are difficult to observe. Researchers have now found a way to reveal some of the information. For the first time, they have succeeded in detecting vitamin D deficiency in cremated human remains.

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Stronger than spider silk: Bagworm silk enables strong conducting fibers

Researchers have harnessed the strength of bagworm silk to produce a strong conductive fiber. To obtain this novel fiber, the research team combined bagworm silk with polyaniline as a conducting polymer. The composite fibers act as an optical waveguide and are suitable for use in textile transistors. This production of a bagworm silk/polyaniline composite will enable the use of biocompatible conducting fibers for applications ranging from microelectronics to biomedical engineering.

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Infant planet discovered

One of the youngest planets ever found around a distant infant star has been discovered by an international team of scientists.

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Traces of an ancient road in a lake

Eight hundred years of settlement history with land reforms, epidemics and repeated wars are preserved in the sediments of Lake Czechowskie in Poland. The key role was played by the so-called Margrave's Road, the 'Via Marchionis', between the Prussian heartland and the Teutonic Order's castle Marienburg (today Malbork in Poland). The road remained significant for centuries.

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A diet of essential amino acids could keep dementia at bay

Protein intake is known to be vital for maintaining brain function in older individuals. Now, using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers have shown that the intake of a specific set of amino acids can inhibit the death of brain cells, protect the connections between them, and reduce inflammation, preserving brain function. Their research suggests that this amino acid combination called Amino LP7 can hinder the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

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A diet of essential amino acids could keep dementia at bay

Protein intake is known to be vital for maintaining brain function in older individuals. Now, using a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers have shown that the intake of a specific set of amino acids can inhibit the death of brain cells, protect the connections between them, and reduce inflammation, preserving brain function. Their research suggests that this amino acid combination called Amino LP7 can hinder the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

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Need for larger space telescope inspires lightweight flexible holographic lens

Inspired by a concept for discovering exoplanets with a giant space telescope, a team of researchers is developing holographic lenses that render visible and infrared starlight into either a focused image or a spectrum.

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Historical analysis finds no precedent for the rate of coal and gas power decline needed to limit climate change to 1.5°C

Limiting climate change to the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Climate Agreement will likely require coal and gas power use to decline at rates that are unprecedented for any large country, finds an analysis of decadal episodes of fossil fuel decline in 105 countries between 1960 and 2018. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the most rapid historical cases of fossil fuel decline occurred when oil was replaced by coal, gas, or nuclear power in response to energy security threats of the 1970s and the 1980s.

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Electrical control over designer quantum materials

In the past few years, suitably engineered stacks of two-dimensional materials have emerged as a powerful platform for studying quantum correlations between electronic states. Physicists now demonstrate how key properties of such systems can be conveniently tuned by changing an applied electrical field.

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VR experiment with rats offers new insights about how neurons enable learning

A new study provides deep insights into how the brain's hippocampus works, involving networks of millions of neurons. That knowledge could be an important step toward the development of treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy, all of which are related to dysfunction in the hippocampus.

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VR experiment with rats offers new insights about how neurons enable learning

A new study provides deep insights into how the brain's hippocampus works, involving networks of millions of neurons. That knowledge could be an important step toward the development of treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy, all of which are related to dysfunction in the hippocampus.

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Fighting viruses with interchangeable defense genes

Bacteria rapidly modify mobile parts of their genome to develop resistance to viruses.

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Lab-grown ‘mini brains’ hint at potential treatment options for motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia

Researchers have developed 'mini brains' that allow them to study a fatal and untreatable neurological disorder causing paralysis and dementia -- and for the first time have been able to grow these for almost a year.

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Discovery of new tiny fish, lizard species

Two tiny new species that inhabited part of what is now the American south some 100 million years ago have been discovered by paleontologists.

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Carnivores may adjust schedule to avoid each other, researchers find

Just as humans may leave their home five minutes early to avoid a talkative neighbor or depart work late to avoid a rude coworker, carnivorous mammals may go out of their way to avoid other species. But they're not trying to navigate awkward social interactions; rather, they are negotiating space and resources for survival.

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Fighting viruses with interchangeable defense genes

Bacteria rapidly modify mobile parts of their genome to develop resistance to viruses.

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Chemists develop a fundamentally new mode of adsorption

A research team has made a breakthrough in surface science by introducing a new active mechanism of adsorption. Such adsorption-based phenomena, in which molecules are attracted onto a solid surface, are essential for today's catalysts, energy storage and environmental remediation. The research demonstrates how artificial molecular machines grafted on surfaces can be used to recruit molecules actively onto these surfaces at very high concentrations, thereby storing significant amounts of energy.

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Lab-grown ‘mini brains’ hint at potential treatment options for motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia

Researchers have developed 'mini brains' that allow them to study a fatal and untreatable neurological disorder causing paralysis and dementia -- and for the first time have been able to grow these for almost a year.

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Sunday, October 24, 2021

Treatment enhances anti-leukemia effect of bone marrow transplant, reduces recurrence, study finds

Researchers have identified a drug that, when given along with a bone marrow transplant, drops the risk of leukemia recurring by 20% among the high-risk patients.

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Saturday, October 23, 2021

Controlling light with a material three atoms thick

Thin structures made of black phosphorus can tune the properties of light, with implications for science and technology.

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Depression: Magnetic seizure therapy may be attractive alternative to electricity

An international research team investigated whether continued magnetic seizure therapy might effectively prevent the relapse of treatment-resistant depression, compared to what is known about electroconvulsive therapy, the current standard of care.

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Depression, anxiety may be linked to c-section risk among pregnant women

Depression and anxiety in pregnant women may be connected to the type of delivery they have, new research suggests.

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New deep learning algorithm can pick up genetic mutations and DNA mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancers more efficiently

A new deep learning algorithm can pick up the molecular pathways and development of key mutations causing colorectal cancer more accurately than existing methods, meaning patients could benefit from targeted therapies with quicker turnaround times and at a lower cost.

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Personalized clotting profiles may help in next generation of precision heart disease treatments

People at risk from strokes and heart attacks could benefit from personalized clotting profiles to help clinicians prescribe more precise treatments, thanks to new research.

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Stretchy, bendy, flexible LEDs

Engineers have developed a way to print stretchy LEDs on unconventional surfaces using an inkjet printer.

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Maintaining balance in the brain

Researchers uncovered that reducing levels of the protein tau, which is known for its role in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, changes excitatory and inhibitory cells in ways that make it harder for the brain to burst with overexcitation.

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Friday, October 22, 2021

New cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system

Researchers have discovered a new way to jump-start the immune system to attack tumors, which could allow cancer immunotherapy to be used against more types of cancer.

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Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

Researchers have used high-density nanofibers that mimic the microenvironment of the brain to capture tumor cells, opening doors to novel therapeutic solutions for aggressive brain cancer.

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Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

Researchers have used high-density nanofibers that mimic the microenvironment of the brain to capture tumor cells, opening doors to novel therapeutic solutions for aggressive brain cancer.

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Pilot study explores neural mechanisms of balance dysfunction after traumatic brain injury

Researchers examine graph-theoretical properties of brain networks in traumatic brain injury and controls and their association with balance impairment and structural damage.

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Red blood cells play much larger role in immune system through discovery of DNA-binding capability, study finds

Researchers uncover the mechanism of how red blood cells detect and bind DNA, opening the door to a new area of research for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

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Genomic study revealing among diverse populations with inherited retinal disease

An international team of researchers has broadened and deepened understanding of how inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) affect different populations of people and, in the process, have identified new gene variants that may cause the diseases.

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‘Raptor-like’ dinosaur discovered in Australian mine, actually uncovered as a timid vegetarian

Fossil footprints found in an Australian coal mine around 50 years ago have long been thought to be that of a large 'raptor-like' predatory dinosaur, but scientists have in fact discovered they were instead left by a timid long-necked herbivore.

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Thursday, October 21, 2021

Scientists look beyond the individual brain to study the collective mind

Scientists argue that efforts to understand human cognition should expand beyond the study of individual brains. They call on neuroscientists to incorporate evidence from social science disciplines to better understand how people think.

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How pearls achieve nanoscale precision

In research that could inform future high-performance nanomaterials, a study has uncovered how mollusks build ultradurable structures with a level of symmetry that outstrips everything else in the natural world, with the exception of individual atoms.

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Two beams are better than one

History's greatest couples rely on communication to make them so strong their power cannot be denied. But that's not just true for people, it's also true for lasers. According to new research from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering, adding two lasers together as a sort of optical 'it couple' promises to make wireless communications faster and more secure than ever before.

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Hidden costs of global illegal wildlife trade

Researchers have highlighted that the illegal and unsustainable global wildlife trade has bigger ramifications on our everyday lives than you might think.

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Scientists look beyond the individual brain to study the collective mind

Scientists argue that efforts to understand human cognition should expand beyond the study of individual brains. They call on neuroscientists to incorporate evidence from social science disciplines to better understand how people think.

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Researchers map neurons in the brain involved with social interactions with others in groups

In social experiments, three monkeys sat around a rotary table and took turns offering food to one of the other two monkeys. Certain neurons in the brain responded to the actions of other monkeys in the group and influenced an animal's upcoming decisions to reciprocate or retaliate.

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Scientists part of team that points to strong connection between climate change, plastics pollution

At the root of global climate change and the worldwide plastics problem are two related carbon-based fuels -- oil and natural gas. Not only are the two among the key drivers of climate change, they are instrumental in the manufacturing of plastics. As storms intensify and become more frequent, the movement of trash from land to our oceans and, and vice versa, is only going to get worse.

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Bat study reveals secrets of the social brain

Neuroscientists used wireless devices to record the neural activity of freely interacting Egyptian fruit bats, providing researchers with the first glimpse into how the brains of social mammals process complex group interactions.

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New material could pave the way for better, safer batteries

A material derived from trees could potentially replace liquid electrolytes in next-generation batteries.

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Shape-shifting materials with infinite possibilities

Researchers have developed a shape-shifting material that can take and hold any possible shape, paving the way for a new type of multifunctional material that could be used in a range of applications, from robotics and biotechnology to architecture.

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Researchers map neurons in the brain involved with social interactions with others in groups

In social experiments, three monkeys sat around a rotary table and took turns offering food to one of the other two monkeys. Certain neurons in the brain responded to the actions of other monkeys in the group and influenced an animal's upcoming decisions to reciprocate or retaliate.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3m2I1KA

Bat study reveals secrets of the social brain

Neuroscientists used wireless devices to record the neural activity of freely interacting Egyptian fruit bats, providing researchers with the first glimpse into how the brains of social mammals process complex group interactions.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/2ZdFjcl

Predicting patient death or hospitalization from COVID-19

Researchers present what could be a much-needed helping hand to fight the COVID-19 virus. The study shows that analysis of a particular protein on the cell surface is likely to predict who is in danger of a serious infection caused by the virus.

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Savannah chimpanzees, a model for the understanding of human evolution

To prosper, most great apes need lush forests in Africa (bonobos, chimpanzees, and gorillas) or Southeast Asia (orangutans), except for some groups of chimpanzees that live in Savannahs, habitats characterized by high temperatures and very low seasonal rainfall.

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Astronomers provide 'field guide' to exoplanets known as hot Jupiters

By combining Hubble Space Telescope observations with theoretical models, a team of astronomers has gained insights into the chemical and physical makeup of a variety of exoplanets known as hot Jupiters. The findings provide a new and improved 'field guide' for this group of planets and inform ideas about planet formation in general.

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New photonic chip for isolating light may be key to miniaturizing quantum devices

Light plays a critical role in enabling 21st century quantum information applications. Limited by size, engineers need to miniaturize quantum devices, which requires re-thinking certain components for harnessing light. Researchers have designed a simple, compact photonic circuit that uses sound waves to rein in light. The team's measurements show that their approach to isolation currently outperforms all previous on-chip alternatives and is optimized for compatibility with atom-based sensors.

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Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

Want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New research suggests living in areas with high exposure to green-space can help set them up for success.

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Spending time in nature promotes early childhood development

Want to ensure your child hits their expected developmental milestones? New research suggests living in areas with high exposure to green-space can help set them up for success.

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Northern lakes warming six times faster in the past 25 years

Lakes in the Northern Hemisphere are warming six times faster since 1992 than any other time period in the last 100 years, new research has found.

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Africa-wide great ape assessment reveals human activity, not habitat availability, is greatest driver of ape abundance

The first-ever Africa-wide assessment of great apes -- gorillas, bonobos and chimpanzees -- finds that human factors, including roads, population density and GDP, determine abundance more than ecological factors such as forest cover.

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Tap water produces a protective shield against microplastics

Tap water produces a natural protective shield against harmful microplastics, which can help prevent household products such as plastic kettles from releasing them.

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Early dinosaurs may have lived in social herds as early as 193 million years ago

Scientists believe they have found the earliest evidence for complex herd behavior in dinosaurs. Researchers say Mussaurus patagonicus may have lived in herds some 193 million years ago -- 40 million years earlier than other records of dinosaur herding.

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Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Lightweight electric wristband heaters for constant, portable warmth

As the fall chill settles in across the U.S., people are getting out their cozy sweaters and electric blankets, or stocking up on handheld heat packets for extra warmth. But sweaters and blankets are bulky, and heat packs only work for a little while. Now, researchers demonstrate a conductive, durable yarn for lightweight wearable heaters that are re-usable and provide constant, portable warmth.

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Plugging into ocean waves with a flexible, seaweed-like generator

Ocean waves can be powerful, containing enough energy to push around sand, pebbles and even boulders during storms. These waves, as well as smaller, more gentle ones, could be tapped as a source of renewable energy. Now, researchers have developed flexible power generators that mimic the way seaweed sways to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity to power marine-based devices.

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Male-female differences in heart disease could start before birth

New research suggests that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This is the earliest stage of heart development, well before the embryo is exposed to sex hormones.

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Urban wastes used as fertilizers contain higher PFAS than livestock manure

Because of their useful surfactant properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been massively produced for non-stick coatings, water-repellant fabrics and firefighting foams. However, scientists have detected these highly stable 'forever chemicals' throughout the environment, prompting toxicity concerns. Now, researchers have characterized PFAS in contemporary and historical organic waste products applied to agricultural fields in France, finding the highest amounts in urban samples, with compounds changing over time.

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In your face: Children’s expressions tell the story of poor sleep

When children are overtired, their facial expressions can forecast social problems years later, according to a new report published by a psychologist.

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Study of DNA repair boosts prospects for gene editing technology

Researchers have developed a new method to profile the activity of cellular genes involved in correcting DNA damage, and applied this method to pave the way for dramatic improvements to genome editing technologies.

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Hit the sleep ‘sweet spot’ to keep brain sharp

Older adults who sleep short or long experienced greater cognitive decline than those who sleep a moderate amount, even when the effects of early Alzheimer's disease were taken into account, according to a new study.

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Male-female differences in heart disease could start before birth

New research suggests that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This is the earliest stage of heart development, well before the embryo is exposed to sex hormones.

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In your face: Children’s expressions tell the story of poor sleep

When children are overtired, their facial expressions can forecast social problems years later, according to a new report published by a psychologist.

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Scientists develop sperm cells from primate stem cells

A new study shows that functional sperm cells can be made in a dish using primate embryonic stem cells.

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Scientists develop sperm cells from primate stem cells

A new study shows that functional sperm cells can be made in a dish using primate embryonic stem cells.

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Brain activation in sleeping toddlers shows memory for words

Very young children learn words at a tremendous rate. Now researchers have seen how specific brain regions activate as two-year-olds remember newly learned words -- while the children were sleeping.

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Small-scale foragers left more than footprints on the landscape

Archaeological sites like the Great Wall of China and the pyramids can be seen with the naked eye from space, but for ancient societies that did not build, their traces on the landscape are more difficult to find. Now researchers have used satellite data to identify areas in coastal southwest Madagascar where indigenous foragers altered their surroundings.

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Cat bacteria treats mouse skin infection, may help you and your pets as well

Researchers identify a strain of bacteria on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections. The findings may soon lead to new bacteriotherapies for humans and their pets, wherein cat bacteria is applied via topical cream or spray.

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How quickly does the climate recover?

It took the climate 20,000 to 50,000 years to stabilize after the rise in global temperatures of five to eight degrees Celsius 56 million years ago. Climate change today is causing temperatures to rise and is also increasing the likelihood of storms, heavy rain, and flooding -- the recent flood disaster in the Ahr valley in Germany is just one such example. What we need to ask ourselves in this connection is how quickly the climate can recover from the warming caused by an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

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'Ray guns' let scientists use light instead of DNA to tell plant populations apart

Using a handheld device that looks a little like a ray gun, scientists recorded how plant leaves on different Alaskan mountains reflect light. And, it turns out, different populations of plants of the same species -- for instance, plants living on neighboring mountaintops -- reflect light differently, in ways that echo their genetic variation from each other.

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Viral infections could promote neurodegeneration

Some viral diseases could possibly contribute to neurodegeneration. Researchers found that certain viral molecules facilitated intercellular spreading of protein aggregates that are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. These findings may provide clues how acute or chronic viral infections could contribute to neurodegeneration.

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Brain activation in sleeping toddlers shows memory for words

Very young children learn words at a tremendous rate. Now researchers have seen how specific brain regions activate as two-year-olds remember newly learned words -- while the children were sleeping.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3jhsLrh

Cat bacteria treats mouse skin infection, may help you and your pets as well

Researchers identify a strain of bacteria on healthy cats that produces antibiotics against severe skin infections. The findings may soon lead to new bacteriotherapies for humans and their pets, wherein cat bacteria is applied via topical cream or spray.

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Viral infections could promote neurodegeneration

Some viral diseases could possibly contribute to neurodegeneration. Researchers found that certain viral molecules facilitated intercellular spreading of protein aggregates that are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. These findings may provide clues how acute or chronic viral infections could contribute to neurodegeneration.

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Amount of information in visible universe quantified

Researchers have long suspected a connection between information and the physical universe, with various paradoxes and thought experiments used to explore how or why information could be encoded in physical matter. A researcher attempts to shed light on exactly how much of this information is out there and presents a numerical estimate for the amount of encoded information in all the visible matter in the universe -- approximately 6 times 10 to the power of 80 bits of information.

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More than 99.9% of studies agree: Humans caused climate change

More than 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that climate change is mainly caused by humans, according to a new survey of 88,125 climate-related studies.

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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Scientists develop new sensor to capture calcium activity in cells

Researchers have developed a novel approach for detecting the activity of calcium within cells. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a red biosensor that can directly monitor calcium at specific locations within a cell, a discovery that could aid in better understanding of the molecular basis of human diseases.

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New study calls for mitigation, monitoring of common grease-proofing food packaging chemicals

A scientist is calling for a better understanding of the health ramifications of ubiquitous 'grease proofing' chemicals that have been used for decades. A new study based on a symposium involving scientists at public and private institutions strikes an urgent tone on the need for new and better ways to detect and mitigate this class of chemical compounds, collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

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Monday, October 18, 2021

New active agent against parasites

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that may be suitable as an active agent against several different unicellular parasites. Among these are the pathogens that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The point of attack for this promising substance is the protein tubulin: It helps cells divide and therefore is essential for the multiplication of the parasites.

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Researchers identify brain circuitry in rodents that may be responsible for negative emotional aspects of pain

A new study has uncovered neuronal circuitry in the brain of rodents that may play an important role in mediating pain-induced anhedonia -- a decrease in motivation to perform reward-driven behaviors. Researchers were able to change the activity of this circuit and restore levels of motivation in a pre-clinical model of pain tested in rodents.

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New active agent against parasites

Researchers have identified a chemical compound that may be suitable as an active agent against several different unicellular parasites. Among these are the pathogens that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis. The point of attack for this promising substance is the protein tubulin: It helps cells divide and therefore is essential for the multiplication of the parasites.

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Putting honeybee hives on solar parks could boost the value of UK agriculture

The value of UK agriculture could be boosted by millions of pounds a year if thousands of honeybee hives were deployed on solar parks across the country, a new study reveals. However, scientists caution that the benefits of managing solar parks for wild pollinators over honeybees should be prioritized where appropriate and should be assessed on a site by site basis.

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Researchers identify brain circuitry in rodents that may be responsible for negative emotional aspects of pain

A new study has uncovered neuronal circuitry in the brain of rodents that may play an important role in mediating pain-induced anhedonia -- a decrease in motivation to perform reward-driven behaviors. Researchers were able to change the activity of this circuit and restore levels of motivation in a pre-clinical model of pain tested in rodents.

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Solar energy can be cheap and reliable across China by 2060

How much will solar power really cost in China in the coming decades, including the challenges its inherent variability poses to the grid? Researchers have found that solar energy could provide 43.2% of China's electricity demands in 2060 at less than two-and-a-half U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.

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Breakthrough proof clears path for quantum AI

Convolutional neural networks running on quantum computers have generated significant buzz for their potential to analyze quantum data better than classical computers can.

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How marsh grass protects shorelines

Marsh plants can play a major role in mitigating coastal damage as sea levels rise and storm surges increase. A new study provides greater detail about how these protective benefits work under real-world conditions shaped by waves and currents.

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Neuroinflammation protein linked to worse survival in men with glioblastoma

Scientists have discovered a new link that could bring the scientific and medical community closer to understanding why glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, is deadlier in males than females.

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Powerful technique allows scientists to study how proteins change shape inside cells

The scientists' new 'binder-tag' technique allows researchers to pinpoint and track proteins that are in a desired shape or 'conformation,' and to do so in real time inside living cells. The scientists demonstrated the technique in, essentially, movies that track the active version of an important signaling protein -- a molecule, in this case, important for cell growth.

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People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Americans may respect and admire how individual billionaires -- think Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates -- made their billions, even as they rage against the "top 1%" as a group, new research finds.

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A new treatment for glaucoma?

A new study in mice has identified new treatment targets for glaucoma, including preventing a severe pediatric form of glaucoma, as well as uncovering a possible new class of therapy for the most common form of glaucoma in adults.

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Neuroinflammation protein linked to worse survival in men with glioblastoma

Scientists have discovered a new link that could bring the scientific and medical community closer to understanding why glioblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor, is deadlier in males than females.

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Powerful technique allows scientists to study how proteins change shape inside cells

The scientists' new 'binder-tag' technique allows researchers to pinpoint and track proteins that are in a desired shape or 'conformation,' and to do so in real time inside living cells. The scientists demonstrated the technique in, essentially, movies that track the active version of an important signaling protein -- a molecule, in this case, important for cell growth.

from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3j9alcr

People love the billionaire, but hate the billionaires’ club

Americans may respect and admire how individual billionaires -- think Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates -- made their billions, even as they rage against the "top 1%" as a group, new research finds.

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A new treatment for glaucoma?

A new study in mice has identified new treatment targets for glaucoma, including preventing a severe pediatric form of glaucoma, as well as uncovering a possible new class of therapy for the most common form of glaucoma in adults.

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NASA, ULA launch Lucy Mission to ‘fossils’ of planet formation

NASA's Lucy mission, the agency's first to Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Over the next 12 years, Lucy will fly by one main-belt asteroid and seven Trojan asteroids, making it the agency's first single spacecraft mission in history to explore so many different asteroids. Lucy will investigate these 'fossils' of planetary formation up close during its journey.

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So-called junk DNA plays critical role in mammalian development

Despite the prevalent view that some 98% of our genome is junk DNA, new research shows that one piece of junk DNA -- the promoter of a virus-based transposon -- plays a critical role in cell proliferation and timing of embryo implantation in mice. The group found virus-based promoters linked to genes involved in development in other mammals, including humans, suggesting that transposons have been broadly repurposed for important regulatory roles.

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So-called junk DNA plays critical role in mammalian development

Despite the prevalent view that some 98% of our genome is junk DNA, new research shows that one piece of junk DNA -- the promoter of a virus-based transposon -- plays a critical role in cell proliferation and timing of embryo implantation in mice. The group found virus-based promoters linked to genes involved in development in other mammals, including humans, suggesting that transposons have been broadly repurposed for important regulatory roles.

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Climate change and human pressure mean migration may be 'no longer worth it'

Researchers have found that the benefits of migration have been eroded by the effects of climate change and human pressure.

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How herbivore activity around water affects plant communities

Plants need water to grow. So if there's water, shouldn't there be more plants? New research shows it's a lot more complicated than that.

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Titan’s river maps may advise Dragonfly’s 'sedimental' journey

With future space exploration in mind, a team of astronomers has published the final maps of Titan's liquid methane rivers and tributaries -- as seen by NASA's late Cassini mission -- so that may help provide context for Dragonfly's upcoming 2030s expedition.

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Four-legged swarm robots

Engineers have built multi-legged robots capable of maneuvering in challenging environments and accomplishing difficult tasks collectively, mimicking their natural-world counterparts.

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Optimum pressure to improve the performance of lithium metal batteries

A team of materials scientists and chemists has determined the proper stack pressure that lithium metal batteries, or LMBs, need to be subjected to during battery operation in order to produce optimal performance.

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Fasting is required to see the full benefit of calorie restriction in mice

Over the last few decades, scientists have discovered that long-term calorie restriction provides a wealth of benefits in animals. Researchers have largely assumed that reduced food intake drove these benefits by reprogramming metabolism. But a new study finds that reduced calorie intake alone is not enough; fasting is essential for mice to derive full benefit.

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The human immune system is an early riser

Circadian clocks, which regulate most of the physiological processes of living beings over a rhythm of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. By deciphering the cell migration mechanisms underlying the immune response, scientists have shown that the activation of the immune system is modulated according to the time of day. Indeed, the migration of immune cells from the skin to the lymph nodes oscillates over a 24-hours period. Immune function is highest in the resting phase, just before activity resumes -- in the afternoon for mice, which are nocturnal animals, and early morning for humans. These results suggest that the time of day should possibly be taken into account when administering vaccines or immunotherapies against cancer, in order to increase their effectiveness.

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How the brain navigates cities

A study suggests our brains are not optimized to calculate the shortest possible route when navigating on foot. Instead, pedestrians use vector-based navigation, choosing 'pointiest' paths that point most directly toward their destination, even if the routes are longer.

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Fasting is required to see the full benefit of calorie restriction in mice

Over the last few decades, scientists have discovered that long-term calorie restriction provides a wealth of benefits in animals. Researchers have largely assumed that reduced food intake drove these benefits by reprogramming metabolism. But a new study finds that reduced calorie intake alone is not enough; fasting is essential for mice to derive full benefit.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3vntiNm

The human immune system is an early riser

Circadian clocks, which regulate most of the physiological processes of living beings over a rhythm of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. By deciphering the cell migration mechanisms underlying the immune response, scientists have shown that the activation of the immune system is modulated according to the time of day. Indeed, the migration of immune cells from the skin to the lymph nodes oscillates over a 24-hours period. Immune function is highest in the resting phase, just before activity resumes -- in the afternoon for mice, which are nocturnal animals, and early morning for humans. These results suggest that the time of day should possibly be taken into account when administering vaccines or immunotherapies against cancer, in order to increase their effectiveness.

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Mammalian motivation circuits: Maybe they’re born with it

Are animals born to seek rewards or avoid punishment? Researchers found that mice have pre-programmed neurons and circuits that process 'positive' and 'negative' stimuli. Their findings may be useful for studying neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans.

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Lakes are changing worldwide: Human activities to blame

Worldwide, lake temperatures are rising and seasonal ice cover is shorter and thiner. This effects lake ecosystems, drinking water supply and fishing. International research now shows that these global changes in lake temperature and ice cover are not due to natural climate variability. They can only be explained by massive greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. To demonstrate this, the team has developed multiple computer simulations with models of lakes on a global scale, on which they ran a series of climate models. The researchers found clear similarities between the observed changes in lakes and model simulations of lakes in a climate influenced by greenhouse gas emissions. Besides measuring the historical impact of climate change, the team also analyzed various future climate scenarios.

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Mammalian motivation circuits: Maybe they’re born with it

Are animals born to seek rewards or avoid punishment? Researchers found that mice have pre-programmed neurons and circuits that process 'positive' and 'negative' stimuli. Their findings may be useful for studying neurological and psychiatric disorders in humans.

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Developing a treatment for vision loss through transplant of photoreceptor precursors

A recent study examining the therapeutic potential of photoreceptor precursors, derived from clinically compliant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has demonstrated the safety and therapeutic potential of clinically compliant iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursors as a cell replacement source for future clinical trials.

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Aging breast tissue could set the stage for invasive breast cancer

A new study examines how the extracellular matrix (ECM) -- an underlying network of molecules and proteins that provide the structure for tissue growth -- can trigger invasive cancer-related genes.

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Developing a treatment for vision loss through transplant of photoreceptor precursors

A recent study examining the therapeutic potential of photoreceptor precursors, derived from clinically compliant induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has demonstrated the safety and therapeutic potential of clinically compliant iPSC-derived photoreceptor precursors as a cell replacement source for future clinical trials.

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Scientists discover method to boost energy generation from microalgae

The variety of humble algae that cover the surface of ponds and seas could hold the key to boosting the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis, allowing scientists to produce more energy and lower waste in the process. A study showed how encasing algae protein in liquid droplets can dramatically enhance the algae's light-harvesting and energy-conversion properties by up to three times. This energy is produced as the algae undergoes photosynthesis, which is the process used by plants, algae and certain bacteria to harness energy from sunlight and turn it into chemical energy. When light hits the droplet, light waves travel around the curved edges of the droplet. Light is effectively trapped within the droplet for a longer period of time, giving more opportunity for photosynthesis to take place, hence generating more energy.

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Aging breast tissue could set the stage for invasive breast cancer

A new study examines how the extracellular matrix (ECM) -- an underlying network of molecules and proteins that provide the structure for tissue growth -- can trigger invasive cancer-related genes.

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Artificial chromosomes study sheds light on gene therapies

A research team led by Dr Karen Wing Yee YUEN, Associate Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), revealed the mechanism of artificial chromosome (AC) formation in the embryos of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1-mm long, transparent nematode.

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Artificial chromosomes study sheds light on gene therapies

A research team led by Dr Karen Wing Yee YUEN, Associate Professor from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), revealed the mechanism of artificial chromosome (AC) formation in the embryos of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, a 1-mm long, transparent nematode.

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Delicious discoveries: Scientists just described a new onion species from the Himalaya

While the onion, garlic, scallion, shallot and chives have been on our plates for centuries, becoming staple foods around the world, their group, the genus Allium, seems to be a long way from running out of surprises. Recently, a group of researchers from India described a new onion species from the western Himalaya region, long known to the locals as 'jambu' and 'phran.'

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Challenges and lessons learned caring for diverse, vulnerable populations in the ER

Interviews with two dozen emergency medicine residents in academic medical center found most placed importance on learning to deliver high-quality care to diverse populations. However, many did not feel their programs made enough effort to incorporate effective cultural competency education into the curriculum.

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Ecology of fishing jaguars: Rare social interactions

Scientists have gained new insights into the diet, population density and social interactions of a group of Brazilian jaguars.

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Our brains have a 'fingerprint' too

An EPFL scientist has pinpointed the signs of brain activity that make up our brain fingerprint, which -- like our regular fingerprint -- is unique.

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Challenges and lessons learned caring for diverse, vulnerable populations in the ER

Interviews with two dozen emergency medicine residents in academic medical center found most placed importance on learning to deliver high-quality care to diverse populations. However, many did not feel their programs made enough effort to incorporate effective cultural competency education into the curriculum.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3aNVcbV

Our brains have a 'fingerprint' too

An EPFL scientist has pinpointed the signs of brain activity that make up our brain fingerprint, which -- like our regular fingerprint -- is unique.

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Sunday, October 17, 2021

A map of mouse brain metabolism in aging

Researchers have created an atlas of metabolites in the mouse brain. The dataset includes 1,547 different molecules across 10 brain regions in male and female laboratory mice from adolescence through adulthood and into advanced old age. The complete dataset is publicly available online.

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Accelerating the discovery of new materials for 3D printing

A new data-driven system accelerates the process of discovering 3D printing materials that have multiple mechanical properties.

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How bacteria create a piggy bank for the lean times: Basic science discovery could lead to improved biomaterial production

Bacteria can store extra resources for the lean times. It's a bit like keeping a piggy bank or carrying a backup battery pack. One important reserve is known as cyanophycin granules, which were first noticed by an Italian scientist about 150 years ago. He saw big, dark splotches in the cells of the blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) he was studying without understanding either what they were or their purpose. Since then, scientists have realized that cyanophycin was made of a natural green biopolymer, that bacteria use it as a store of nitrogen and energy, and that it could have many biotechnological applications.

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Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice

Researchers have identified a protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism. Loss of the protein, XRN1, from the forebrain, resulted in obese mice with an insatiable appetite, according to a new study.

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Researchers find few adverse health effects in wildlife exposed to low levels of radiation from the Fukushima nuclear accident

Between 2016 and 2018, researchers studied wild boar and rat snakes across a range of radiation exposures in Fukushima. The team examined biomarkers of DNA damage and stress and did not find any significant adverse health effects.

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Accelerating the discovery of new materials for 3D printing

A new data-driven system accelerates the process of discovering 3D printing materials that have multiple mechanical properties.

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Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice

Researchers have identified a protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism. Loss of the protein, XRN1, from the forebrain, resulted in obese mice with an insatiable appetite, according to a new study.

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Study explores the decisions made by physicians in the delivery room, and why they may be making them

Clinical decisions made in the delivery setting as to whether to employ vaginal delivery or cesarean section are often made under high pressure, and with great uncertainty, and have serious consequences for mother and baby. Now, a new study of electronic health records spanning 86,000 deliveries suggests that if their prior patient had complications in one delivery mode, a physician will be more likely to switch to the other -- and likely inappropriate -- delivery mode for the subsequent patient, regardless of whether it is warranted for that patient's indications.

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Filling the gaps: Connecting genes to diseases through proteins

Hundreds of connections between different human diseases have been uncovered through their shared origin in our genome, challenging the categorization of diseases by organ, symptoms, or clinical specialty. A new study has generated data on thousands of proteins circulating in our blood and combined this with genetic data to produce a map showing how genetic differences that affect these proteins link together seemingly diverse as well as related diseases.

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The gene behind an unusual form of Cushing’s Syndrome

The molecular causes of a particular type of food-dependent Cushing's Syndrome, a rare disease of the adrenal glands, are finally revealed.

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New technique helps researchers understand how acid damages teeth

Researchers have developed a new technique to improve understanding of how acid damages teeth at the microstructural level.

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Study discovers unique brain signature of intimate partner aggression

A new study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the brain activity of 51 male-female romantic couples as they experienced intimate partner aggression in real time. They found that aggression toward intimate partners was associated with aberrant activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex, or MPFC, which has many functions, but among them is the ability to foster perceptions of closeness with and value of other people.

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New technique helps researchers understand how acid damages teeth

Researchers have developed a new technique to improve understanding of how acid damages teeth at the microstructural level.

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Friday, October 15, 2021

Plant-eating lizards on the cusp of tooth evolution

Researchers found that complex teeth, a hallmark of mammals, also evolved several times in reptiles, prompting the evolutionary success of plant-eating lizards. However, contrary to mammals their tooth evolution was not unidirectional.

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Scientists find evidence the early solar system harbored a gap between its inner and outer regions

In the early solar system, a 'protoplanetary disk' of dust and gas rotated around the sun and eventually coalesced into the planets we know today. A new study suggests that a mysterious gap existed within this disk around 4.567 billion years ago, and likely shaped the composition of the solar system's infant planets.

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Plankton head polewards

Ocean warming caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions will prompt many species of marine plankton to seek out new habitats, in some cases as a matter of survival. Researchers expect many organisms to head to the poles and form new communities -- with unforeseeable consequences for marine food webs.

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Ultrafast magnetism: heating magnets, freezing time

Magnetic solids can be demagnetized quickly with a short laser pulse, and there are already so-called HAMR (Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording) memories on the market that function according to this principle. However, the microscopic mechanisms of ultrafast demagnetization remain unclear. Now, a team has developed a new method at BESSY II to quantify one of these mechanisms and applied it to the rare-earth element Gadolinium, whose magnetic properties are caused by electrons on both the 4f and the 5d shells.

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Behavior resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

A study involving some 11,000 dogs demonstrated that the gender, age and breed of the dog, as well as any behavioral problems and certain environmental factors, are connected to hyperactive and impulsive behavior and inattention (ADHD).

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Cellular environments shape molecular architecture

An important cellular structure called the nuclear pore complex (NPC) has larger dimensions than previously thought. A research team made this discovery using cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) -- which allowed them to analyze the NPC directly inside cells.

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Behavior resembling human ADHD seen in dogs

A study involving some 11,000 dogs demonstrated that the gender, age and breed of the dog, as well as any behavioral problems and certain environmental factors, are connected to hyperactive and impulsive behavior and inattention (ADHD).

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Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

Patients who have cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu, according to a new study. The study found that not only are traditional flu-related outcomes worse among some patients with CVD, but infection in those patients also is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Getting the influenza vaccine, however, substantially reduces cardiovascular risks.

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Why do we remember stressful experiences better?

When the brain stores memories of objects, it creates a characteristic pattern of activity for each of them. Stress changes such memory traces.

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Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

Patients who have cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu, according to a new study. The study found that not only are traditional flu-related outcomes worse among some patients with CVD, but infection in those patients also is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Getting the influenza vaccine, however, substantially reduces cardiovascular risks.

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Why do we remember stressful experiences better?

When the brain stores memories of objects, it creates a characteristic pattern of activity for each of them. Stress changes such memory traces.

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Plant-based jet fuel could reduce emissions by 68%

Replacing petroleum-based aviation fuel with sustainable aviation fuel derived from a type of mustard plant can reduce carbon emissions by up to 68%, according to new research.

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Expansion of wind and solar power too slow to stop climate change

The production of renewable energy is increasing every year. But after analyzing the growth rates of wind and solar power in 60 countries, researchers conclude that virtually no country is moving sufficiently fast to avoid global warming of 1.5°C or even 2°C. The article "National growth dynamics of wind and solar power compared to the growth required for global climate targets" was published in the journal Nature Energy, written by Aleh Cherp, Vadim Vinichenko, Jale Tosun, Joel A.Gordon and Jessica Jewell.

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Scientists develop fully solar-driven autonomous chemical mini-plant

Scientists have developed a fully operational standalone solar-powered mini-reactor which offers the potential for the production of fine chemicals in remote locations on Earth, and possibly even on Mars.

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Monitoring glucose levels, no needles required

Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the United States, so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. Now, with a new wearable device less intrusive glucose monitoring could become the norm.

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Monitoring glucose levels, no needles required

Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the United States, so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. Now, with a new wearable device less intrusive glucose monitoring could become the norm.

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'Broken heart' syndrome is on the rise in women

Researchers have discovered two alarming trends in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy -- also known as 'broken heart' syndrome -- a condition that is often triggered by stress or loss and can lead to long-term heart injury and impaired heart function.

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Brain ‘noise’ may hold the keys to psychiatric treatment efficacy

It remains a central challenge in psychiatry to reliably judge whether a patient will respond to treatment. Researchers now show that moment-to-moment fluctuations in brain activity can reliably predict whether patients with social anxiety disorder will be receptive to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

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Hedges reduce pollution at breathing height in shallow street canyons, study confirms

An extensive field study into air quality along a road lined with buildings has confirmed that hedges can help mitigate traffic-related pollution up to 1.7m, reducing the pollutants breathed by pedestrians, young children and cyclists.

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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Aided by stem cells, a lizard regenerates a perfect tail for first time in more than 250 million years

Lizards can regrow severed tails, making them the closest relative to humans that can regenerate a lost appendage. But in lieu of the original tail that includes a spinal column and nerves, the replacement structure is an imperfect cartilage tube. Now, a study describes how stem cells can help lizards regenerate better tails.

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Mito warriors: Scientists discover how T cell assassins reload their weapons to kill and kill again

Researchers have discovered how T cells -- an important component of our immune system -- are able keep on killing as they hunt down and kill cancer cells, repeatedly reloading their toxic weapons.

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Many US adults worry about facial image data in healthcare settings

Uses of facial images and facial recognition technologies -- to unlock a phone or in airport security -- are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. But how do people feel about using such data in healthcare and biomedical research?

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Laser treatment could significantly improve glaucoma care in Africa, potentially at no extra cost

Laser treatment has the potential to transform the management of glaucoma in Africa, and to prevent more people from going irreversibly blind, particularly in regions with high disease prevalence and incidence, suggests new research. Conducted in Tanzania, the research is the first randomised controlled trial exploring the use of the laser treatment, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), for patients with glaucoma in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Metabolic restoration in HIV-infected patients as a therapeutic approach

Medical researchers have shown that optimizing the energy metabolism of key cells enables people with HIV-1 to better defend themselves against the virus.

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Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

Interactions between iron, water, oxygen and ions quickly become complex. Scientists have now developed a more precise method to observe how iron minerals like rust form.

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In neurodegenerative diseases, brain immune cells have a 'ravenous appetite' for sugar

At the beginning of neurodegenerative disease, the immune cells of the brain -- the 'microglia' -- take up glucose, a sugar molecule, to a much greater extent than hitherto assumed. These results are of great significance for the interpretation of brain scans depicting the distribution of glucose in the brain. Furthermore, such image-based data could potentially serve as a biomarker to non-invasively capture the response of microglia to therapeutic interventions in people with dementia.

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Mutations in liver cells linked to liver disease and fat metabolism

Mutations linking liver disease with obesity and diabetes have been identified, leading to new understanding about how systemic diseases interact.

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Only 13 % know: The one-minute self-exam that could save young men’s lives

A new survey shows most Americans wrongly think testicular cancer is an older man's issue, despite it most commonly affecting men aged 2...