249 articles from WEDNESDAY 10.6.2020

Population ecology: Origins of genetic variability in seals

A new study led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU) in Munich researchers shows that fluctuations in population sizes in the past have had a significant effect on contemporary seal populations, and estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment in the species investigated.

Proposed seismic surveys in Arctic Refuge likely to cause lasting damage

Winter vehicle travel can cause long-lasting damage to the tundra, according to a new paper by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers. Scars from seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge remained for decades, according to the study. The findings counter assertions made by the Bureau of Land Management in 2018 that seismic exploration causes no...

Researchers identify new genetic defect linked to ALS

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have identified how certain gene mutations cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The pathway identified by the researchers may also be responsible for a certain form of dementia related to ALS. The finding could offer potential new approaches for treating this devastating condition.

Researchers uncover novel approach for treating eczema

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) have identified a key enzyme that contributes to eczema, which may lead to better treatment to prevent the skin disorder's debilitating effects.

Responding to challenges of older adults with COVID-19

Older adults with COVID-19 who survive hospitalizations and return to their homes confront substantial health challenges and an unpredictable future. Early evidence suggests that complex and long-term physical, functional, cognitive, and emotional negative health consequences will be the norm for them. However, the trajectories of health care needs of older adults with COVID-19 in the weeks and...

Review: A good vitamin D status can protect against cancer

A good vitamin D status is beneficial both in cancer prevention and in the prognosis of several cancers, according to a new research review. The anti-cancer effects of vitamin D are especially pronounced in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer and blood cancers. In addition, high vitamin D responsiveness can be linked to a smaller cancer risk. Vitamin D responsiveness varies between...

Risk of stroke may more than double for African Americans who smoke

Current cigarette smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked per day are associated with more than double the risk of stroke among African Americans.Researchers suggest more public information campaigns should be geared toward warning African Americans about the increased risk of stroke from cigarette smoking.

Roadkill study identifies animals most at risk in Europe

New method used to predict how many birds and mammals are being killed on European roads, as well as identifying species whose long-term survival is threatened by roads. Roadkill risk is not currently considered when assessing impact of new roads on wildlife, meaning conservation efforts may currently be misplaced.

Scientists reveal regional coupled C-N-H2O cycle processes and associated driving mechanisms

From a molecular level to an ecosystem scale, different coupling mechanisms take place during coupled carbon-nitrogen-water (C-N-H2O) cycles, of which essential are water flux and related biogeochemical processes through physicochemical reactions associated with terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that will subsequently impact regional gross primary productivity (GPP) and C and N exchanges during...

Secondary school admissions system is still a work in progress

A new study by Lancaster University Management School highlights important inequalities in access to chosen secondary schools in England with minority ethnic families 17% less likely to achieve their first choice school. Experts also say while allowing fewer choices enables local authorities to show that high proportions of children will be attending their first choice school, this is a hollow...

Self-healing bone cement

Material scientists at the University of Jena have developed a bone replacement based on calcium phosphate cement and reinforced with carbon fibers. The fibers increase damage tolerance and ensure that cracks in the material repair themselves.

SLC35B1 as a key modulator of a UDPGA transporter into the endoplasmic reticulum

Researchers from Kanazawa University identified SLC35B1 as a key regulator of the glucuronidation process in the human liver. By using HepaRG cells, a human liver cell line, and human liver samples, they showed that among a panel of SLC35 proteins SLC35B1 most significantly contributed to glucuronidation. These findings indicated that the large interindividual differences in SLC35B1 expression may...