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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 25


Page 25 of 26

Materials scientists at Harvard demonstrate the first macro-scale thin-film solid-oxide fuel cell

Materials scientists at Harvard have successfully demonstrated the first macro-scale thin-film solid-oxide fuel cell, overcoming structural challenges to achieve comparable power density to micro-SOFCs. The breakthrough uses a metallic grid to support a large membrane, enabling scalability for practical clean-energy applications.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 3, 2011

Investigational compound PEG-interferon lambda achieved higher response rates with fewer flu-like and musculoskeletal symptoms and cytopenias than PEG-interferon alfa in Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients

In a Phase IIb study of 526 treatment-naive hepatitis C patients, PEG-Interferon lambda achieved higher rates of rapid virologic response and complete early virologic response compared to PEG-Interferon alfa. The study also showed fewer flu-like symptoms and cytopenias in the PEG-Interferon lambda arms.

SourceTogoRun·DateApr 2, 2011

DNA of 50 breast cancer patients decoded

Researchers sequenced whole genomes of tumors from 50 breast cancer patients and compared them to healthy cells, finding over 1,700 unique mutations. The study highlights the complexity of cancer genomes and offers new insights into personalized medicine.

Amphiphilic dendronized homopolymers

Researchers have synthesized a novel class of amphiphilic dendronized homopolymers with variable amphiphilicity, showing thermoresponsiveness and forming ordered porous films. These polymers adopt helical conformations in solution and can be used to develop new amphiphilic polymer structures.

Investigational direct-acting antiviral BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin achieved up to 92 percent sustained virologic response in Phase II dose-ranging study of treatment-naïve hepatitis C patients

A Phase II dose-ranging study of BMS-790052 plus PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin showed higher rates of sustained virologic response compared to PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin alone. The regimen achieved up to 92% SVR12 in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C genotype 1.

SourceTogoRun·DateApr 2, 2011

Soy increases radiation's ability to kill lung cancer cells, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation, increasing killing efficiency while protecting normal lung tissue from damage. Researchers used a soy mixture consisting of genistein, daidzein and glycitein to demonstrate this effect.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 1, 2011

Sugar-grain sized meteorites rocked the climates of early Earth and Mars, according to new study

Scientists suggest that bombardments of micro-meteorites on Earth and Mars four billion years ago led to catastrophic cooling effects, making it hard for early life to thrive. The influx of sulphur dioxide into the atmospheres of both planets could have plunged them into an Arctic winter, lasting millions of years.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateApr 1, 2011

Progress toward the clinical application of autologous induced pluripotent stem cells and gene repair therapy for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia

Researchers successfully reprogrammed diseased human hepatocytes into induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a potentially unlimited source for liver disease treatment. This breakthrough could enable the generation of genetically corrected liver cells via auto-transplantation, avoiding liver transplants and immunosuppression.