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Science News Archive February 2012 - Page 14


Page 14 of 30

Harvard's Wyss Institute develops DNA nanorobot to trigger targeted therapeutic responses

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a DNA nanorobot that can seek out specific cell targets and deliver molecular instructions to cause cancer cells to self-destruct. The technology uses modular components to mimic the body's immune system and has the potential to treat various diseases.

Wayne State research reveals improved method for paramedics to stop prolonged seizures

A new study by Wayne State University reveals that an autoinjector delivering midazolam can effectively stop prolonged seizures in patients, with 73% of participants seizure-free upon hospital arrival. This method is faster and more reliable than traditional intravenous treatment.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

Wayne State proves targeted tumor freezing therapy increases ovarian cancer survival

A study by Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers found that targeted tumor freezing therapy increases ovarian cancer survival rates, with a 56-month average survival rate reported in 98% of patients. The treatment, called cryoablation, has been shown to be cost-effective, saving an average of $26,806 per life year.

Implantable microchip delivers medicine to women with osteoporosis

A new study shows that an implantable microchip can deliver medication on command, improving bone formation and reducing the risk of bone fracture in women with osteoporosis. The device, which is roughly the size of a pacemaker, releases medication via a wireless signal and has shown to be effective and safer than traditional injections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2012

New ability to regrow blood vessels holds promise for treatment of heart disease

Researchers have developed a new and effective way to regrow blood vessels, potentially bypassing surgery and repairing damaged vessels through injection of a lipid-incased substance. This method has shown promise in treating chronic myocardial ischemia disease, affecting up to 27 million patients in the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2012

Fruit flies use alcohol as a drug to kill parasites

A recent study by Emory University found that fruit flies infected with blood-borne parasites consume alcohol to increase their survival rate. The researchers discovered that the toxic effects of alcohol can be protective against infectious disease and raise an important question about whether other organisms, including humans, could c...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Nanoparticles may enhance cancer therapy

A new strategy combining carbon nanoparticles with chemotherapy and radiation therapy shows significant potential in treating head-and-neck cancers. The treatment uses nanoparticles to encapsulate chemotherapeutic drugs, delivering them directly to cancer cells.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 16, 2012

When is a gene not a gene?

Researchers have developed a new catalogue of loss-of-function (LoF) variants to better understand the normal function of human genes. The study identifies over 1000 LoF variants, some of which are rare and potentially harmful, while others may not have a significant effect on health.

How the 'Quarter' Horse won the rodeo

A new study has mapped the genome of a Quarter Horse mare using next-generation sequencing, revealing genetic variants associated with sensory perception, signal transduction, and immunity. The research found that Quarter Horses have more genetic variation than Thoroughbreds, particularly in genes involved in these traits.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 16, 2012

Yale paper finds arsenic supply at highest risk

A Yale University study has assessed the criticality of metals in the geological copper family, finding arsenic as the most vulnerable to long-term supply disruption. The research methodology evaluates supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability to supply restriction, highlighting the importance of considering these fact...

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2012

OHSU discovery may someday lead to prevention and treatment of sudden infant death syndrome

Researchers at OHSU discovered glial cells, previously thought to support growth, actually regulate the growth of brainstem neurons responsible for cardiorespiratory control. This finding has profound implications for the prevention and treatment of SIDS, with potential applications in high blood pressure and other disorders.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNeuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2012

Physician reminders don't improve care for kidney disease patients

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that adding information on how to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to kidney test results did not improve care. The study included 22,092 patients with CKD and found no difference in the use of recommended medications between those who receive...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Puzzle play improves math skills

A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that puzzle play in children aged 2-4 years significantly improves their spatial skills, which are essential for mathematics, science, and technology. Higher income parents who engaged their children in puzzle play more frequently showed a greater impact on spatial skills develo...

New 'soft' motor made from artificial muscles

The team's proof-of-concept motor utilizes carbon-based switches to activate artificial muscles, which then rotate a shaft without external electronics or hard metal parts. The device has the potential to open doors for softer, lighter electrostatic motors with applications in prosthetics and soft robots.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 15, 2012

Using online patient communities and new trial approaches to optimize clinical research

Lung cancer patients face geographic challenges to access clinical trials due to molecular preselection. Researchers propose using online patient communities and innovative trial approaches to inform patients about trials, accelerate research, and address practical challenges in conducting personalized medicine trials.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 15, 2012