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Science News Archive 2013 - Page 16


Page 16 of 352

Targeted antibody, immune checkpoint blocker rein in follicular lymphoma

A phase II clinical trial at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center showed that a combination of rituximab and pidilizumab sparked complete responses in 19 out of 29 patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma, with a response rate of 66%. The treatment had a mild side effect profile, with no grade 3 or 4 adverse events.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 11, 2013

Hemophilia and long-term HIV infection -- is there a protective link?

Researchers found that people with hemophilia infected with HIV for decades have increased levels of immune cells targeting HIV. This cellular response, combined with antiretroviral therapy, enables patients to long-term survive despite HIV activity. The study provides new insights into the reasons behind clinical stability in these pa...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateDec 11, 2013

Keeping growth in check

Researchers found that loss of RPL5 or RPL11 prevents cell cycle arrest but impairs proliferation due to reduced ribosome content and translation capacity. This discovery highlights a new mechanism for controlling cell growth, relying on the essential role of these ribosomal proteins in biogenesis.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateDec 11, 2013

6 Installation Grants awarded

Six life science researchers from the UK, France, and US will receive EMBO Installation Grants to establish their research groups in the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, and Turkey. The grants aim to strengthen science in selected member states and facilitate collaboration with European centers of research and education.

SourceEMBO·DateDec 11, 2013

Bacterium infecting cystic fibrosis patients genetically evolves to live in lungs and evade antibiotic treatments

Scientists from the University of Ottawa and University of Calgary have shown that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has genetically evolved to survive in CF-infected lungs and evade antibiotic treatments. The study provides new insights into the evolution of the pathogen, which is a major driver of cystic fibrosis mortality.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

Study provides nutritional information on oilseed crop for use in pig diets

Researchers evaluated camelina expeller digestibility in pigs, comparing them to canola meal. The study found that some camelina expeller sources had comparable amino acid digestibility to canola meal, suggesting their use in pig diets may be possible. However, other sources showed lower digestibility values.

Pest-killing wasps and berry fungus

Two Canadian teens, Adamo Young and Kiri Daust, published their research on wasps and leaf disease, revealing an efficient killer of an agricultural pest and a little-known fungus hurting Highbush Cranberries. Their studies help farmers combat the moth pest without pesticides.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalThe Canadian Field-Naturalist·DateDec 10, 2013

Mount Sinai researchers say new strain of bird flu packs a punch even after becoming drug-resistant

Mount Sinai researchers found that a drug-resistant H7N9 virus retained its ability to replicate and cause severe illness in humans, even after becoming resistant to Tamiflu. The study suggests that flu viruses can develop drug-resistant mutations without suffering a penalty in terms of their fitness.

Recipe for a universe

Researchers have mathematically described the phase transition between a boring empty space and an expanding universe containing mass. The theory connects quantum field theory and Einstein's relativity, suggesting that time and space can undergo a phase transition similar to liquid-solid transitions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 10, 2013

Early initiation of ER palliative care consultations resulted in shorter hospital stays

Researchers found that initiating palliative care consultations in emergency departments (EDs) reduced hospital length of stay by an average of 3.6 days compared to patients receiving consultations after admission. This study suggests that EDs could be a setting for improving patient-centered care and reducing healthcare costs.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateDec 10, 2013

Announcing project agora: Ambitious comparison of computer simulations of galaxy evolution

The AGORA project aims to resolve inconsistencies in supercomputer simulations of galaxy evolution by comparing results from different codes and processes. By applying the principle of reproducibility, researchers hope to identify key physics ingredients that produce realistic galaxies.

Research unveils clues about protein mechanism critical to plant growth and yield

Heterotrimeric G proteins play significant roles in plant development, including fruit and seed size and production, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to abiotic stresses. Research by Sona Pandey and collaborators showed that elevated G protein quantities in Camelina sativa led to increased seed production and size.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 10, 2013

Motivating healthy adults to be more physically active improves their cardiorespiratory fitness

University of Missouri researchers found that encouraging healthy adults to be more physically active can improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. The study suggests that recommendations from healthcare professionals and simple interventions can effectively boost physical activity levels and lead to better health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNursing Research·DateDec 10, 2013

Colleges pay attention: How do top 10 rankings influence applications?

A study by Mathew S. Isaac and Robert M. Schindler found that moving just two spots up or down a ranked list can greatly influence consumer perception. The researchers analyzed data from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, finding that rank changes near round-number group borders are the best predictors of increased applications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 10, 2013

Measuring up

Researchers found that tree sparrows can identify parasitic eggs by color and shape, ejecting 81% of non-native objects. The birds' ability to recognize foreign eggs is linked to motivation and nest sanitation, with some species being more careful during incubation.