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Science News Archive 2014 - Page 48


Page 48 of 376

Genes identify transplant rejection

A new study published in PLOS Medicine has developed a 17-gene set to analyze peripheral blood samples and determine which patients are at risk of acute rejection after kidney transplantation. The test, called kSORT, was found to be highly accurate and clinically applicable, with an area under the curve of 0.93.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 11, 2014

Space: The final frontier in silicon chemistry

Scientists from the University of Tokyo have detected silicon and nitrogen-terminated carbon chain molecules in interstellar space using laboratory experiments. The discovery provides valuable information on the formation mechanisms of these molecules and their potential impact on understanding the chemical composition of the universe.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 11, 2014

Typhoid gene unravelled

A new study has identified a human gene that provides natural resistance to typhoid fever. The HLA-DRB1 gene codes for a receptor important in the immune response against invading bacteria. This finding holds promise for developing improved vaccines and treatments for typhoid fever.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 11, 2014

New therapy for trauma survivors

A new transdiagnostic psychotherapy approach, CETA, has been found to be effective in reducing depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms among Burmese trauma survivors living in Thailand. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction of symptoms over an average of 3 months.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 11, 2014

Study shows vaccination leads to decline in pneumococcal disease and antibiotic resistance

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease cases caused by bacteria resistant to one or more antibiotics. The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in South Africa has led to substantial reductions in antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococ...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2014

Twisted light waves sent across Vienna

Researchers sent twisted light beams across Vienna, encoding images and demonstrating increased data-carrying capacity. The technology could significantly increase data-rates in classical communication and make secret keys tougher to crack in quantum communication.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 11, 2014

Study identifying cell of origin for large, disfiguring nerve tumors lays groundwork for development

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified the specific type of cell that gives rise to large, disfiguring plexiform neurofibromas, a finding that could lead to new therapies for preventing tumor growth. The study suggests ways to develop treatments by understanding the steps leading to tumor development.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 11, 2014

Eye diseases identified by how we watch TV

A new study from City University London found that eye movement analysis can detect diseases like glaucoma while watching TV. This method could help clinicians identify the disease earlier, enabling timely treatment before permanent damage occurs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2014

Controlling genes with your thoughts

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel gene regulation method that enables thought-specific brainwaves to control the conversion of genes into proteins. The system uses EEG headsets to transmit brainwaves wirelessly to an implant, which regulates gene expression through light-sensitive optogenetic modules.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 2014

Altered milk protein can deliver AIDS drug to infants

A novel method of altering a protein in milk has been discovered, enabling the delivery of an antiretroviral drug to infants with HIV/AIDS. This breakthrough could greatly improve treatment for the estimated 3.4 million children suffering from the disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Research·DateNov 11, 2014

Tree diseases can help forests

A University of Utah study found that pathogens killing tree seedlings in drier forests allow more diverse tree species to thrive in the wetter Caribbean environment. This separation is crucial for conservation planning and understanding how tree species adapt to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateNov 11, 2014

Study finds traditional healers contribute to HIV care delays

A recent survey of symptomatic HIV-positive people in rural Mozambique found that those who initially consulted traditional healers had a 2.4 times longer delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of HIV. The study highlights the need to engage traditional healers in HIV care and provide incentives for referrals.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateNov 11, 2014

Autophagy and antidepressants

Researchers found that FKBP51 regulates acute and chronic effects of antidepressants via autophagic pathways in mice and humans. Autophagy markers correlate with antidepressant treatment response in patients with depression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 11, 2014

Bending -- but not breaking -- in search of new materials

Researchers create a new material that can store charge and support weight, with potential applications in wearable technology, water filtration, and radiofrequency shielding. The material's flexibility and strength make it suitable for various uses, including improving electrical energy storage.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2014

Study: Farmers and scientists divided over climate change

A study by Purdue and Iowa State universities surveyed 6,795 people in the agricultural sector, revealing a significant divide between scientists and farmers on climate change causes. More than 90% of scientists attributed climate change to human activities, while 66% of corn producers blamed natural shifts in the environment.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateNov 11, 2014

Helping patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers

Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateNov 11, 2014

Mann honored with 2014 Pongo Environmental Award

Michael E. Mann received the 2014 Pongo Environmental Award for his groundbreaking research on global warming and strong advocacy for climate protection. The award recognizes his work in providing crucial global temperature data and a compelling case for global warming, as well as his leadership as a climate warrior.

Federal legislation ignores PTSD toll on civilians

A study by Jonathan Purtle found that federal legislation addressing PTSD has predominantly focused on military personnel, with over 90% of mentions targeting military personnel or combat exposure. However, PTSD affects a significantly larger civilian population due to its prevalence in non-military traumatic events.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateNov 11, 2014