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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 28


Page 28 of 28

The human eye can see 'invisible' infrared light

Researchers found that the retina can sense infrared light when laser pulses rapidly deliver a double hit of energy, allowing the eye to detect light outside the visible spectrum. This discovery may lead to developing new tools for examining and stimulating the retina.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2014

Breast cancer vaccine shows promise in small clinical trial

A new breast cancer vaccine developed at Washington University School of Medicine has shown safety and preliminary evidence of biological efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The vaccine targets a protein called mammaglobin-A, found almost exclusively in breast tissue, and primes the immune system to attack tumor cells, ...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 1, 2014

Research suggests ability of HIV to cause AIDS is slowing

Research suggests that HIV's rapid evolution is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, while access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables infected individuals to progress more slowly. The study found that HIV adaptation to the immune system comes at a cost, making the virus less virulent.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2014

Therapeutic bronchoscopy performed on a dolphin

A bottlenose dolphin with breathing difficulties underwent pioneering therapeutic bronchoscopy, marking the first time such a procedure was performed on a marine mammal. The dolphin's respiratory cycle improved significantly after the treatment, and she returned to her normal behavior.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 1, 2014

Mutation associated with premature ovarian failure identified

A new study identifies a specific mutation in the MCM8 gene as a cause of premature ovarian failure. The mutation leads to chromosomal instability and DNA repair problems, affecting women's reproductive health. Researchers found that siblings without the mutation did not experience similar symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2014

Study: Different species share a 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits

Researchers have discovered a common 'genetic toolkit' for behavioral traits across different species, including house mice, stickleback fish, and honey bees. Shared gene expression patterns were found in response to intruder threats, suggesting molecular similarities run deeper than brain structural differences.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2014

Stressed-out cancers may provide drug target

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that cancer cells with chromosomal instability are vulnerable to mild metabolic disruption, making them a potential target for new therapy. The study's findings suggest that targeting these unstable cells could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOncogene·DateDec 1, 2014