Broad-spectrum cancer drug is goal of multinational project
A multinational project led by Dr. Tyler Curiel aims to develop an antibody that can block a specific cancer metabolic pathway and reduce its ability to suppress the immune system.
Science News Archive January 2014
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New strategy emerges for fighting drug-resistant malaria
Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Colin coming 'unwound'
Tropical Cyclone Colin is losing organization and strength due to cooler sea surface temperatures and increased vertical wind shear, with most precipitation occurring on its southern side. The storm is expected to weaken into a cold-core low pressure area in the next couple of days.
Loyola study provides guidance on drug holidays from popular osteoporosis treatments
A new study from Loyola University Health System found that patients should resume treatment immediately after a fracture, decline in bone strength, or early rise in signs of increased fracture risk. Elderly patients and those with very low bone strength require closer follow-up during drug holidays.
Plant cell growth studies funded by NSF grant at UMass Amherst
Magdalena Bezanilla's four-year, $600,000 grant will help explore how cells control delivery of building blocks for the extracellular matrix in plants. The research will use a moss species with a known genome to manipulate DNA changes and evaluate protein secretion effects.
What makes superalloys super -- hierarchical microstructure of a superalloy
The formation of a hierarchical microstructure in superalloys has been observed for the first time using TEM and APT. Researchers found that spherical and plate-like gamma particles are key to the alloy's mechanical properties.
Should we make a film that audiences enjoy or nab an Oscar nomination?
UCLA researchers Gabriel Rossman and Oliver Schilke analyzed 25 years of data on mainstream cinema to discover the logic behind Hollywood's decisions. They found that filmmakers who make movies with "Oscar appeal" (often mocked as "Oscar bait") face a risk-and-reward structure similar to lobbyists, with costly bids for potential awards.
Mindfulness helps undergraduates stay on track
A study by University of Miami researchers found that mindfulness training significantly reduces mind wandering in college students, improving attention and reducing stress. The seven-week program was highly effective in increasing focus and decreasing mind-wandering, with significant benefits for undergraduate students.
Follow-up tests improve colorectal cancer recurrence detection
A study found that follow-up tests improved the rate of surgical treatment for cancer recurrence in patients who had undergone curative surgery for primary colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in both computed tomography and carcinoembryonic antigen screening methods, with no advantage in combining these tests.
Illinois study identifies 3 risk factors most highly correlated with child obesity
A University of Illinois study found that inadequate sleep, parental BMI, and restrictive eating practices are the most significant risk factors for child obesity in preschoolers. The research suggests that addressing these risk factors can lead to a reduction in children's weight status.
Muscle-strengthening and conditioning in women associated with reduced risk of diabetes
A large study found that women who engaged in muscle-strengthening activities, such as weight training and yoga, had a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women who met current physical activity guidelines, including both muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercise, experienced the greatest benefit.
Gene variation associated with brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment
A new study found that the presence of a gene variant APOE epsilon 4 is associated with accelerated brain atrophy rates in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study used MRI to measure brain atrophy over a 12- to 48-month period and found that epsilon 4 carriers exhibited greater atrophy rates than non-carriers.
Educated black men remembered as 'whiter'
Researchers discovered a skin tone memory bias where educated Black men are perceived as lighter-skinned, violating the stereotype of darker skin tones being more aggressive. This phenomenon distorts memory and reinforces existing cultural beliefs about race and intelligence.
Scientists show how insulin-producing cells may fail in diabetes, how they might someday be restored
Scientists have discovered that insulin-producing beta cells may fail due to oxygen deprivation, leading to type 2 diabetes. A second study reveals that acinar cells can be converted into functional beta cells, offering a promising new approach for treating the disease.
Bald reef gets new growth with seaweed transplant
Researchers from UNSW successfully transplanted Phyllospora comosa onto two barren reef sites in Sydney, where it once thrived. The transplanted species not only survived but also reproduced, creating a potential self-sustaining population and restoring a vital habitat for marine organisms.
First farmers and stockbreeders painted with the same pigments that their hunters ancestors
Researchers found identical pigment compositions between hunter-gatherer and farmer styles, challenging previous theories. The artists used iron oxides and terrigenous materials easily found in their environment.
Patients with mild hyperglycemia and genetic mutation have low prevalence of vascular complications
Researchers found that patients with a GCK mutation had a low prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications, despite decades of isolated hyperglycemia. The study included 99 carriers of the mutation, 91 control relatives, and 83 individuals with young-onset type 2 diabetes.
Do cultural differences determine outcome of our activities?
A study by Hebrew University researchers and international colleagues found that different cultural approaches to tasks like pottery-throwing didn't produce distinct outcomes. Instead, most hand positions were culture-specific while vessel shapes remained largely unified across cultures.
New patent mapping system helps find innovation pathways
Researchers developed a new patent mapping system that considers patent citations to predict innovation pathways. The system categorizes patents into clusters based on technological similarity, providing insights into emerging technologies and areas for R&D investment.
Geriatric health professionals experience added burden when caring for own family members
A study of geriatric health care professionals found they experience emotional struggle while caring for their own aging relatives, but also benefits from this dual role. The researchers emphasize the need for support and tools for all caregivers to navigate difficult conversations with providers and family members.
Cell division discovery could offer fresh insight into cancer
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a set of proteins that stabilise cell division, which could lead to new avenues in drug discovery for fighting cancer. The findings shed light on how cells duplicate their DNA and separate into two new cells, each identical to the original.
Cervical screening up to age 69 may prevent cervical cancer in older women
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cervical screening up to age 69 reduces cervical cancer risk, with benefits for women with normal screening results. Regular screening can save lives and reduce cancer rates beyond age 50.
Fish derived serum omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that high concentrations of serum long-chain omega-3 fatty acids from fish consumption significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research involved over 2,200 Finnish men, with those in the highest omega-3 group showing a 33% reduced risk.
Alcohol consumption is a necessary cause of nearly 80,000 deaths per year in the Americas
A new study reveals alcohol consumption is a necessary cause of nearly 80,000 deaths per year in the Americas, primarily due to liver disease. The risk varies by country and age group, with men accounting for 84% of all deaths.
Physical reason for chromosome shape discovered
Chromosomes' characteristic shape is explained by self-organizing supramolecular structures formed by stacked layers of chromatin. The symmetry breaking due to different surface energies in telomeres and lateral surfaces justifies the elongated structure.
Potential future data storage at domain boundaries
Researchers have discovered a physical phenomenon that could prove suitable for use in further data aggregation, allowing information to be stored in the tiniest of spaces. The discovery was made using advanced electron microscopes and computer simulations, and involves ferroelectric polar properties within antiferroelectric materials.
Risk of transient breathing difficulties in newborns of mothers on antidepressants
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ suggests that infants exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during late pregnancy are at a higher risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can lead to breathing difficulties. However, the authors stress that the overall risk remains low and that depression during pregna...
Regenstrief and IU review finds lack of delirium screening in the emergency department
Delirium in older patients is frequently overlooked due to the lack of screening tools in emergency departments. The condition can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality rates, and a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers call for the development of emergency department-specific screening instruments to improve ...
Georgia Tech researchers reveal phrases that pay on Kickstarter
Researchers found dozens of phrases that pay and a few dozen more that signal likely failure, with reciprocity and social proof being key factors in successful campaigns. The study analyzed over 45,000 projects and identified language patterns that accounted for 58.56% of the variance around success.
Queen's University in €1.6M bid to develop new animal doping test
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast and the Irish Equine Centre are developing a new animal doping test that detects known biological effects of banned substances. The test has the potential to revolutionize animal drug testing by enabling quick and efficient screening of large numbers of animals.
Microbes swap for tiny goods in minuscule markets, researchers find
Research reveals microbes participate in complex networks of trade, swapping nutrients and resources using human-like strategies. Microbes cooperate with humans and plants, sharing economic strategies to thrive.
Research shows early promise of new drug for cancers caused by viruses
A new therapy for preventing production of sphingolipids in lymphoma cells has been developed, selectively killing virus-infected cells. The treatment, ABC294640, shows promise in treating primary effusion lymphoma, an aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma caused by viruses.
What your candles and TV screen have in common
Researchers discovered that paraffin wax molecules align similarly to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, revealing a new connection between seemingly disparate products. This finding has significant value for the plastics industry, which relies heavily on injection moulding processes.
Patients with multiple sclerosis in Taiwan may be at increased risk of developing cancer
Patients with multiple sclerosis in Taiwan may be at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly breast cancer, according to a recent study published in European Journal of Neurology. The nationwide population-based cohort study found an 85% increased risk of cancer development among MS patients compared to controls.
NASA sees rainfall from System 94S over Australia's Arnhem region
NASA's TRMM satellite measured heavy rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour in the northeastern Van Dieman Gulf and northwestern Arnhem Region. The system is affecting parts of Northern Territory with damaging winds and heavy rainfall warnings issued.
Research targets 'holy grail' of catalysis
University of Houston researchers aim to develop a method to convert methane, the main component of natural gas, into more valuable chemicals like methanol, ethane, or ethylene. The breakthrough could have significant economic and industrial value.
Dance and virtual reality: A promising treatment for urinary incontinence in elderly women
Researchers found that adding dance exercises to a physiotherapy program improved urine leakage, increased participation rates, and provided more functional pelvic floor muscle exercises. The study opens the door to a randomized clinical trial for treating urinary incontinence with virtual reality and dance.
Study indicates the potential of new tests in long-term diabetes complications
Researchers have found that fructosamine and glycated albumin are strongly associated with retinopathy and kidney disease in patients with diabetes. These tests could potentially replace the standard Hemoglobin A1c test, which is not valid for some patients.
World's tiniest drug cabinets could be attached to cancerous cells for long term treatment
Researchers from University of Copenhagen develop method for slow release drugs by attaching liquid crystalline particles to cancer cells. The particles can carry large quantities of drugs and interact with cellular membranes, providing a potential solution to frequent injections and side effects.
More than meets the eye
Researchers at UCSB and University of Bristol found that the brain can perform foveal analysis and peripheral selection during visual sampling independently and rapidly, without affecting accuracy. This specialized ability may be due to humans' need to maintain vigilance over their periphery while performing focused visual analysis.
Partnership between PETA, Simulab and surgeons brings $1 million in simulators to 9 countries
A collaboration between PETA, Simulab, and trauma surgeons is providing state-of-the-art TraumaMan surgical simulators to nine countries, replacing animal testing for medical training. This initiative is expected to save thousands of animals from being hurt and killed in training procedures.
How a scorpion gets its sting
Researchers analyzed α-KTx family sequences to identify conserved amino acid sites associated with neurotoxin structure and function. A single genetic deletion event can convert an STS-containing insect defensin into a scorpion-like neurotoxin.
UNC researchers harness sun's energy during day for use at night
Researchers have built a system that converts the sun's energy into hydrogen fuel and stores it for later use, allowing for nighttime power. The 'solar fuels' system uses natural photosynthesis as inspiration and has the potential to be a major piece of the puzzle for a solar energy future.
New breast cancer stem cell findings explain how cancer spreads
Researchers have discovered two types of breast cancer stem cells, each playing a crucial role in metastasis. The findings highlight the need for targeted therapies that can tackle both forms of stem cells, offering new hope for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Seafloor, sea-level, shear zones, subduction, sedimentation, and seismology
Studies examine the role of hydrated fault zones in carrying large amounts of water from Earth's oceans to the mantle. Researchers also investigate vertical structural heterogeneities within cratonic lithosphere, shedding light on continent destruction and evolution.
Argonne scientists discover new pathway for artificial photosynthesis
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have found a more efficient way to link a synthetic cobalt-containing catalyst to an organic light-sensitive molecule, increasing hydrogen generation from sunlight and water. The discovery uses a new mechanism that allows the reaction to continue significantly longer.
Innovative handheld mineral analyzer -- 'the first of its kind'
A handheld mineral analyzer has been developed for mining applications, enabling rapid analysis of minerals in the field. The device combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to identify and quantify minerals within 1-2 minutes.
ERC funds IIASA crowdsourcing project
The ERC Consolidator Grant will build upon the Geo-Wiki project's work in involving citizen scientists in global land cover research. The team aims to collect on-the-ground data using a local network of volunteers and smartphone applications.
Younger people have 'high definition' memories
Researchers found that younger adults outperform older adults in visual working memory tasks, with a higher capacity for 'high definition' recall. This suggests that while older adults may store similar amounts of information, their memories are less detailed and impaired in recollection.
Bacterial 'syringe' necessary for marine animal development
A new study at Caltech describes a mechanism for bacterial biofilms to induce the transformation of marine invertebrates from larvae to adults. Researchers discovered that phage tail-like structures, similar to those used by viruses to inject genetic material into bacteria, play a crucial role in this process.
Molecular nano-spies to make light work of disease detection
Scientists have created stealth compounds programmed to respond to specific signals, allowing for targeted detection of diseases and potential delivery of potent drugs. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment, enabling early detection and precise treatment strategies.
Prevalence of hepatitis C infection found to vary widely among Hispanics
A new study reveals that hepatitis C infection rates vary significantly among Hispanic groups in the US, with Puerto Rican individuals facing the highest risk. The study, which analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals, found that infection rates range from less than 1% to 11.6% among different ethnic groups.
Researchers suggest risk of cervical or vaginal cancer higher in women previously treated for pre-cancerous cells on cervix
A study found that women previously treated for CIN3 have an increased risk of developing and dying from cervical or vaginal cancer compared to the general female population. The risk accelerates above age 60 and is more pronounced in those who received treatment later in life.
Natural selection can favor 'irrational' behavior
A study by the University of Bristol's Modelling Animal Decisions team found that optimal choices can violate transitivity, suggesting that seemingly irrelevant alternatives can influence decisions. This challenges traditional assumptions about rationality and decision-making.
Wild sparrow study traces social behaviors in the field to specific gene
A unique study of white-throated sparrows found a genetic pathway connecting aggression and parenting behaviors to specific genes, specifically the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) gene. The research showed that variation in ER-alpha expression predicted behavior in territorial aggression and parenting.
Brain structure shows who is most sensitive to pain
A study published in the journal Pain found that individual differences in grey matter in certain brain regions are related to pain sensitivity. People with higher default mode activity and better attention control tend to have reduced sensitivity to pain.
Andrew Sessler wins Fermi Award
Andrew Sessler, former Berkeley Lab Director, wins Fermi Award for his work on particle accelerators and storage rings. He is recognized for advancing the science and technology frontier in research and development.
Researchers identify key components linking circadian rhythms and cell division cycles
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati identified serine/threonine protein kinase-29 (STK-29) as a key component linking circadian rhythms and cell division cycles. The study, led by Christian Hong, provided insights that could lead to improved disease treatments and drug delivery.
Breast cancer cells disguise themselves as neurons to cause brain tumors
City of Hope researchers discovered that breast cancer cells can masquerade as neurons, allowing them to hide from the immune system and spread to the brain. The study found that these cancer cells exploit the brain's chemicals and proteins to deceive the immune system.
Screening helps prevent cervical cancer in older women
Women aged 50-64 who are screened regularly have a lower risk of cervical cancer into their eighties. Screening up to age 65 greatly reduces cervical cancer risk, but protection weakens with time.