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Science News for May 25, 2014


Team validates potentially powerful new way to treat HER2-positive breast cancer

A team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has validated a potentially powerful new approach to treating HER2-positive breast cancer by inhibiting the protein PTP1B. The discovery may lead to improved treatments for the disease, which affects one in four patients and is often resistant to existing therapies.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 25, 2014

Researchers map the epic evolution of a 'ring species'

Researchers mapped the epic evolution of a 'ring species' using genomic analysis, revealing complex divergence and hybridization. The Greenish Warbler's range expansion involved periods of geographic separation and interbreeding.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2014
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Gene mutation found for aggressive form of pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a unique molecular signature for adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), a rare and virulent form of pancreatic cancer. The identification of somatic mutations in the UPF1 gene may lead to the development of novel diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, offering new hope for patients with ASC.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 25, 2014

Study identifies how signals trigger cancer cells to spread

A new fluorescent protein biosensor reveals the activation of Rac1 inside cancer cells during invadopodia formation, showing its role in controlling the invasion and spread of cancer cells. The study provides insights into the signaling mechanism that regulates cancer cell invasion and offers potential targets for developing treatments.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2014

A new molecule for high-resolution cell imaging

Researchers at EPFL create two powerful probes for the imaging of cytoskeletal proteins with unprecedented resolution. These probes provide a significant improvement over existing techniques, enabling easier and higher quality imaging of cells with minimal toxicity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 25, 2014

DNA nanotechnology places enzyme catalysis within an arm's length

Researchers develop 3-D artificial enzyme cascade using DNA nanotechnology, mimicking a crucial biochemical pathway that could lead to future biomedical and energy applications. The system consists of multiple enzymes attached to a DNA scaffold, with each arm serving as a 'swinging' catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2014

Buried fossil soils found to be awash in carbon

Deeply buried fossil soils in the Great Plains have been found to be rich in carbon, potentially grossly underestimating carbon storage capacity. The study's findings suggest that these ancient soils could contribute significantly to global climate change as they are disturbed.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 25, 2014
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Stanford discovery could pave way to new treatment for rare jaw tumor

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the genetic mutations underlying ameloblastoma, a rare type of jaw tumor. They found that drugs already approved for other cancers can be effective in treating this disease, and are planning a pilot study to assess their efficacy.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 25, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Advanced light

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute investigate entangled beams in fast-light materials, where anomalous dispersion causes faster-than-light-like behavior. The findings reveal potential applications in ultrafast data processing and secure communication.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2014

Scientists discover potential new target for cancer immunotherapy

Scientists have discovered a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy, peptide antibodies that deplete immune-suppressing MDSCs without harming other vital cells. The treatment showed promising results in preclinical experiments, shrinking tumors and improving outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 25, 2014

Novel drug target linked to insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes treatment

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a novel enzyme, ABHD6, that breaks down a fat-like signal involved in insulin release. Inhibiting this enzyme may increase insulin levels in blood and improve sensitivity to insulin, providing a potential new target for type 2 diabetes treatment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 25, 2014