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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 47


Page 47 of 402

Research points to why some colorectal cancers recur after treatment

A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center reveals that increased methylation of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) leads to resistance to cetuximab antibody therapy, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes and higher recurrence rates. The study also found that expression of methylation-defective EGFR reduces tumor growth in mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2015

'Tuning in' to a fast and optimized internet

Researchers have designed a tunable filter that can be integrated onto a photonic chip, enabling flexible optical networks. The device has a record-breaking tuning span of 670 GHz, making it suitable for handling large data volumes and adapting to dynamic changes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 16, 2015

Forged in the hearts of stars

A team from ASU and UNC aims to resolve uncertainties in the nuclear fusion process that creates elements forged by stars. They will investigate the range of elements produced by a star, including calcium and carbon, to determine their variation in output.

Arrested development

A University of Alberta study found that homeless people who felt disrespected during police interactions retained negative attitudes towards police for at least two years. The study suggests teaching empathic listening and communication skills to police can improve interactions with the homeless population.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2015

Adverse trends in mental health linked to disability assessments

A UK study found that each additional 10,000 people reassessed using the Work Capability Assessment was associated with an increase in suicides, self-reported mental health problems, and antidepressant prescribing rates. The most deprived areas experienced the greatest increases in these adverse outcomes, widening health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 16, 2015

Rice makes light-driven nanosubmarine

The researchers built single-molecule submersibles powered by ultraviolet light, achieving speeds of less than 1 inch per second but exceeding expectations for molecular motion. The study shows an enhancement in diffusion of 26 percent, outperforming Brownian motion.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 16, 2015

Alzheimer's research: New findings

Researchers discovered that the protein APP forms spherical structures in the nucleus, affecting gene activity and neurotransmitter modulation. This finding may lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting neurotransmitter activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular Signalling·DateNov 16, 2015

Lowering body temperature increases survival, brain function in cardiac arrest patients with non-shockable heart rhythms

Researchers found that therapeutic hypothermia increased survival rates by 2.8 times and neurologic recovery by 3.5 times in comatose cardiac arrest patients. Therapeutic hypothermia may benefit comatose cardiac arrest patients with non-shockable heart rhythms, increasing their chances of survival and better brain function.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateNov 16, 2015

New nanoscopic tools to study ligand-binding of receptors and quantifying two ligand-binding sites while imaging membrane receptors

A new high-resolution method allows precise identification and quantification of interactions between a receptor and two ligands. Scientists have developed a novel approach using atomic force microscopy, enabling the imaging of single membrane receptors while detecting their interactions with multiple ligands.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2015

Researchers discover sediment size matters in high-elevation erosion rates

Researchers found that cold, steep slopes produce coarser sediment than gentle slopes, suggesting variations in climate, topography, and weathering rates shape mountain landscapes. This discovery quantifies the relationship between sediment size and erosion rates, providing new insights into the interplay of climate and tectonics.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2015

New study on patterns of electronic cigarette use among adults in the US

A recent US study found that some adult smokers who quit within the last year used e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. The study analyzed data from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey and found that nearly half of daily cigarette smokers have ever tried e-cigarettes. Daily e-cigarette use was more common among adults over age 25 than...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 16, 2015

Gene therapy: A promising candidate for cystic fibrosis treatment

Researchers have made encouraging results using gene therapy to treat cystic fibrosis by inserting a healthy copy of the CFTR gene into affected cells. The approach restored chloride and fluid transport in both mouse models and human-derived cell cultures, suggesting a potential cure for the genetic disorder.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 16, 2015

Study: How students of different backgrounds use strategies to strengthen college applications

Students from high socioeconomic backgrounds use more college enhancement strategies, such as AP exams and extracurricular activities, to strengthen their college applications. These strategies may be contributing to socioeconomic stratification in college admissions, but overall high use of these strategies is an important factor.

SourceNew York University·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateNov 16, 2015

New fat cell metabolism research could lead to new ways to treat diabetes and obesity

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how fat cells metabolize nutrients to produce fatty acids. This discovery could lead to new insights into potential irregularities in fat cell metabolism and help identify better drug targets for treating diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2015