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Science News Archive April 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

A pathfinder for optogenetics

A new priority program funded by the German Research Foundation will develop next-generation optogenetic tools with higher light sensitivity. The program aims to expand optogenetics' application in basic research and medicine, particularly for treating vision and hearing impairments, Parkinson's disease, and cardiac diseases.

UTSW researchers lead collaborative charge to uncover genetic diversity of pancreatic cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a wealth of genetic diversity in pancreatic cancer, including multiple mutated genes that were previously unknown. The study also revealed potential diagnostic biomarkers and defined cases where certain drugs are selectively effective against specific mutations.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2015

Scientists tackle our addiction to salt and fat by altering foods' pore size, number

Researchers have discovered that manipulating porosity in processed foods can increase the release of salt during chewing, allowing for reduced salt content without sacrificing flavor. By controlling pore size and number, food manufacturers may be able to create lower-sodium alternatives to popular snacks.

Researchers find new approach to treat drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers have identified various ways that HER2-positive breast cancer tumors resist therapy and discovered a potential combination therapy to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance. A novel combination of lapatinib and a BET bromodomain inhibitor was found to block the growth of cancer cells, making the activity of lapatinib du...

Choice of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods may have big effects on long-term weight gain

A new study from Tufts University found that diets high in glycemic load, such as those with refined grains and sugars, are associated with more weight gain. In contrast, protein-rich foods like fish, nuts, and yogurt are linked to weight loss, while dairy products with lower fat content do not seem to impact weight gain.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 9, 2015

Quantum physics -- hot and cold at the same time

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology discovered that a cloud of atoms can exhibit multiple temperatures at once. The experiment utilized a microchip to cool the gas near absolute zero, allowing scientists to measure its behavior. This breakthrough helps understand the fundamental laws of quantum physics and their relationship...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2015

Chancellor helps OSC dedicate Ruby Cluster

The Ohio Supercomputer Center has dedicated the Ruby Cluster, a high-performance computing system built with HP-Intel Xeon Phi technology, to honor Ruby Dee. The cluster boasts an estimated peak performance of 144 TeraFLOPS and will support research collaboration, commercialization, and workforce development across Ohio.

Dispersant used to clean Deepwater Horizon spill more toxic to corals than the oil

A study published at Temple University reveals that the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is more toxic to cold-water corals than the spilled oil. The researchers found that a lower concentration of dispersant was lethal to the corals, highlighting the potential risks of using these chemicals to clean up oil spills.

SourceTemple University·JournalDeep Sea Research Part II Topical Studies in Oceanography·DateApr 9, 2015

How the brain balances risk-taking and learning

Researchers found that a neural circuit evaluates environmental variability to prompt animals to explore new locations. The circuit uses information from the animal's senses to determine predictability, triggering dopamine release and increased risk-taking behavior. This discovery could lead to better therapies for neurodegenerative an...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Dealing with death in deployment

A new University of Utah study found that exposure to killing and death while deployed is correlated with a 43% increased suicide risk compared to general deployment. The research suggests that seeing death and killing contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and negative self-perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateApr 9, 2015

Touch-sensing neurons are multitaskers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that touch-sensing neurons integrate position and touch information as soon as it reaches the brain, challenging long-held views on how this is done. This integration enables complex sensory processing and informs efforts to improve prosthetic limbs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 9, 2015

Drug regulations tied to fewer prescriptions of effective gout drug

A retrospective cohort study of nearly 217,000 patients with gout found that prescription rates for effective gout treatment decreased after the FDA increased prices. The study also showed significant increases in monthly total prescription bills, highlighting the negative impact of regulatory actions on access to affordable medications.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

Increased levels of radon in Pennsylvania homes correspond to onset of fracking

Radon levels in Pennsylvania homes have risen since 2004, coinciding with the onset of fracking. The study found higher readings in buildings near active gas wells compared to low-activity areas. Radon is a known carcinogen that can accumulate in homes without adequate ventilation, increasing lung cancer risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 9, 2015

TGen finds likely genetic source of muscle weakness in 6 previously undiagnosed children

Scientists at TGen discovered the likely cause of severe muscle weakness in six previously undiagnosed children using state-of-the-art genetic technology. The researchers identified pathogenic variants in genes such as CACNA1S, RYR1, COL6A3, and COL6A6, providing new insights into rare myopathies.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular Genetics & Genomic Medicine·DateApr 9, 2015

The benefits of storytelling in video games

A new study suggests that non-violent video games with storytelling can have prosocial benefits, improving emotional intelligence and social skills. The research found that immersive gaming experiences foster theory of mind and empathy, which can be helpful in treating disorders like autism.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 9, 2015

New high-throughput screening method may uncover novel treatments for kidney disease

A new assay developed by researchers can identify novel drug candidates that protect kidney cells from damage, which could lead to the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease. The system has already identified a small molecule called pyrintegrin that effectively protected rodent kidney cells.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 9, 2015