Science News for December 12, 2015

PC steel wires on concrete and steel bridges now visible with terahertz waves

Researchers have developed a non-destructive inspection method using terahertz waves to visualize PC steel wires hidden inside concrete and steel bridges. This technology is particularly useful for extradosed bridges where the wires are covered in resin jackets, reducing the risk of corrosion during inspections.

SourceTohoku University·DateDec 12, 2015

Suicide gene therapy kills prostate tumor cells

Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital developed a suicide gene therapy that combines radiation treatment with a genetically modified virus to target and destroy cancer cells. The treatment shows high five-year overall survival rates of 97% and 94%, improving upon historical studies by 5-20%.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateDec 12, 2015