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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Cause of viral infection of the brain mapped out

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine has identified a genetic defect in the immune system that can lead to fatal brain inflammation in some people infected with the herpes virus. The discovery may also shed light on other types of viral infections, such as meningitis and influenza.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 20, 2015

A new way to starve lung cancer?

Researchers discovered that lung cancer cells switch to using amino acid glutamine when glucose is scarce, allowing them to continue growing under starvation conditions. Blocking this enzyme PEPCK could slow tumor growth in mice, suggesting a promising new approach to treating non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 20, 2015

Learning from ants how to build transportation networks

Ants build complex transportation networks by minimizing costs while maintaining efficiency and robustness. Researchers at Uppsala University applied this principle to human-made systems, finding that connecting new suburbs to the closest city area can ensure relatively cheap but efficient power networks. By adjusting the frequency of ...

SourceUppsala University·JournalInterface·DateOct 20, 2015

Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a way to make steel stronger, safer and more durable by creating a surface coating made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide. The new material is capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.

Most earth-like worlds have yet to be born, according to theoretical study

A new theoretical study suggests that only eight percent of potentially habitable planets will ever form in the universe, while the bulk of those planets - 92 percent - have yet to be born. This conclusion is based on an assessment of data collected by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and the Kepler space observatory.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 20, 2015

The Canadian experience on pediatric liver disease: Early diagnosis is critical

A nationwide study in Pediatrics found 159 children under 18 with Autoimmune Hepatitis in Canada, with fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain as common presenting symptoms. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent worsening symptoms, and the study provides evidence-based data for family physicians and specialists to refer patients earlier.

Gene could hold key to treating Parkinson's disease

Researchers at King's College London have identified a new gene, HIFalpha, that regulates nerve signals from damaged mitochondria in fruit flies. Switching off the HIFalpha gene restores nerve function and prevents early failure of nerve cells caused by mitochondrial damage.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2015

Study of pregnancy complications finds refugee women in Ontario have higher rates of HIV

A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 19, 2015