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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 23


Page 23 of 38

Tulane researchers working on new tuberculosis vaccine

Researchers at Tulane National Primate Research Center are working on a new tuberculosis vaccine by modifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis to lose stress response gene SigmaH. Monkeys vaccinated with the modified strain showed better resistance to infection and protective immune responses in their lungs.

SourceTulane University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2015

Imaging study demonstrates how the 'social brain' is functionally impaired in autism

Youths with high-functioning ASD exhibit underdeveloped and insufficiently networked social brain areas, with increased blood flow in frontal regions important for navigating social interactions. Reduced long-range connectivity between default mode network nodes may explain impairment in social responsiveness.

Safety concerns over new female sterilization device

A large study published in The BMJ found that women who underwent hysteroscopic sterilization using the Essure device had a significantly higher risk of reoperation following complications. The study analyzed data from over 8,000 and 44,000 women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 13, 2015

Climbing plants disturb carbon storage in tropical forests

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that climbing vines are significantly reducing carbon storage in tropical forests by crowding out and killing trees. The researchers discovered that woody climbing plants, or lianas, substantially reduce forest-level carbon uptake and storage.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2015

New deposition technique enhances optoelectronic properties of lasers

Researchers from UC Santa Barbara develop a simple new electron-beam multilayer deposition technique to create high-quality ITO intracavity contacts, yielding significant improvements in optoelectronic properties. The technique paves the way for others to enter this realm of research and provides a critical part of gallium nitride-base...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 13, 2015

Can a 'sense' DNA drug reverse antisense drug to treat blood clots and prevent bleeding?

Scientists create a 'sense' DNA drug that can undo the effects of an antisense drug used to treat blood clots. The new approach reversed the antisense drug's activity and restored normal levels of prothrombin, preventing bleeding. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of using oligonucleotides to target specific genes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 13, 2015

Number of addicted rises, but percentage in drug treatment remains stagnant

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that the percentage of people getting treatment for opioid abuse and dependence has remained stagnant, despite a significant rise in overdose deaths. The researchers found that only 20% of individuals with a drug use disorder were in treatment during this period.

Re-thinking plant and insect diversity

Biologists at the University of York have found that there is no simple relationship between insect diet and diversity, with some plant-feeding groups being incredibly rich while others are not. The study suggests that other factors play a greater role in explaining diversity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateOct 13, 2015