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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 22


Page 22 of 38

Flu nasal spray provides similar protection against influenza as flu shot: Study

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that flu nasal sprays provide similar protection against influenza as standard flu shots. The study, conducted over three years in a Hutterite colony, shows that the nose spray had a similar effect to the standard flu shot in protecting both children and community members.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

New family of bacterial cell wall builders

Harvard Medical School scientists have identified a new family of proteins that virtually all bacteria use to build and maintain their cell walls. The discovery of this new family, called SEDS proteins, reveals potential targets for much-needed therapies that target the cell wall as a way to kill harmful bacteria.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2016

Researchers discover that DNA naturally fluoresces

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA naturally fluoresces under certain conditions, allowing for label-free super-resolution imaging without the need for toxic fluorescent stains. This breakthrough could revolutionize the understanding of biological processes by providing more accurate images of living cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Gaming camera could aid MS treatment

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method using the Microsoft Kinect to evaluate gait abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients. The device detects movement and computer algorithms quantify walking patterns, reducing human error. The technology shows promise for diagnosing gait pathology and tracking treatment effects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateAug 15, 2016

New findings on flu nasal spray

Researchers found that immunizing children with the flu nasal spray did not provide better direct or community protection against influenza than the inactivated influenza vaccine, but offered similar protection. This contradicts earlier studies suggesting the nasal spray vaccine provided better herd immunity.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 15, 2016

Study examines 'weekend effect' in emergency surgery patients

A new study assessed the 'weekend effect' in emergency general surgery patients, revealing a significant reduction in mortality rates from 5.4% to less than 2.9% over 15 years. The study found great improvements in outcomes overall and notable differences in care provided within the week and at the weekend.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateAug 15, 2016

Physician incentive program to improve care for complex patients did not result in improvements

A Canadian study found that a $240 million incentive program aimed at improving primary care for patients with complex health conditions had no measurable impact on access to physicians, hospital admissions or healthcare costs. The researchers concluded that other strategies are needed to improve care for this patient group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 15, 2016

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researcher uncovers 340 million year-old oceanic crust in the Mediterranean Sea using magnetic data

Scientists have identified the world's oldest oceanic crust, dating back to around 340 million years ago, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The study used magnetic data from a 4,300-mile-long marine profile to analyze the nature of the underlying igneous crust.

Defect in process that controls gene expression may contribute to Huntington's disease

Researchers identify Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) as a key player in maintaining medium spiny neurons' identity and function throughout adulthood. The study reveals that PRC2's dysfunction contributes to Huntington's disease-like symptoms in mice, highlighting its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders.

Many life-saving defibrillators behind locked doors during off-hours, study finds

A study by U of T Engineering researchers found that up to 30% of AEDs are locked inside closed buildings, leading to a 21.5% coverage loss during evenings, nights, and weekends. The researchers propose a model to optimize AED placement considering location and availability, which could improve accessibility by an average 25%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 15, 2016

Scientists take big step toward recreating primordial 'RNA world' of 4 billion years ago

Researchers at TSRI successfully created a ribozyme capable of synthesizing complex RNA molecules with mixed sequences, showing promise for replicating the ancient RNA world. The new ribozyme can perform both RNA synthesis and replication, a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining RNA-based life form.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Humble moss helped create our oxygen-rich atmosphere

Early land plants like moss helped create modern levels of atmospheric oxygen, according to researchers. The study suggests that these simple plants' emergence and evolution permanently increased the flux of organic carbon into sedimentary rocks, driving up oxygen levels in a second oxygenation event.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Expanding the stable of workhorse yeasts

A team of researchers has sequenced the genomes of over 29 yeast species, revealing a wider diversity than expected. The study identifies new genetic pathways and enzymes that can be used to produce biofuels and other valuable products from a range of sugars.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2016

Accelerating materials discovery

A powerful materials discovery platform developed at Harvard University has been licensed to Kyulux, a developer of OLED display technologies. The platform enables the rapid identification of promising molecules for use in next-generation electronic displays.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 15, 2016