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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 27


Page 27 of 38

Sex hormones skew outcomes in clinical trials -- here's how

A growing number of scientists argue that sex hormones and other variables affect how therapeutics behave, necessitating male and female inclusion in trials. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact research, making it essential to consider these differences when testing drugs or transplant tolerance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 9, 2016

Talking back: Countering terrorist narratives may reduce recruitment

Researchers suggest that analyzing and countering terrorist narratives can be an effective way to reduce recruitment. By understanding the processes used by terrorists to persuade people to join their groups, experts can craft counter-narratives that contradict these themes and promote alternative messages.

SourcePenn State·JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism·DateAug 9, 2016

Diet designed to lower blood pressure also reduces risk of kidney disease

A study published in American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that following a DASH-style diet can lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease over two decades. The diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, was also shown to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateAug 9, 2016

'Fixing' blood vessel cells to diagnose blood clotting disorders

A new device replicates the crucial interface between endothelial cells and circulating blood, enabling the diagnosis of blood clotting disorders and monitoring of anti-platelet therapy. The device uses chemically fixed human endothelial cells to mimic cellular and vascular flow conditions, increasing robustness and diagnostic accuracy.

Research reveals patient can have more than one breast cancer, points at treatments

Researchers found that treating human breast cancer tumors with estrogen-deprivation therapy changes the spectrum of mutations in the tumor population. This suggests using this information to improve cancer treatment. The study also discovered 'collision tumors' - separate tumors of different origin growing closely together, undiagnose...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2016

Team digs deep to answer water-safety questions

Researchers at Clemson University are launching a new study using their developed 'microcosm' method to investigate how solvents degrade in rock, which could help determine the need for costly cleanups. The study aims to simulate groundwater flow and test how much solvent is released from rock cores at different sites.

Warmer climate could lower dengue risk

Researchers at Australian National University predict that a warmer climate could lead to a decrease in dengue transmission in certain regions, such as northeast Australia. This finding is relevant to other mosquito-borne viruses like Zika, and highlights the need for continued monitoring of global health impacts.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateAug 9, 2016

Researchers successfully test modified stun gun with heart monitoring capability

Researchers successfully combined a heart monitoring device with an existing CEW to detect and store cardiac rhythms, producing both incapacitating charges and interpretable EKG signals. The modified prototype demonstrates the potential for safety measures like cardiac biomonitoring to be incorporated into law enforcement devices.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·DateAug 9, 2016

The 6 steps to extinction

Scientists propose a new framework to understand plant extinctions, identifying six thresholds that species cross before becoming extinct. The study highlights the slow pace of plant extinction and the need for urgent action to protect declining native species.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAoB Plants·DateAug 9, 2016

DNA dominos on a chip

Researchers at TU Munich and Weizmann Institute successfully recreated DNA condensation on a biochip, replicating the tightly packed structure found in cell nuclei and viruses. This breakthrough enables better understanding of biological processes and potential applications in artificial cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 9, 2016

Researchers immobilize underwater bubbles

A research team has developed a method to 'freeze' newly created microbubbles in their tracks, enabling potential applications in medicine, such as ultrasound contrast agents and gas embolotherapy. This breakthrough could also improve the nuclear industry by controlling microbubbles in liquid sodium coolant.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 9, 2016

Army medicine opens the door for vision prosthetic prototypes

Researchers have successfully developed three novel approaches to restoring vision in individuals with severe eye injuries. Dr. Rizzo's team aims to bypass the damaged optic nerve, while Dr. Weitz's team focuses on generating precise images without causing inaccurate visual field distortions. Meanwhile, Dr. Kao explores using optical p...

Why is breast cancer common but heart cancer rare?

Researchers propose that natural selection favors strong anti-cancer protection in small, critical organs like the heart and brain. The study suggests that these organs are more resistant to tumor formation due to their smaller size and importance for human survival.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateAug 9, 2016