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Science News Archive June 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 40

Study shows why immune-boosting therapy doesn't work for everyone with widespread melanoma

A recent study published at ASCO found that gene dysregulation causes immune T cells to turn back to an immature state, making them less effective against metastatic melanoma. The researchers discovered over 60 epigenetic changes and 10 changes in gene activity that were most common among patients who didn't respond to immunotherapy.

MD Anderson study identifies significant cost differences between breast cancer chemotherapy regimens

A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center found substantial variation in costs of breast cancer treatment for different chemotherapy regimens, with insurer costs varying by as much as $20,354. Choosing equally effective but less costly regimens could impact the cost of breast cancer care nationally by $1 billion every year.

Squeezing out opal-like colors by the mile

Researchers develop Bend-Induced-Oscillatory-Shearing (BIOS) process to produce hundreds of meters of polymer opals on a roll-to-roll process, exhibiting chameleon-like color-shifting properties. The material has potential applications in smart clothing, building coatings, and banknote security.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Skyrmions à la carte

Researchers at Kiel University and Forschungszentrum Jülich have predicted that skyrmions can be produced for applications at room temperature with specifically adjusted magnetic layer structures. This enables the potential for high-density, energy-saving data storage and processing.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

Males were saved by agriculture

Research found that agriculture led to rapid male population expansion in Neolithic Time, with a 10- to 100-fold increase in population size. This growth occurred after the advent of agriculture, suggesting that it was a driving force behind the initial male population expansion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJun 3, 2016

Anti-DNA antibody prefers damaged dsDNA over native

Researchers found that anti-DNA antibodies preferentially bind to damaged double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) over native DNA, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study provides mechanistic insight into the formation and properties of pathogenic anti-DNA antibodies.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics·DateJun 3, 2016

Technique could help climate models sweat the small stuff

A team of physicists and mathematicians has developed a statistical technique to simulate small-scale phenomena in computer simulations, allowing for more accurate predictions. The method, published in Physical Review Letters, can capture the influence of cloud formation and reduce uncertainty in climate models.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2016

Study of first procedure-free gastric balloon shows they are safe and lead to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures

A new study presented at the European Obesity Summit found that a procedure-free gastric balloon, called Elipse, is safe and leads to similar weight loss as other balloon procedures. The device, swallowed and excreted over 4 months, resulted in significant weight loss, improvements in blood sugar control, and quality of life.