The 2017 Science in Society Journalism Awards honored winners for their investigative reports on topics such as the world's most expensive fish, corporate-funded research, and antibiotic resistance. The awards aim to encourage critical work that considers social effects and ethical problems associated with scientific findings.
A lightweight power generator based on carbon nanotube fibers can convert the energy of flowing blood into electricity with high efficiency. The device, called a fiber-shaped fluidic nanogenerator (FFNG), was developed by Chinese scientists from Fudan University.
New research found that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant decrease in uninsured rates among low-income adults with newly diagnosed cancer. In addition, there is a small but statistically significant trend toward earlier stage cancer diagnoses in Medicaid expansion states.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have discovered a new strategy to overcome resistance in lung cancer, which often leads to treatment failure. By combining an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor with an AKT inhibitor, tumor growth can be arrested, potentially improving patient survival.
A recent study reveals that the Gobi Desert is a significant contributor to East Asian dust concentrations, with approximately 35% of its emissions transported to remote areas. In contrast, the Taklimakan Desert's dust particles are less likely to be transported due to its geographical location and wind patterns.
Researchers discovered how oxygen alters MoS2's electronic and optical properties, enabling tunable optical band gaps. This knowledge sheds light on modifying the material's properties for various applications.
M. Celeste Simon, a renowned Penn Cancer biologist, has been awarded the National Cancer Institute Outstanding Investigator Award. She is recognized for her groundbreaking research on cancer cell metabolism and its applications in treating clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
The 'Triggers' tool evaluates cancer patients' palliative care needs at an earlier stage, enabling early referrals and potentially improving prognosis. A pilot study showed that 75% of patients who triggered positive on the tool items had a moderate need for specialist palliative care.
Epithelial tumours can grow independently of their microenvironment, driven by a feedback amplification loop that activates the JNK stress signalling pathway. This internal mechanism triggers proliferation in non-proliferating cells, leading to chromosomal instability and loss of epithelial polarity.
New study highlights challenges in predicting evolutionary fate of new traits, citing factors such as environmental change, social life of alleles, and genetic interactions. This complexity can lead to the emergence of drug resistance and disease outbreaks, emphasizing the need for improved predictive models.
Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.
Research shows people of South Asian descent with a family history of coronary heart disease are more likely to have high levels of calcium buildup in their arteries. A CT scan may be an important test for those at risk, according to UT Southwestern cardiologists.
Eugenia Chiappe, a principal investigator at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate how the human brain builds a mental representation of body movements. Her team plans to use fruit fly research as a model to better understand this process.
The Krembil Research Institute and University Health Network release new guidelines discouraging brain imaging as a test for chronic pain. Brain imaging is considered unreliable due to variability between people and within individuals, making it unsuitable as a 'lie detector' test.
The STAMPEDE trial presents late-breaking results from two new treatments for patients with high risk prostate cancer. Patients starting long-term hormone therapy may benefit equally from docetaxel and abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone, with both treatments providing a survival advantage over standard care alone.
A new study finds that climate change is modifying fish predator prey interactions, with cod moving out of the U.S. Northeast Shelf due to warmer waters and spiny dogfish expanding their range to compensate.
NASA's Aqua satellite captures clear view of Hurricane Jose's eye as it strengthens into a Category 4 hurricane. Powerful storms surround the center, capable of heavy rainfall and powerful winds of up to 150 mph.
A multicenter trial found that endobronchial valve treatment improves lung function, reduces shortness of breath and exercise intolerance, and increases quality of life in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients.
A recent study discovered that cortisol levels in horses showing signs of compromised welfare were lower than those without such issues. This challenges the conventional view of cortisol as a sole indicator of stress and highlights the need for alternative measures to assess equine welfare.
Physicists from University of Basel create a simple and fast quantum memory that stores photons, enabling ultra-fast data transfer and potentially leading to unconditionally secure communication and super-fast quantum computers. The technology has low noise levels and can be implemented in compact setups.
A study found that less than half of detectable vertebral fractures are reported by radiologists, particularly in non-musculoskeletal radiologists. This under-reporting can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, increasing the risk of future hip fractures.
A team led by a Princeton University graduate student has developed a unique simulation of magnetic reconnection in space plasmas, which could lead to improved forecasts of space weather events. The new model approximates kinetic effects using fluid equations and agrees better with kinetic models than traditional simulations.
A study published in Cancer Research found that serum from women with breast cancer after exercise reduces breast cancer cell viability and tumor growth via activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. The effects were most pronounced on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified amino acids that activate sweet taste receptors, which can block the release of antimicrobial peptides and kill bacteria. This new understanding could lead to new treatments for chronic sinus infections, affecting nearly 35 million Americans annually.
Researchers developed an automatic detection method called A-MUD to analyze ultrasonic vocalizations in mice. The tool was compared to manual methods and commercial solutions, showing equal quality and lower error rates.
Researchers at HZDR develop a method to control the number of electrons fed into the process, achieving ideal conditions for improved beam quality. This leads to peak currents of up to 150 kiloamperes, exceeding modern large-scale research accelerators.
Hurricane Irma's eye was characterized by extremely cold cloud top temperatures, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. NASA-NOAA's satellites captured detailed images of the storm's structure, including its well-defined eye and strong thunderstorms.
Scientists will investigate the variation in benefits of plant-bacteria symbioses in California, focusing on evolution, ecology, and genetics. The five-year Dimensions of Biodiversity award aims to develop a predictive framework for understanding these interactions.
A study presented at ESMO 2017 found that socio-psychological factors, such as anxiety and family concerns, are now more significant for cancer patients than previously thought. The study suggests that doctors should consider improving supportive therapies and providing stronger psychological support to address these issues.
University of Delaware researchers develop a one-step technology to extract sugars from wood chips and other organic waste, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high processing costs. The innovative method results in a 95% theoretical yield of sugars and enables the economical production of feed streams for bioproducts.
A new study published in LGBT Health suggests that alternative cervical cancer screening methods, such as HPV self-sampling, can increase screening rates among transgender men. The research found that over half of participants preferred HPV self-sampling and had not received a Pap smear within the previous three years.
A study found that a significant portion of ants spend most of their time idle, serving as a reserve labor force. When the top workers are lost, these inactive ants increase their activity levels to replace them, ensuring colony survival.
A female Viking warrior was confirmed as a military leader through genetic analysis of her remains, challenging the long-held assumption that only men held high ranks in battle. The study used ancient DNA to identify the woman's sex and revealed a more complex understanding of Viking society.
The international drug control treaties are under scrutiny as more countries legalize cannabis, leading to calls for policy reform. Professor Wayne Hall suggests a cautious approach to reform, advocating for incremental liberalization of drug policies through trials and evaluations.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that Leishmania parasite infections are controlled by internal body clocks, leading to varying severities depending on the time of day. The research, led by Professor Nicolas Cermakian, discovered that the immune response is strongest at night, making it an ideal time for the parasite t...
A study investigated the work ability of young adult cancer survivors, finding that low education, female sex, lymphoedema, fatigue, depression, and reduced physical quality of life are associated with reduced work ability. Treatment intensity was not significantly related to work ability.
The LORELEI trial found that adding taselisib to letrozole before surgery improved outcomes for patients with early breast cancer. Taselisib showed a significant increase in objective response rate and worked particularly well in patients with PIK3CA mutant cancer cells.
A new study by Dr Daniel Brown defines thriving as a combination of personal development, succeeding at mastering something, and feeling good about life. The research outlines six recommendations for future studies on thriving.
A new study published in Medical Education found that both cognitive and affective empathy of medical students improve over the course of their training, challenging the common perception that empathy declines during medical school. The study used a variety of measures to assess empathy and found that improvements in perspective-taking...
The FLOT4 trial has confirmed the superiority of docetaxel-based triplet therapy over standard care in patients with resectable oesophago-gastric cancer. The treatment improved curative resection rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
Lower levels of alcohol may decrease the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm until approximately 15-20 g/day, according to a large analysis of published studies. The study found that quitting smoking remains the most effective way for people to stay healthy and active for longer.
Long-term prescription opioid use increased significantly from 1.8% to 5.4% between 1999-2000 and 2013-2014, associated with poorer physical health and concurrent benzodiazepine use.
A comprehensive study reveals that childhood cancer survivors have a significantly higher cumulative burden of chronic disease, with an average of 17.1 conditions by age 50. The study suggests that these survivors may benefit from specialized healthcare delivery to manage their complex medical needs.
A multi-drug and multi-tumour clinical trial shows that precision oncology using DNA sequencing can identify patient subgroups benefiting from existing drugs. Over 70 patients have started treatment, with a 37% clinical benefit rate observed.
The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) is a radio telescope that will survey more than half the sky each day, creating a three-dimensional map of the largest volume of space ever surveyed. This will help scientists better understand the history of the universe and the nature of dark energy.
NASA's GPM satellite detected strengthening in Tropical Storm Jose, indicating towering thunderstorms and heavy rain rates of over 5.3 inches per hour. The storm intensified into a hurricane on September 6, 2017, with maximum sustained winds near 90 mph.
Researchers have found a superlubricity in graphene, where friction vanishes, and hexagonal boron nitride layers are as strong as diamond but more flexible. The unique qualities of these materials could be used to create scratch-proof paint for cars and flexible smart devices.
A team of researchers led by Charles Weitz shows that a set of core clock proteins organize into molecular machines that control circadian rhythms. The findings provide a starting point for understanding the clock's machinery and its role in various conditions, including sleep disorders and cancer.
Researchers develop new scale to measure civilization advancement, emphasizing the importance of sustainable planet management. Earth may reach Class V in future if humanity adopts renewable energy sources.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have established a correlation between the Wnt signaling pathway and a novel class of autophagy inhibitors in melanoma therapy. High levels of Wnt5A expression are linked to increased autophagy activation, making cells less sensitive to autophagy inhibition.
Researchers found that big data analytics can amplify existing policing practices, leading to more marginalization and distrust. The influx of personal data enables law enforcement to surveil communities more easily, but also raises concerns about the use of objective crime data and predictive algorithms.
Researchers found that pentoxifylline boosts the effectiveness of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in mice with melanoma, increasing the cure rate to around 40 percent. Disabling regulatory T cells could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
A team of researchers discovered a way to use ultraviolet light observations to determine characteristics of superluminous supernovae previously unknown. They found that Gaia16apd was most likely an shock-interacting supernova, and their technique could help identify the explosion mechanism of future supernovae.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the Union of Concerned Scientists found that SNAP benefits only cover 43-60% of the cost of a healthy diet. Lower-income households face significant challenges in affording a balanced diet. The study highlights the need for more affordable food options to support vulnerable populations.
Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.
Researchers in Germany have demonstrated that temporarily preventing hematopoietic stem cells from dying can improve HSC transplantation outcomes. By inhibiting apoptosis, HSCs can establish themselves in the bone marrow and produce healthy blood cells more effectively.
Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new approach to treating type 1 diabetes, using pancreatic islet transplants delivered into the quadriceps muscle. This method presents fewer risks than current clinical practice of transplanting islets into the liver via the portal vein.
Research reveals significant changes in bird communities due to climate change and land use in northern Europe. Species composition is shifting with some gaining range while others lose it, leading to new community compositions.
A study published by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified two distinct cell types in the lungs, one promoting regeneration and the other forming scar tissue. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary...
Researchers found that disrupting geckos' tail movements limits pelvis rotation, decreasing step length. Tail undulations play a crucial role in increasing step length and speed in geckos, applicable to many terrestrial animals with tails.