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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 3


Page 3 of 41

Tick saliva may hold potential treatment for reducing HIV-linked heart disease risk

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research and National Institutes of Health found that tick saliva-based drug Ixolaris reduces inflammation in monkeys infected with SIV, a primate form of HIV. The study suggests that targeting this inflammation pathway could improve the clinical management of HIV-infected ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Motorized molecules drill through cells

Researchers have developed motorized molecules that can target and destroy specific cells using ultraviolet light. The nanomachines can be designed to deliver drugs or disrupt cell membranes, showing promise for treating diseases like breast tumors and melanomas.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2017

Study negates concerns regarding radioactivity in migratory seafood

A new study by an international research team has shown that the levels of cesium isotopes, particularly 134Cs and 137Cs, are generally consistent with background levels from aboveground nuclear testing during the 1940s and 50s. The study suggests that the risks to human health from eating contaminated seafood are likely to be negligible.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 30, 2017

Research on the meaning of ancient geometric earthworks in southwestern Amazonia

Researchers from University of Helsinki explore pre-colonial geometric earthworks in southwestern Amazonia, finding them to be important ritual spaces where indigenous peoples communicated with environmental beings. The study highlights the interconnectedness of human life with nature and the significance of these sites as sacred places.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Anthropologist·DateAug 30, 2017

Discovery of drug combination: Overcoming resistance to targeted drugs for liver cancer

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel method to improve medication treatment for liver cancer, identifying the resistance mechanism of Sorafenib and discovering a new approach to block it. The study suggests the possibility of developing a new method to overcome drug resistance using network analysis.

Good as gold

Researchers have designed a new assay that uses gold nanoparticles to improve the accuracy of medical screening, reducing false positives and wait times. The technology has been shown to be up to clinical standards, allowing patients to receive results in about an hour.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Researchers raise health concerns about off-road vehicles and inhalation of asbestos

Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateAug 30, 2017

Understanding perceptions of reputation and identity offers opportunity, study shows

A study from the University of Notre Dame found that recognizing differences between personal views and others' perceptions can enhance empathy, cooperation, and communication. This awareness can prompt individuals to re-evaluate their own opinions or influence others, leading to better team dynamics and more effective interactions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 30, 2017

T cell responses may help dodge dengue virus symptoms during infection

Researchers identified distinct gene expression patterns and immune signatures associated with asymptomatic dengue infections, revealing a supporting role for T cell protection. These findings could optimize vaccine development efforts by understanding what types of immune responses are important in defending the body against the disease.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2017

Spectroscopy: Simple solution for soil sample

Researchers have developed a high-tech method using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) to analyze soil texture. This technique allows for rapid, cost-effective, and portable measurements of clay, silt, and sand content, providing valuable insights into soil properties.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 30, 2017