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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 5


Page 5 of 41

Tears in tiny bone cells called osteocytes appear an important step to better bones

Researchers found that osteocytes, tiny bone cells with delicate membranes, experience membrane tears in response to mechanical loading. This tear triggers an increase in calcium levels, leading to bone remodeling and strengthening. The discovery sheds light on how bones adapt to gravity and physical activity.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateAug 29, 2017

When it comes to antennas, size matters

Researchers have developed a new approach to designing antennas that can construct devices with antennas up to 1,000 times smaller than current ones. This technology enables the creation of miniaturized antennas for cell phones and other wireless communication devices, opening up new possibilities in the biomedical field.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2017

Using DNA to predict schizophrenia and autism

Researchers discovered a single amino acid switch in the CX3CR1 receptor as a potential marker for predicting schizophrenia and autism. The variant affects microglia function and could lead to predictive diagnostics, offering new hope for asymptomatic patient screening.

SourceOsaka University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2017

Designing novel biologic agents to target colorectal cancer

Researchers present a comprehensive overview of novel approaches to combating metastatic colorectal cancer, highlighting the potential of immunotherapies and targeted biological agents. The article discusses recent progress and future prospects for these treatments, including combination therapies and overcoming drug resistance.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateAug 29, 2017

Clamping down on causality by probing laser cavities

A collaboration between University of Central Florida and Yale has discovered novel optical behaviors in laser cavities, providing a unique window into fundamental physics. The research demonstrates the role of gain clamping in governing optical responses and reveals fundamental aspects of causality's limits.

SourceOptica·DateAug 29, 2017

Cell culture system could offer cancer breakthrough

A new microfluidic cell culture device allows researchers to study the development of drug resistance in cancer cells in real-time. The system, developed by Princeton University and Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, provides a tool for preclinical cancer drug development and screening.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalConvergent Science Physical Oncology·DateAug 29, 2017

Scientists map genomic atlas of your inner fish gut

A team of researchers has discovered a network of genes and genetic regulatory elements in the lining of the intestines that remains remarkably consistent across 420 million years of evolution. This conserved genetic signature is linked to various human diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 29, 2017

Pinpointing the origins of autism

Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2017

Extreme exposure

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that mothers exposed to very high levels of pesticides during pregnancy experienced increased risk of adverse outcomes, including a 5-9% increase in birth weight and preterm births. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 single births between 1997 and 2011.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2017

Love your beauty rest? You can thank these brain cells

A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a type of neuron in the brains of mice that promotes sleep by turning off wake-promoting neurons. Lhx6-expressing cells play a central role in regulating both rapid eye movement and nonrapid eye movement sleep, with potential applications for treating various sleep disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2017

Otters learn by copying each other

Research shows smooth-coated otters adopt a 'copy when young' strategy to solve puzzles, with young otters learning faster than parents. This social learning behavior may help improve reintroduction programs for endangered otter species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 29, 2017

Bahamian songbirds disappeared during last glacial-interglacial transition

A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that two Bahamian songbird species likely became extinct due to habitat loss caused by rising sea levels and a warmer climate. The birds' habitats were pine grasslands found in cooler regions, which were lost when the islands became more tropical.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2017

New treatment options for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have found that bacterial cell wall constituents can cause abnormal clotting, leading to inflammation in Type 2 diabetes. A new treatment option involves using LPS-binding protein (LBP) to reverse this process, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017

Cosmetic surgery may help patients quit smoking

A long-term follow-up study found that many patients who received instructions to stop smoking before cosmetic surgery were more likely to quit or reduce their cigarette use. The study suggests that targeted messaging with specific examples of the negative effects of smoking may be an effective way to encourage smokers to quit.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 29, 2017

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatment

Researchers explored non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatment to improve natural dyeing of leather, reducing environmental impacts. The study successfully demonstrated the activation of functional groups on goat hide surfaces, leading to significant improvements in coloration with commercially available natural dyes.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Environmental Engineering·DateAug 29, 2017