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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 33

Spark Therapeutics and Pfizer announce publication in The New England Journal of Medicine of Interim Data from phase 1/2 clinical trial of investigational gene therapy for Hemophilia B

The Phase 1/2 clinical trial showed that SPK-9001 reduced annualized bleeding rate by 97% and factor IX concentrate use by 99% in participants with hemophilia B. The data suggest a one-time infusion of SPK-9001 may sustain factor IX activity levels, reducing bleeding episodes.

SourceTen Bridge Communications·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 7, 2017

Uncovering varied pathways to agriculture

A team of scientists and archaeologists has discovered a 15,000-year-old Natufian site in Jordan that pushes back the timeline for permanent settlement in the region. The site's early dates suggest that hunter-gatherers were more versatile than previously thought and had multiple pathways to agriculture.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2017

Life under the surface in live broadcast

Scientists at Lund University have developed new systems to study microorganisms in the ground using microchips, revealing complex ecosystems and interactions between microbes and their environment. The technology allows for real-time analysis of microbial processes, enabling researchers to better understand soil structures and functions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateDec 7, 2017

Media research: Time not up for newsprint

A new study reveals that younger readers are spending nearly twice as much time reading print newspapers as they do online. Despite the rise of digital distribution, the young are actually spending less time with newspaper brands overall, with a 40% drop in attention from younger and middle-aged readers since the turn of the millennium.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournalism Studies·DateDec 7, 2017

Precision medicine test may help detect coronary artery disease

A blood-based precision medicine test incorporating age, sex, and gene expression score (ASGES) helped evaluate older outpatients with symptoms of obstructive coronary artery disease. The study found higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in those with high ASGES scores compared to low ASGES scores

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2017

Bristol scientists turn beer into fuel

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed technology to convert widely-available ethanol into butanol, a more efficient fuel alternative. The breakthrough uses catalysts to convert beer's ethanol content into butanol, paving the way for sustainable petrol production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 6, 2017

Hydrogen gas from enzyme production

Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin and Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered how enzymes produce molecular hydrogen. The process involves two electrons being transferred to two hydrogen ions through proton-coupled electron transfer, a mechanism that could explain the production of hydrogen gas in other enzymes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 6, 2017

Study finds evidence that a protein, MCP-1, may determine bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays a crucial role in bone loss responses to parathyroid hormone (PTH) in hyperparathyroidism. Elevated MCP-1 levels have been correlated with elevated serum PTH levels, and its presence may serve as a marker for PTH's effects in humans.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2017

Routing gene therapy directly into the brain

Scientists have made a breakthrough in treating neurodegenerative disorders and lysosomal storage diseases by transplanting hematopoietic stem cells directly into the brain, achieving therapeutic benefits faster than traditional methods. This innovative technique could pave the way for new treatments for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and o...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2017

A risk factor for drug-induced skin disease identified

A type of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, HLA-DQB1*03:01, is associated with an increased risk of developing bullous pemphigoid (BP) in diabetic patients taking DPP-4 inhibitory drugs. The gene was found to be present in 86% of non-inflammatory BP patients administered with DPP-4i, compared to 18% in the general population.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateDec 6, 2017

Quantifying the greenhouse gas footprint of crop cultivation

A new study proposes a generic methodological framework to accurately quantify the greenhouse gas footprints of crop cultivation systems. The framework takes into account direct and indirect contributors, providing example values of emission factors and emphasizing the combination of measurements and model simulations.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateDec 6, 2017

Flipping the electron spin

Researchers at TUM and Jülich Institute have developed a novel EPR spectroscopy process to investigate lithium plating in lithium-ion batteries. This allows for the detection of metallic lithium deposits on anodes, which can reduce battery capacity and lifespan.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMaterials Today·DateDec 6, 2017