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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 25


Page 25 of 37

Computer trained to predict which AML patients will go into remission, which will relapse

Researchers developed a computer machine-learning model that accurately predicts which AML patients will go into remission following treatment. The model was trained using bone marrow data and medical histories of AML patients, achieving 100% accurate predictions for remission and 90% accurate predictions for relapse.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 9, 2017

New method of genetic engineering indispensable tool in biotechnological applications

Researchers have developed a new method of genetic engineering that creates artificial restriction enzymes with enhanced sequence specificity and defined sticky ends. This technology has the potential to revolutionize genomic research and gene editing by improving precision and reducing obstacles posed by existing restriction enzymes.

Emphysema treatment could be optimized using network modelling

A computational model of emphysema has been developed to compare novel and traditional treatments, showing that mechanical forces play a critical role in disease progression. The study suggests that newer lung volume reduction techniques can achieve comparable outcomes as current surgical approaches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Malaria mosquitos sensitive to horseradish

Researchers at Lund University discovered that malaria mosquitos are sensitive to horseradish, similar to the effects of heat on vertebrates. This finding suggests a shared molecular mechanism underlying temperature sensing in insects and animals.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2017

The Internet and your brain are more alike than you think

Researchers discovered that an algorithm called additive increase, multiplicative decrease (AIMD) is used both in engineered systems like the Internet and biological networks like the human brain. This finding sheds light on how the brain manages information and potentially helps understand learning disabilities.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeural Computation·DateFeb 9, 2017

Infection defense: Call for support by the killer cells

A recent study published in Immunity reveals how killer cells coordinate with dendritic cells to create an army of immune cells. The research, conducted by the University of Bonn, found that killer cells form a team and trigger chemical signals to recruit other cell types, leading to a coordinated and strong immune response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 9, 2017

Wave of the future: Terahertz chips a new way of seeing through matter

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new terahertz chip technology that can generate and capture intricate details of terahertz waves. The system uses tiny devices inside the microchip to read patterns created by the waves, enabling potential applications in medical imaging, communications, and drug development.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·DateFeb 9, 2017

Sorting machine for atoms

Physicists at University of Bonn create method to quickly and precisely sort large numbers of atoms, pushing development of future quantum computers forward. The technique allows atoms to interact with each other in targeted manner to exploit quantum-mechanical effects for calculations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 9, 2017

Language barriers may interfere with access to kidney transplantation

Patients with primary non-English language fluency face disparities in completing kidney transplant evaluations, ultimately affecting their access to a transplant. Researchers found that linguistically isolated households were linked to lower likelihoods of transitioning to active waitlist status and incomplete evaluations.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Dial-an-interpreter can help docs get patients' consent

A study by University of California San Francisco researchers found that installing a bedside interpreter-phone system improved understanding of healthcare procedures among patients with limited English. The system reduced errors and disparities in care, especially for Chinese- and Spanish-speaking patients.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

Big data for the universe

The Reference Catalog of Galaxy SEDs (RCSED) contains value-added information about 800,000 galaxies, derived from the elaborated data analysis. The catalog presents properties such as stellar composition, brightness at various wavelengths, and galaxy spectra obtained by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateFeb 9, 2017

Large scale antibiotic resistant genes found in estuarine wetland due to human activity

A large-scale study detected high levels of antibiotic resistance genes in estuaries along China's coastline, with some samples containing up to 100 million genes per gram of sediment. The study suggests that human activity, particularly inadequate wastewater treatment, is the primary cause of this environmental pollution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Direct radiolabeling of nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a direct radiolabeling method for nanomaterials using nanographene, eliminating the need for chelators. This approach significantly improves bioimaging accuracy and reduces biases. The method was tested in mice models and showed promising results.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 9, 2017

Antibiotic use for travelers' diarrhea favors particularly resistant super bacteria

A recent study found that antibiotic use among travelers increases the risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. In fact, up to 80% of those taking antibiotics brought the most resistant strains back home with them. The use of antibiotics while traveling selects for the broadest spectrum of resistance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateFeb 9, 2017

Ancient horse fossils hint factors driving evolution different than thought

A new study analyzing ancient horse fossils reveals that patterns of migration and environmental changes are key drivers of evolutionary development. Contrary to the rapid phenotypic evolution theory, researchers found no significant difference in body size evolution between lineages with high and low speciation rates, suggesting that ...

Doctors create 'MAGIC algorithm' to predict bone marrow transplant patients' risk of dying

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System have developed an algorithm that predicts bone marrow transplant patients' risk of developing graft-versus-host disease. The 'MAGIC algorithm' uses two proteins in blood samples to determine a patient's risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially saving lives.

How best to treat infections and tumors

A new mathematical analysis provides guidance for treating infections and tumors with drug resistance, suggesting that containment may extend effective life and improve patient outcomes in some cases. The study identifies two main factors influencing the choice between containment and aggressive treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 9, 2017

Study examines how behavioral science can help tackle problem of idling engines

A study by academics at the University of East Anglia suggests that insights from behavioral science can help design road signs to encourage drivers to switch off their engines while waiting at railway crossings. Researchers found that simple visual and written cues doubled the rate of people turning off their engines, with a more effe...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateFeb 9, 2017