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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 35


Page 35 of 37

Toward all-solid lithium batteries

A team at MIT has probed the mechanical properties of a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material, determining its potential for use in all-solid-state batteries. The research found that the material exhibits a combination of properties similar to silly putty or salt water taffy, showing promise in energy density and safety.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 2, 2017

Wetlands play vital role in carbon storage, study finds

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that wetlands store a significant amount of carbon, with freshwater inland wetlands holding nearly 10 times more carbon than tidal saltwater sites. The research highlights the importance of protecting wetlands from human activity to prevent climate change.

SourceKenyon College·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2017

Researchers engineer new thyroid cells

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have discovered an efficient way to generate thyroid cells using genetically modified embryonic stem cells. The findings, published in Stem Cell Reports, are the first step towards developing a protocol using human stem cells to model thyroid disease and develop therapies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 2, 2017

The drugs don't work, say back pain researchers

New research from The George Institute for Global Health reveals that commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provide limited short-term pain relief and cause significant side effects. The study highlights the need for developing new therapies to treat back pain, which affects 80% of Australians during their lifetime.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 2, 2017

HKU scientists utilize innovative neuroimaging approach to unravel complex brain networks

Researchers have successfully manipulated optogenetics and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to capture large-scale brain-wide neural activity propagation and interaction dynamics. The study revealed dynamic network wiring in the mammalian species, challenging previous assumptions about brain connectivity.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2017

Political affiliation can predict how people will react to false information about threats

A new UCLA-led study found that people's political affiliations significantly impact their perception of credible information about potential hazards. Conservatives were more likely to find false statements about threats believable than liberals. The research suggests that liberals are less likely to dismiss warnings, while conservativ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 2, 2017

Full(erene) potential

Researchers at UCSB have developed a simple method to master the electrical properties of polymer semiconductors by adding specific molecules that 'trap' charge carriers. This technique allows for efficient design and manufacture of organic circuitry with varying complexity, while maintaining economical manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 2, 2017

Neutrons identify critical details in bacterial enzyme implicated in gastric cancer

Researchers used neutron crystallography to visualize the positions and movements of hydrogen atoms in a key enzyme from Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach cancer. The study provides insights into the enzyme's structure and potential targets for new medications that selectively target H. pylori without harming useful bacteria.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017

What to expect from big pharma in 2017

The number of new therapeutic drugs approved by the FDA was significantly lower in 2016 compared to previous years, with only four cancer drugs receiving approval. Delays in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and a reduction in cancer drug approvals contributed to this trend.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 1, 2017

A closer look at what caused the Flint water crisis

Researchers analyzed galvanized iron pipes from Flint, Michigan's 'ground zero' house and found that high lead concentrations correlated with cadmium, zinc, and tin levels. The study suggests that corrosion inhibitors were necessary to prevent lead contamination, highlighting the need for long-term pipe replacement.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 1, 2017

Banks hold major information advantage over other investors

A study by University of Vermont researchers found that banks enjoy a significant edge over investors due to their superior access to local private information. Banks can quickly adapt to new information and withdraw capital or invest more heavily in targeted areas, giving them a major advantage. In contrast, direct investors face limi...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of International Business Studies·DateFeb 1, 2017

Lower incidence of esophagitis in elderly NSCLC patients undergoing definitive radiation

A study found that elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experiencing definitive radiation had a lower incidence of esophagitis compared to younger patients. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, showed an inverse correlation between age and rate of esophagitis for both grade levels.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 1, 2017

New type of PET imaging identifies primary and metastatic prostate cancer

A new gallium-68 labeled peptide BBN-RGD agent has been developed to target both gastrin-releasing peptide receptor and integrin αvβ3, providing dual-receptor targeting and advantages over single-receptor targeting. The agent has shown safety and effectiveness in detecting primary and metastatic prostate cancer lesions.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

Eating the placenta after childbirth -- researchers explore perceptions of health benefits and risks

A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that most healthcare providers and patients are unaware of the potential benefits and risks of consuming placenta after childbirth. Women who reported a history of mental health disorders were more likely to consider trying placentophagy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017

New treatment regimen extends life for some men with recurrent prostate cancer, study finds

A new treatment regimen combining hormonal therapy with radiation treatment significantly improves the average long-term survival of men with recurrent prostate cancer who have had their prostate gland removed. The study found that this regimen also reduces the frequency of spread of the cancer, improving patient outcomes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2017