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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 37

Side effects not a major problem for new class of breast cancer drugs

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor class of oral drugs has been found to be generally well-tolerated in treating hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer. The most common side effect is a temporary and dose-dependent decrease in white blood cells, which usually returns to normal with dosage adjustments.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Oncologist·DateJul 13, 2017

How selenium compounds might become catalysts

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered that selenium can form bonds similar to those of hydrogen bonds, resulting in accelerated chemical reactions. The team's findings suggest that weaker bonds, such as hydrogens bonds, might be sufficient for activation or catalysis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 13, 2017

Building a safer lithium-ion battery

Scientists have developed a new method to track lithium ions as they travel in a battery, which could help address the safety hazard of battery failure. The researchers used fluorescence microscopy and found a fluorescent label sensitive to lithium ions, enabling them to image and track lithium ions in a battery-like environment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 12, 2017

Creating music by thought alone

Researchers have developed a hands-free musical instrument that can be controlled by thoughts, allowing people with motor disabilities to play music again. The Encephalophone collects brain signals and converts them into musical notes, providing a new avenue for rehabilitation and empowerment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2017

Study provides evidence for naturality of high-purity stevia leaf extract sweeteners

A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology found that commercial-scale extraction and purification processes do not alter the steviol glycosides in high-purity stevia extracts. The research, conducted at the University of Bonn, provides evidence for the naturality of stevia, a popular plant-bas...

SourcePureCircle·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science & Technology·DateJul 12, 2017

No statistically significant risk of ID in children from mothers using antidepressants

A study examined the risk of intellectual disability (ID) in children born to mothers treated with antidepressants and found a slightly elevated risk, but it was not statistically significant. The researchers suggest that other factors such as parental age and psychiatric history may contribute to the risk.

Cyber attacks can threaten public health

A recent study highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on information systems, with 64% of organizations reporting successful medical file targeted attacks in 2016. The authors stress the need to acknowledge public health implications of information security to improve dialogue and protect patient care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2017

See-through heart tissue reveals hidden complexity

Researchers from Imperial College London have used a new technique called 'optical clearing' to image adult heart tissue in 3D, revealing intricate networks of tiny blood vessels and collagen scaffold. This breakthrough could help doctors monitor the spread of stiff scar tissue and track patient responses to treatments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2017

The wiser brain: Insights from healthy elders

Researchers analyzed brain activity of 100 healthy Portuguese adults and found that those with better cognitive abilities had more stable and structured brain network states. This study provides new evidence linking brain network dynamics to cognitive performance in later life.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2017

Granular media friction explained: Da Vinci would be proud

Researchers have solved the equation describing solid friction on granular materials for an arbitrary number of dimensions. Their results are in excellent agreement with numerical solutions in 2 and 3 dimensions, making the model applicable to various industries such as construction and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 12, 2017

Mathematical modeling could help with personalized cancer care

Researchers used mathematical modeling to examine patterns in lung cancer metastases, revealing a preferential pattern for brain spread in patients with EGFR mutations. The findings suggest that Markov modeling could help predict metastatic spread and personalize treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalConvergent Science Physical Oncology·DateJul 12, 2017

Firearm-safety class rates in US little changed in 20 years

A study from the University of Washington found that only about three in five US firearm owners have received formal gun training, with notable gaps in content, particularly on warning signs of suicide. The lack of standardization and education on suicide prevention in firearm trainings has significant implications for public health.

Mulling over the aromas of wine

A new detector for acetaldehyde in wine has been developed, offering a more practical and accurate method for winemakers to monitor this critical ingredient. The device, tested on nine different wines, produced results comparable to traditional methods but with simpler operation and real-time output.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 12, 2017

Shortcut method in drug development

Researchers at Uppsala University develop a small-scale method to determine bioavailability of drugs within cells, facilitating early-stage drug development. The method takes into account how drugs 'disappear' when binding to cell components, offering a promising tool for pharmaceutical companies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2017

Synthesizing the human genome from scratch

A team of scientists is working on synthesizing a human genome from scratch, tackling the technical and ethical challenges that come with it. They have already made significant progress in building smaller genomes, such as those of microbes, but still face significant hurdles in constructing the complex human genome.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 12, 2017

Dignity Health St. Joseph's researchers discover indicator of lung transplant rejection

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that monitoring Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 7A (ZBTB7A) can be an early predictor of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). This discovery fills the void for a reliable marker, opening new opportunities for diagnosis and prevention.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2017

Research raises antibiotic questions

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBJS·DateJul 12, 2017

Energy-recycling stairs might make climbing stairs easier

Researchers developed energy-recycling stairs that store user's energy during descent and return it during ascent, making stair negotiation easier for elderly and disabled individuals. This technology could be a more affordable alternative to elevators and stair lifts, allowing people to retain their ability to use stairs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 12, 2017