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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41

Researchers explore a new method to study cholesterol distribution on cells

Researchers developed a new way to visualize cholesterol distribution on cells and tissues using NanoSIMS imaging. The study found that accessible cholesterol is highly enriched on microvilli, supporting the idea that they play a role in regulating cholesterol production and unload surplus cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

Radiotherapy risks are much higher for smokers

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK finds that smokers treated for breast cancer have significantly higher risks of developing lung cancer or heart attacks due to radiotherapy. The long-term risk of death from these conditions is around 5% for smokers, compared to 0.5% for non-smokers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 20, 2017

Revised understanding of graft-versus-host disease origins offers new direction for potential therapy

Researchers have discovered that structural and connective cells in the lymphatic system called stromal cells are major players in priming donated immune cells to attack the host's body. Disrupting a critical signaling pathway during the first 48 hours can provide long-term protection against graft-versus-host disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2017

How plants can tell friend from foe

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plants can recognize friendly RNAs by breaking down those without a nucleotide 'tail' using the immune system. This breakthrough paves the way for future biotechnological techniques to modify crops.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 20, 2017

Penn researchers discover test for earlier detection of transplant rejection

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a method to detect organ transplant rejection earlier, using a blood-based approach that targets 'transplant exosomes.' This new strategy may enable doctors to intervene sooner and reduce the risk of long-term side effects from immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2017

Winter sets up breeding success: Study

A University of Guelph study suggests that conditions in wintering grounds are key factors affecting songbird population numbers during spring and summer breeding seasons. Warmer wintering grounds improve overall survival, but predictions of climate change may lead to new threats.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2017

Study shows stem cell therapy is safe for stroke patients; may aid recovery if given early

Researchers found that a single dose of millions of adult stem cells can aid stroke recovery if given early, reducing destructive inflammation and the risk for serious infections. Early treatment within 36 hours after stroke symptoms surface also showed benefits in physical recovery and reduced disability one year out.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 20, 2017

Tweeting in times of emergency

The study found that only half of Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies have adopted Twitter, highlighting the digital divide as a constraint. Despite this, high activity rates were observed in countries like Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines, suggesting potential for growth in developing economies.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Management·DateMar 20, 2017

Altering pH bumps prions out of danger zone

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that altering pH levels can prevent prion proteins from aggregating and forming deadly diseases. The study used a laser technique to measure the speed at which proteins rearrange before clumping, and found that an antihistamine called astemizole was effective in reducing prion ag...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

Lust for power

Researchers discovered a new, eco-friendly thermoelectric material made from calcium, cobalt, and terbium that can generate electricity through temperature differences. The material has the potential to power implantable medical devices, charge mobile devices, and even reuse waste heat in power plants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2017

Trichomonosis: A conundrum in cats

Trichomonosis is a common infectious cause of large bowel diarrhea in cats, characterized by 'cow pie' consistency and mucus/blood in faeces. The infection is caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, which can be transmitted from cat to cat via the faecal-oral route.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 20, 2017

New in the Hastings Center Report

The Hastings Center Report explores how bioethics can address authoritarian populism and contribute to the rebuilding of civic foundations. A study on prisoners' participation in clinical research found unique influences that may leave them vulnerable to exploitation.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 20, 2017

Unforeseen impacts of the fair trade movement

Research by Lindsay Naylor reveals fair trade certification has both positive and negative effects on coffee producers in Mexico. The program has assisted families but also limited their mobility, with many farmers making only $500-1,000 annually. Additionally, the power of coffee production is often used as a political weapon.

Piece of mind

University of Utah engineers develop 'computational cannula microscopy' to capture high-resolution images of animal brains using surgical needles and laser light. This non-invasive method shows promise for studying neurological disorders and could lead to a simpler, less expensive alternative to endoscopes for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2017

New twist on sofa problem that stumped mathematicians and furniture movers

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new solution to the 'moving sofa problem', a challenge that has stumped mathematicians for over 50 years. The team used 3-D printing and mathematical techniques to find the largest area that can fit around a corner, with potential applications in complex mathematics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalExperimental Mathematics·DateMar 20, 2017

Data published in Nature Methods demonstrate breakthrough ability to accurately detect somatic single nucleotide variations in single cells

A new single-cell sequencing method, AccuSomatic Amplification for Single Cell Sequencing, has been developed to accurately detect somatic single nucleotide variations in single cells. This breakthrough technology eliminates errors in somatic SNV calls while maintaining detection sensitivity.

SourceSingulOmics Corporation·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2017