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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 22


Page 22 of 41

Targeting a tumor trigger

Researchers have devised a strategy to specifically target cancer stem cells in some cancers and reduce their tumor-generating potential. Combining Nutlin-3 and Paclitaxel showed potentiated tumor response and prevented relapse in Numb-deficient tumors, suggesting the potential of these drugs as treatment options.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

Et Tu, E. Coli?

Researchers found that E. coli toxins bind to elongation factor Tu and another protein EF-Ts to target specific tRNA molecules, inhibiting cell growth and leading to diarrhea or hemorrhagic colitis in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2017

No mid-day nap for Finnish flies

Scientists studied the circadian clocks of two fruit fly species from Finland and Tanzania. Finnish flies adapted their activity pattern to longer days, while Tanzanian flies were influenced by the equator's long daylight hours. The study reveals tiny differences in the flies' brains that affect their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 15, 2017

Keeping the elderly safe

A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateMar 15, 2017

Intensive medical treatment can reverse type 2 diabetes

A new study found that intensive medical treatment using oral medications, insulin, and lifestyle therapies can reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 40% of participants. The study's findings support the notion that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, at least in the short term, with medical approaches.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2017

Predicting how bad the bends will be

Researchers created a new model to predict decompression sickness severity after deep-sea dives. The model estimates both the risk and severity of symptoms, allowing divers to better plan their ascents and prevent painful and potentially fatal results.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 15, 2017

New method for producing leading anti-malarial drug

Researchers at Cardiff University have devised a new way of creating the leading anti-malarial drug artemisinin, which could reduce market fluctuations in the supply chain and help study resistance to the drug. The new method bypasses several key steps in the production process, achieving the desired outcome in just four steps.

SourceCardiff University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 15, 2017

Wildly stronger sunflowers

Researchers are using wild relatives to breed more resilient sunflower varieties, reducing the impact of diseases, weeds, and insects. The study highlights the importance of annotating genetic information in wild relative collections to preserve traits for future use.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateMar 15, 2017

Liquid fuel for future computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich and IBM Research Zurich have built a tiny redox flow battery that supplies electrical power and cools computer chip stacks simultaneously. The new micro-battery reaches record-high output and has potential applications in lasers, solar cells, and large energy storage systems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 15, 2017

Columbia and Harvard researchers find yoga and controlled breathing reduce depressive symptoms

Researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Harvard School of Medicine found that yoga classes and coherent breathing reduced depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Participants who took three yoga classes a week showed significant improvement compared to those taking two classes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

An epidemic of epipens

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found nearly 24,000 children prescribed epipens between 2000 and 2012, with prescriptions increasing five-fold over 12 years. The study highlights a need for clear guidelines on optimal epipen prescribing to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and ensure child safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateMar 15, 2017

Undergoing hip replacement improves five-year quality of life

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery experience significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) through at least five years after the procedure. The SF-6D score, a widely used measure of patient-perceived QOL, showed lasting improvements in scores.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 15, 2017

With climate change shrubs and trees expand northwards in the Subarctic

New research reveals that as taller shrubs expand into the tundra, nutrients in their leaf litter can either promote or reduce nitrogen fixation. The study, led by Kathrin Rousk and Anders Michelsen, found that warming conditions stimulate nitrogen fixation rates in mosses, but further shrub expansion will depend on dominant species.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 15, 2017