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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 41

Did humans create the Sahara desert?

A new study challenges the idea that changes in Earth's orbit triggered Sahara desertification. Human activities, such as pastoralism, are believed to have contributed to the region's ecological shift towards desert-like conditions. The findings highlight the importance of understanding human impact on environmental systems.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateMar 14, 2017

Bonding chips using inkjet printers

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new bonding technique for chips using inkjet printers with silver nanoparticles, enabling the creation of rigid and flexible hybrid circuitry. The method uses inkjet printing technology to assemble surface mount devices, achieving high electrical conductivity and reliability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 14, 2017

The molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that exhausted T cells have distinct DNA structures and activate specific genes, including NFAT and Nr4a proteins. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of T cell exhaustion and offer potential targets for improving cancer immunotherapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Microbes measure ecological restoration success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new method to monitor soil microbes, which could boost the success of ecological restoration projects. By analyzing the DNA of bacteria in soil samples, scientists found that native plant revegetation can restore a natural state to cleared land just eight years after implementa...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 14, 2017

World's oldest plant-like fossils discovered

Scientists have discovered the world's oldest plant-like fossils, estimated to be 1.6 billion years old, in sedimentary rocks in central India. The findings suggest that advanced multicellular life evolved much earlier than previously thought, challenging our understanding of the evolution of life on Earth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

Switching oxygen on and off

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully switched individual oxygen molecules between a reactive and unreactive state using a force microscope. This process enables new possibilities for investigating the inner workings of photocatalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Finding positive in the negative

A phase 2 clinical trial of sacituzumab govitecan, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting Trop-2, achieved a response in 21 participants with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. The responses were early and durable, lasting up to 20 months, with improved overall survival.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 14, 2017

AASM publishes new guideline for diagnostic testing for adult sleep apnea

The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Emotional intelligence helps make better doctors

A new Loyola study reveals that physicians-in-training possess a high level of emotional intelligence, scoring in the high range on an emotional intelligence survey. The study found that pediatric and med-peds residents scored highest in empathy and social responsibility, but lowest in assertiveness.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Contemporary Medical Education·DateMar 14, 2017

Study finds no benefit, but possible harm, from drug used to prevent preterm births

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with a history of early delivery provides no benefits, while potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers also noted a higher rate of preterm births among those treated with the dru...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2017

Major research project provides new clues to schizophrenia

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that patients with schizophrenia have lower levels of the neurotransmitter GABA and altered immune cell function. These findings provide new clues to the disease mechanisms of schizophrenia, but follow-up studies are needed to determine if these changes are causes or effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2017