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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 32


Page 32 of 41

Don't relax drug approval process, experts warn

Three experts from the University of Sydney argue that deregulating the FDA's regulatory system will subject patients to potentially toxic drugs. They highlight examples of successful drugs that were identified through well-controlled studies, and contrast these with unregulated markets that struggle to sift out ineffective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

The protective layer of prehistoric land plants

Researchers discovered a critical biochemical pathway in mosses that protects them from water loss and enables their adaptation to terrestrial environments. This finding suggests the prehistoric moss cuticle may have originated before lignin evolution in seed plants, influencing the development of complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017

The secrets of vibration-enhanced conductivity in graphene

Researchers have discovered a systematic approach to inducing large-amplitude vibrations in graphene models, leading to increased conductivity. The findings offer a valuable theoretical basis for future experimental work, opening up new avenues for smart materials and all-optical networks.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 8, 2017

How your neighborhood may impact your health

A study by Adriana Zuniga-Teran found that traditional neighborhoods encourage more walking, while suburban developments with green spaces contribute to improved mental well-being. Cluster housing communities also foster social interaction among residents. In contrast, enclosed gated communities do not improve feelings of safety.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2017

New England Journal of Medicine publishes long-term results of Gleevec®

A nearly 11-year follow-up study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows an estimated overall survival rate of 83.3% among 1,106 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with Gleevec. The treatment has been proven effective against multiple forms of cancer, including pediatric CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Violent video games found not to affect empathy

Researchers found that gamers had similar neural responses to emotionally provocative images as non-gamers, suggesting no long-term effects on empathy. The study used fMRI and a psychological questionnaire to compare gamers' and non-gamers' brain activity and emotional responses.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 8, 2017

A bright 'glow stick' marker for cells

Researchers have developed a brighter and more biocompatible chemiluminescent probe that can be used in water and detect various cell activities. The new probe enables the detection of several biologically relevant chemicals, enzyme activity, and imaging cells using microscopy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 8, 2017

Women at high risk for breast cancer more likely to get MRI when informed directly

A study published in Health Communications shows that women at high risk for breast cancer who received a letter informing them of their options for additional imaging with contrast-enhanced MRI were more likely to return for additional screening. The researchers found that direct communication increased follow-up screening rates among...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 8, 2017

Phonon nanoengineering: Vibrations of nanoislands dissipate heat more effectively

Scientists discovered a new type of vibration in europium silicide nanoislands that dissipates heat more effectively. The study used nuclear inelastic scattering to measure the energy spectrum of atomic vibrations and found that the vibrations of atoms in the crystal lattice can be tailored for specific thermal properties.

Parental concerns reduce uptake of child flu vaccine

A recent study found that UK parents' concerns about the child flu vaccine's safety and side effects reduce its uptake. The researchers recommend reinforcing public health messages to address these concerns, focusing on the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing flu and highlighting serious complications of the illness.

SourceKing's College London·JournalVaccine·DateMar 8, 2017

Sub-second system seizures

Researcher Neil Johnson studied sub-second delays in electronic stock exchange data, finding that natural delays already exist in these systems, which can become correlated and cause unexpected behaviors. Introducing more delays could be disastrous, as humans wouldn't be able to respond quickly enough.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2017

Atomic resolution of muscle contraction

The study reveals unexpectedly large conformational changes in the myosin molecule during the pull, generating force and a paradigm for nanomachine construction. Myosin converts ATP energy into mechanical work through hydrolysis, with a previously unobserved conformational change providing new perspectives on its function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2017