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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 13


Page 13 of 42

TWEAKing inflammation

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology pinpoint TWEAK as a common driver of skin inflammation in both diseases. The protein plays a major role in inducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to the skin.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Zap! Graphene is bad news for bacteria

Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2017

Humanizing, harmonizing effects of music aren't a myth

Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMay 22, 2017

Better, cheaper healthcare with dry blood samples

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to measure proteins in dry blood samples, allowing for easier and cheaper healthcare. The study found that this method has great potential to save resources and enable early diagnostics, with minimal changes to protein levels over time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateMay 22, 2017

Fat can neutralize listeria

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalResearch in Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2017

The fungal microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage in mice

A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 22, 2017

Investigational biologic appears to reduce oral corticosteroid use in severe asthma

A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

Why fewer blood cancer patients receive hospice care

Research shows that blood cancer patients are less likely to enroll in hospice care compared to solid cancer patients. However, a survey of hematologic oncologists found that 68% agree that hospice care is helpful for blood cancer patients, and most would refer patients if red blood cell transfusions were available.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 22, 2017

Female STEM leaders more likely to back policies aiding women

A national study of college and university administrators has found that female department chairs, deans, and provosts have different attitudes and beliefs than their male counterparts about how to retain women professors in STEM fields. Female administrators gave higher ratings to policies and strategies designed to improve the lives ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 22, 2017

Reimbursement for integrative health care suggests violation of non-discrimination law

A new study found that health insurance reimbursement for complementary healthcare services is significantly lower than for primary care physicians. The likelihood of reimbursement was 69% lower for acupuncturists, 71% lower for chiropractors, and 62% lower for doctors of naturopathic medicine.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017

Flexible new method for early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method for early cancer diagnosis that uses DNA barcoding to detect tumor cells in blood. The technique has been shown to increase sensitivity by thousand-fold, making it possible to screen at-risk patient groups and spot relapsing patients more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateMay 22, 2017

New method: Water mapping around solutes

Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 22, 2017

Biofilm discovery suggests new way to prevent dangerous infections

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

ASKAP telescope to rule radio-burst hunt

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has successfully detected its first fast radio burst (FRB), marking a major breakthrough in this elusive field of astronomy. The detection was made using an innovative strategy, allowing the telescope to scan a larger area of the sky and increasing its chances of finding FRBs.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 22, 2017

New insight into life-threatening childhood brain cancer

Childhood medulloblastoma can be separated into seven distinct subgroups with unique biological and clinical characteristics. This new understanding may lead to increased survival rates as each subgroup responds differently to treatment, allowing for tailored treatment options. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes...

SourceNewcastle University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 22, 2017

Cultural backgrounds of media organizations affect international news coverage

A new study by University of Missouri researchers reveals that cultural values of photojournalists' home countries influence the framing of international events. The study analyzed over 400 photographs from Pope Francis's 2015 visit to Cuba, finding differences in camera angles and news priorities between media outlets from the US, UK,...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournalism Studies·DateMay 22, 2017