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Science News Archive November 2017


Page 1 of 42

Neutrophil-inspired propulsion

Researchers have created a novel system that enables aggregates composed of magnetized particles to roll along a channel using a combined acoustic and magnetic field. The system has shown promise for delivering drugs to hard-to-reach sites within the body, with potential applications in cancer treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Helping the brain prune bad habits

Researchers found that fasudil, a drug that inhibits Rho kinase, promotes goal-directed behavior in mice by pruning dendritic spines, a process involved in learning new behaviors. The treatment showed promise in reducing cocaine self-administration and could be an effective adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy for treating drug abuse.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Migration makes breeding harder for seabirds

A study by University of Oxford researchers found that puffin colonies traveling great distances during winter often face difficulty breeding due to environmental factors like competition and habitat quality. The study provides new insights into seabird migration behaviors, highlighting the costs associated with long-distance travel.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 30, 2017

Army researchers seek better batteries

A team of Army scientists published new findings on modeling insights into battery electrolyte structure and stability, highlighting the importance of tailoring electrolytes to support fast and reversible lithium transport. The research aims to improve battery efficiency and lifespan.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateNov 30, 2017

Rising levels of HIV drug resistance

A new study reveals that HIV drug resistance is on the rise, particularly among individuals in low- to middle-income countries, where 11.1% of those starting therapy have resistant virus strains. The research highlights the importance of improving monitoring and response strategies to combat this growing threat.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Researchers advance technique to detect ovarian cancer

Researchers at Rice University and MD Anderson Cancer Center use fluorescent carbon nanotube probes to locate specific tumors in the body. The noninvasive technique achieved first in vivo success in detecting small concentrations of nanotubes inside rodents with high accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 30, 2017

Diet success may depend on your DNA

A recent study published in the journal Genetics found that genetic differences can greatly impact how individuals respond to different diets. The researchers used four groups of animal models with unique genetic traits to test the effectiveness of various diets, including American-style, Mediterranean, Japanese, and ketogenic diets.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalGenetics·DateNov 30, 2017

New in the Hastings Center report, November-December 2017

The article examines the persistence of continuous electronic fetal monitoring as a standard of care, despite evidence that it increases risks. It also discusses the lack of mechanisms for ensuring medical professionals stay current with best practices and the role of malpractice law in setting boundaries on acceptable interventions.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateNov 30, 2017

New treatment investigated for brain tapeworm infection

Researchers investigate pretreatment with etanercept to manage post-treatment inflammation in neurocysticercosis, a major cause of epilepsy worldwide. Etanercept suppresses inflammatory pathways involved in treatment-induced inflammation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017

Uncertainty surrounds US livestock methane emission estimates

A new study challenges previous estimates of US livestock methane emissions, suggesting a significant discrepancy between top-down and bottom-up approaches. The researchers used a spatially explicit approach to estimate enteric methane emissions for cattle and manure methane emissions for swine and poultry.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 30, 2017

Parasitic worms don't just wait to be swallowed by new hosts

Scientists found that parasitic nematodes use odors from host mice as cues to position themselves where they have a higher chance of being eaten. The worms are attracted to fresh mouse feces and can migrate towards new hosts based on odorants produced by mammalian skin, feces, or urine.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 30, 2017

Study suggests a way to stop HIV in its tracks

A Loyola University Chicago study has identified the protein bicaudal D2, which facilitates the trafficking and nuclear import of HIV-1 genomes during infection. This finding raises the possibility of developing a drug that would prevent HIV-1 from binding to bicaudal D2.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2017