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Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 21


Page 21 of 42

A delicate crossing: Controller developed to open the blood-brain barrier with precision

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a system to temporarily loosen the blood-brain barrier using microbubbles, allowing for real-time monitoring and controlled delivery of drugs to the brain. The approach offers improved safety and efficacy control for human clinical trials underway in Canada.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

New guidelines issued for diagnosis and care of LAM, a rare lung disease

The American Thoracic Society and Japanese Respiratory Society have published new clinical practice guidelines for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease affecting women of child-bearing age. The guidelines recommend a diagnostic approach that includes transbronchial lung biopsy before surgical lung biopsy, as well as earl...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Has the Mental Health Act had its day?

Experts argue that a non-discriminatory legal framework governing involuntary treatment could replace unjust discrimination against people with mental ill health. Critics, however, worry that changing the law without proper resourced services could lead to reduced rates of compulsion and decreased care for vulnerable individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 15, 2017

Study urges global-change researchers to embrace variability

A new review article argues that incorporating natural variability into experiments can provide more accurate insights into the effects of climate change on corals and other reef organisms. Studies found that varying factors such as temperature and pH can affect the physiology and response to future changes, warranting further research.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalCurrent Climate Change Reports·DateNov 15, 2017

'Left-handed' fish and asymmetrical brains

Biologists have found that cichlid fish with a distinct preference for one side of their bodies exhibit corresponding asymmetry in brain structure and gene expression. The study reveals a functional relationship between brain shape and behavioral laterality, suggesting an evolutionary link to handedness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2017

Intentional teaching makes the biggest impact on early childhood outcomes

Research suggests that high-quality preschool teaching practices, particularly those focused on intentional teaching and scaffolding, have the largest effect on young children's academic and social skills. Effective curricula, teacher-child ratio, and professional development also play a significant role in shaping outcomes.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateNov 15, 2017

Stopping the dengue threat

A QUT study has identified social factors such as overseas arrivals, rainwater tanks, and economic status as potential dengue risk factors. The study suggests increasing surveillance and monitoring of travellers arriving in Australia to control the importation and transmission of dengue virus.

How to keep cows happy

A Brazilian study reveals that minor changes to corrals, such as removing splash colors and water puddles, can significantly reduce the stress levels of cattle. The implementation of good handling practices, including calm handlers and reduced noise levels, also led to improved behavior and cortisol release.

SourceSpringer·JournalTropical Animal Health and Production·DateNov 15, 2017

Spinning cylinders to recreate nature's patterns

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science developed a method to create dynamic tubular structures by exploiting centripetal force of rotating fluids, enabling self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough could lead to creation of various shapes of microcomposites useful in photonics applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2017

The rhetorical signature of Donald J. Trump

Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Doron Taussig analyze Trump's rhetoric, finding it both disrupted political norms and created challenges for governing. Trump's signature traits include spontaneity, accountability dodging, and demonization, which have led to concerns about his mental acuity and speculation about invoking the 25th Amendment.

Filling intercropping info gap

Researchers developed mathematical equations to calculate crop yields and optimize fertilizer use for sorghum-peanut intercropping. The study aims to improve profits and food production in West Africa, where millions of farmers face food security challenges.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 15, 2017

Targeting cancer without destroying healthy T-cells

Researchers have discovered a method to target cancerous T-cells while sparing healthy ones, which are essential to the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma, which has been difficult to treat without damaging healthy T-cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Aging tests yield varying results

Researchers compared 11 measures of aging, including blood and chromosome tests, and found that none consistently predicted physical or cognitive changes. Telomere length and epigenetic clocks showed some promise but were less clearly linked to physiological outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2017

Wine 'legs' and minibot motors (video)

Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 15, 2017

Teenage depression linked to father's depression

A new study by University College London researchers found a significant association between fathers' depressive symptoms and their teenage children's symptoms of depression. The study, which analyzed data from two large longitudinal studies, suggests that family-focused interventions should also target fathers to prevent depression.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2017

Study finds asthma and food allergies predictable at age 1

A study finds that children with eczema or atopic dermatitis and sensitization to an allergen at age 1 are significantly more likely to develop asthma and a food allergy by age three. The CHILD Study also found that early introduction of common allergenic foods may reduce the risk of allergic sensitization and food allergy.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 15, 2017

Manganese-based MRI contrast agent may be safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a potential alternative to gadolinium-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new manganese-based agent Mn-PyC3A produced comparable image enhancement to the standard of care with rapid clearance and less likelihood of toxicity. The study used a baboon...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRadiology·DateNov 15, 2017

NUS researchers identify potential mediator for social memory formation

A study by NUS researchers has identified the potential role of a neuropeptide named Substance P as a mediator of social memory in area CA2 of the hippocampus. This finding suggests that Substance P may play a key role in forming social memories, including distinguishing between familiar and novel faces or objects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

Model sheds new light on pathogen cooperation

A new model reveals that cooperative contagion processes can lead to more severe spread of infectious diseases, generating abrupt outbreak transitions and multi-stability. This discovery highlights the need for new containment strategies to combat epidemics in realistic systems.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 15, 2017