Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2017 - Page 8


Page 8 of 42

New strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy

Researchers at Osaka University developed a new strategy for multiple myeloma immunotherapy by identifying a novel therapeutic target, MMG49, specifically recognizing integrin β7. The resulting CAR-T treatment showed anti-MM effects without damaging normal blood cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017

Glyphosate renewal approved

The European Union has approved the renewal of glyphosate for five years, recognizing its importance in maintaining food production and affordability. However, experts emphasize the need to balance this decision with reducing pesticide use and finding alternative weed control methods.

Changes in bacterial mix linked to antibiotics increase risk for inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests that antibiotic use in mothers may alter the microbiome of their offspring, increasing the risk for inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that exposure to antibiotics can change the mix of bacterial species in maternal microbes, which are then passed on to their children.

New method benchmarks organic mixed conductors

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel framework to benchmark and compare the performances of organic mixed conductors. By using electrochemical transistors, they evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of 10 newly developed materials, identifying top-performing conductors for specific applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Soil researchers quantify an underappreciated factor in carbon release to the atmosphere

A study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals that anaerobic microsites play a significant role in stabilizing soil carbon, contrary to previous assumptions. The team's findings suggest that these oxygen-free zones can protect up to 10 times more carbon from decomposition, posing a previously unrecognized threat to the global carbon cycle.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Barley is flavor of the month as new study settles centuries-old brewing debate

A new study reveals that specific barley varieties contribute to beer flavor beyond the malting process, with genetics and environment playing a significant role. The research found that breeding for malting quality does not necessarily result in brewing for flavor, providing insights for future barley breeding programs.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateNov 27, 2017

UBC study finds family-friendly overpasses are needed to help grizzly bears

Researchers from UBC's Okanagan campus found that female grizzly bears with cubs prefer using wildlife overpasses to cross the highway, highlighting the importance of designing structures that prioritize bear safety. The study also suggests that a diverse range of crossing design types can help mitigate road-bear conflicts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateNov 27, 2017

Cells bulge to squeeze through barriers

Researchers identify a fleeting, yet key structure that allows cells to break through tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A single protrusion bulges out from the cell surface, wedges a hole through the protective layer, and swells until the breach is wide enough for the entire cell to squeeze through.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 27, 2017

Trees on fire

A new computational framework simulates each stage of tree combustion, capturing detailed geometry and effects on branches and leaves. The method efficiently models the kinetic behavior of plants and their reaction to heat release in the combustion process.

As climate warms, mice morph

Biologists document changes in teeth and skull structure in two mouse species over the past 50 years, with the white-footed mouse showing more pronounced changes. The findings suggest a reversal in population proportions and highlight the consequences of climate change for small mammals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEvolutionary Ecology·DateNov 27, 2017

Asthma in infant boys may eventually be preventable

A University of Alberta study found that infant boys born to mothers with asthma have a reduced gut microbiome, particularly lower levels of Lactobacillus, which could lead to a preventative approach to reduce the risk of asthma. The study also suggests sex-specific differences in the impact of maternal asthma on infant gut microbes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

Artificial muscles give soft robots superpowers

Researchers created origami-inspired artificial muscles that add strength to soft robots, allowing them to lift objects up to 1,000 times their own weight. The muscles are programmable, compact, and can be made for less than $1, opening the door to numerous applications in robotics, medicine, and space exploration.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Eco-friendly waterborne semiconductor inks using surfactant

A research team at DGIST has developed a technology to produce environmentally friendly water-borne semiconductor inks using surfactant, reducing the use of toxic organic solvents. The new ink has a relatively flat surface and is expected to be applied in various electronic devices such as transistors and photodiodes.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 27, 2017

US companies are investing less in science

Large corporations are investing less in science, with publications by company scientists declining across industries since 1980. The value attributed to scientific research has dropped, while technical knowledge remains stable, suggesting a shift towards commercializing existing knowledge.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateNov 27, 2017

New pain treatment tested in humans

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology demonstrates pain relief in humans using a Trk inhibitor. The study involved 20 participants and compared the inhibitor with pregabalin, ibuprofen, and placebo.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 27, 2017

Researchers identify information gaps about opioid antidote naloxone

A systematic review of evidence reveals important gaps in knowledge about the safety and effectiveness of widespread off-label use of naloxone among patients, families, friends, and emergency responders. The study found that the majority of naloxone being administered nasally is probably the non-approved formulation, but little is know...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 27, 2017