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Science News for September 6, 2017


Liver cancer patients can start with lower dose of chemotherapy and live just as long

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma can start with a lower dose of sorafenib without affecting overall survival, experiencing fewer side effects and lower treatment costs. The reduced dose approach allows patients to ramp up as they show tolerance, while the standard dose may require ramping down due to toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 6, 2017

Art courses could help medical students become better clinical observers

Researchers found that art observation training significantly improved observational recognition skills among first-year medical students. The study also showed improvements in empathy and emotional recognition, as well as an increase in open-mindedness. Art training alone can help teach medical students to become better clinical obser...

Comparing cancer drug effectiveness from cells to mice to man

A new study by Dartmouth researchers has precisely determined the mechanism of cancer drug gemcitabine in human patients, enabling more effective combination therapies and rational clinical trial design. The research bridged the gap between experimental models and human trials, providing valuable insights into the drug's effects on cel...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateSep 6, 2017

NIST, NFL, GE and Under Armour announce grand prize winner in Head Health Challenge III

A team of materials designers led by Dynamic Research Inc. won the grand prize of $500,000 for developing a novel material with an unusual geometric structure that can absorb or mitigate force within helmets and other protective gear, reducing impact by over 70%. The winning entry has potential to support innovation and stimulate the m...

Older adults who are frail more likely to have negative outcomes after trauma

A new study has found that older adults who are frail before experiencing trauma are at a higher risk of in-hospital death and transfer to long-term care facilities. The researchers used the Clinical Frailty Scale to assess frailty in patients, which showed that nearly 70% of those with pre-admission frailty had negative outcomes compa...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 6, 2017

How monkey fights grow

Conflict durations in monkey societies grow more quickly as others join, according to researchers studying dynamic conflict patterns. The first interaction sets the tone for the fight, with brief episodes likely to follow if initial interactions are brief.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 6, 2017

Paving the way towards 'designer organelles'

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created an alternative pathway for peroxisome organelles to import proteins, leading to the development of 'designer organelles'. These custom compartments could be used as biofactories for producing therapeutic proteins or other useful molecules.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2017

Researchers challenge status quo of battery commercialization

Researchers challenge traditional battery commercialization approach by incorporating lessons from the pharmaceutical industry. They propose a tailored proposal for entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, and policymakers to fuel battery innovation, including niche applications, strategic partnerships, targeted capital raises, and cus...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateSep 6, 2017

Patient satisfaction with pain management linked to nurse staffing

A recent study published in Pain Management Nursing found that nurse staffing is a key contributor to patient satisfaction with pain control. The research highlights the need for adequate numbers of nursing staff and effective collaboration among medical trainees, hospitalists, and nurses to achieve optimal patient satisfaction.

SourceBoston College·JournalPain Management Nursing·DateSep 6, 2017

Liar, liar, pants on fire! Groups lie more than individuals, according to new research

A new study found that groups lie more than individuals when facing mutual financial gain and coordinating actions to achieve a shared goal. This phenomenon occurs even when all members have previously responded honestly, suggesting that group dynamics can shift moral norms and promote dishonest behavior.

New collection showcases success stories, insights on science communication

The Annals Science Communication Collection features innovative methods for delivering science to the public, including comics and social media engagement. The collection aims to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue across entomological disciplines and advance cooperative interaction among diverse groups of entomologists.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateSep 6, 2017

New tool for characterizing quantum simulators

Researchers from the University of Innsbruck have established a new method to efficiently characterize large quantum states, enabling the development of large-scale quantum simulators. The new method requires significantly fewer measurements than current gold standard, opening up possibilities for complex quantum simulations.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 6, 2017

Green light for ultra-fine display colors

Scientists have made a breakthrough in producing ultra-pure green light for high-resolution displays, exceeding 97-99% of the Rec.2020 standard. The new technology uses simple room-temperature processes and inexpensive materials, paving the way for low-cost industrial production.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 6, 2017

Study points to path for better diagnosis of eating disorders, the deadliest of mental illnesses

Researchers developed a new diagnostic system, HiTOP, which predicts 68% of psychological and social functioning issues related to eating disorders. In contrast, the traditional DSM-5 approach predicts only slightly less than 10%. The study used a hierarchical taxonomy of psychopathology, combining symptoms into dimensions and sub-fact...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalComprehensive Psychiatry·DateSep 6, 2017

Predatory journals a global problem

A massive investigation published in Nature reveals that a majority of papers in suspected biomedical predatory journals are from high or upper-middle income countries. The study analyzed 1,907 research papers and found that top countries publishing in these journals include India, the US, Nigeria, Iran, and Japan.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 6, 2017

Does the organic material of comets predate our solar system?

A recent study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society reveals that comet nuclei contain 40% organic matter by mass, which was produced in interstellar space before the formation of our solar system. This finding has significant implications for the origin of life on Earth and potentially other planets.

SourceCNRS·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 6, 2017

Why US battery startups fail -- and how to fix it

A new study investigates why US battery material startups are failing under current venture capital funding models. The authors draw inspiration from the pharmaceutical industry, providing recommendations for entrepreneurs, investors, manufacturers, and policy-makers to improve commercialization chances.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalMRS Energy & Sustainability·DateSep 6, 2017

Molecular map shows how to disable dangerous bioweapon

Researchers at Duke University mapped out the complex molecular circuitry of Francisella tularensis, a bacterium that causes tularemia and is considered one of the world's most infectious pathogens. By understanding how the bacteria becomes virulent, scientists can design new drugs to shut down its virulence.

SourceDuke University·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 6, 2017

Parkinson's severity assessed through drawing

A team of researchers in Australia developed an automatic system to diagnose Parkinson's disease severity from drawing speed and pen pressure measurements. The system combines these metrics into a single measurement, the Composite Index of Speed and Pen-pressure score, allowing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateSep 6, 2017

New immigrants in Germany

A joint research project between universities in Germany will survey 6,000 refugees and other immigrants to understand their characteristics, experiences, and future plans. The study aims to assess how different immigrant groups integrate into German society, including those from EU member states and non-EU countries.

A touch of EroS

Researchers discovered a bacterium that stimulates single-cell saltwater dwellers to form colonies and mate, providing insight into eukaryote-bacterium interactions. The study also revealed the production of chondroitin in primitive organisms, challenging evolutionary timelines.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateSep 6, 2017

Fuel economy standards cheaper, more beneficial than previously believed

A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that fuel economy standards are not as difficult to meet as previously believed, with potential benefits including lower costs for consumers and automakers. The research also suggests that slightly slower acceleration times can significantly reduce overall emissions.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 6, 2017

New microscopy method for quick and reliable 3-D imaging of curvilinear nanostructures

EPFL researchers have developed a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) method to generate fast and reliable 3D images of complex curvilinear structures. This tilt-less 3D electron imaging technique can acquire images in a single shot, opening up new avenues for real-time 3D imaging of dynamic material and biological processes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2017

Curves in all the right places

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have created the first evidence-based growth standards chart for dogs, allowing veterinarians to assess and monitor growth in canine patients. The study used data from over six million dogs visiting Banfield Pet Hospitals, resulting in five weight ranges with separate male and female curves.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2017

New model for hard-to-study form of blindness paves way for future research

A new human stem cell model has been developed to study macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. The model, created by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, mimics key characteristics of the disease and could lead to new avenues of research and potential drug targets.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2017