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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 160


Page 160 of 473

Study illustrates challenges of lowering tetanus mortality

Researchers found that implementing a standard tetanus protocol in an ICU in Tanzania did not significantly reduce mortality rates, but shifted causes of deaths to airway compromise and sepsis. The study emphasizes the need for increased vaccination coverage to eliminate this preventable disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 30, 2018

Insulin gives an extra boost to the immune system

Researchers at Toronto General Hospital have identified a specific insulin signaling pathway that revs up the response of T cells in the immune system, enabling them to divide rapidly and secrete cytokines. This finding opens avenues for better regulating the immune system and potentially developing new therapies.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 30, 2018

Now we can see brain cells 'talk' -- and that will shed light on neurological diseases

Scientists have developed a way to visualize brain cells communicating through neurotransmitters, providing insight into conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression. The new lab technique enables the study of poorly understood neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which affects memory, mood, and emotional regulation.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 30, 2018

New method for hydroboration of alkynes: Radicals induce unusual selectivity

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a novel method for hydroboration of alkynes utilizing radical chemistry, resulting in the creation of previously inaccessible trans-hydroboration products. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of various bench-stable alkenyl borane compounds that can be converted into drug candidates.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 30, 2018

Psycholinguists build eye-tracking database on reading in Russian

Researchers have created a comprehensive eye-tracking database for reading in Russian, providing insights into how native speakers process texts. The study sheds light on the characteristics of individual languages and has significant implications for diagnosing and correcting speech disorders, as well as determining language proficiency.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateAug 30, 2018

'Blink' and you won't miss amyloids

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis create 'blink' method to image amyloids, allowing for non-invasive visualization of these problematic proteins. The technique uses temporary fluorescence, causing amyloids to flash and enabling researchers to better understand their structure and behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemBioChem·DateAug 30, 2018

Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations

Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 30, 2018

Presence of new or worsened bedsores tied to poorer outcomes in inpatient rehab facilities

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that the presence of new or worsened bedsores is associated with lower quality outcomes for rehabilitation patients, including decreased functional independence and longer hospital stays. The study used data from nearly 500,000 Medicare patients discharged between 2013 and 2014.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateAug 30, 2018

DNA accessibility, gene expression jointly profiled in thousands of cells

Researchers have developed an assay that concurrently profiles the epigenome and transcriptome of each cell type, revealing how different cells interpret their genetic code. The study provides insights into the relationship between epigenome and transcriptome, as well as the regulation of gene expression across various cell types.

Presynapses come in a packet

Researchers discovered that vesicle and scaffold proteins arrive at nascent synapses as preformed functional units, enabling instantaneous neurotransmitter release. The findings may aid in designing better nerve-regenerating therapies and accelerating synapse formation after injuries.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNeuron·DateAug 30, 2018

Stigmatizing views and myths about psoriasis are pervasive in the United States

A new study reveals pervasive stigmatizing views and myths about psoriasis in the United States, affecting daily life and relationships. The research found that 54% of respondents did not want to date someone with psoriasis, highlighting the need for education and awareness to dispel these negative perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateAug 30, 2018

Mechanism of Marburg virus sexual transmission identified in nonhuman primates

Research has shed light on the mechanism of sexual transmission of Marburg virus, identifying persistent infection in seminiferous tubules and specialized cells called Sertoli cells. The study suggests that targeting immunosuppressive regulatory T cells may help clear Marburg virus from the testes, preventing sexual transmission.

Scientists decode opium poppy genome

Researchers have determined the DNA code of the opium poppy genome, unlocking key steps in how the plant evolved to produce vital medicines. The discovery may lead to improved yields and disease resistance, securing a reliable supply of effective pain relief medications.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2018

Research finds gender-diverse boards are greener

A study by the University of Adelaide found that companies with a balanced mix of men and women on their boards experience significantly fewer environmental lawsuits. This suggests that female directors contribute to reducing corporate environmental litigation, with a saving of up to $3.1 million per lawsuit.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateAug 30, 2018

In test with rats, cannabidiol showed sustained effects against depression for 7 days

Researchers found that a single dose of cannabidiol eliminated symptoms of depression in rats and maintained benefits for up to seven days. The study's findings suggest that cannabidiol rapidly triggers neuroplastic mechanisms to repair damaged neuronal circuitry, providing new hope for treating broad-spectrum depression.

Researchers discover a novel role of protein in important pathways that lead to cancer malignancy

Researchers have discovered a specific protein, FABP5, that promotes processes associated with cancer aggressiveness, including cell growth, invasiveness, survival, and inflammation. Understanding the molecular pathways of this protein could lead to finding more effective therapeutic targets for prostate and breast cancers.

SourceShinshu University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids·DateAug 30, 2018