Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2018 - Page 178


Page 178 of 473

Retinoic acid may improve immune response against melanoma

Researchers found that adding retinoic acid to standard-of-care treatment for melanoma can turn off myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that resist immune treatments, leading to increased immune system activity. The study showed a safe and promising strategy to target MDSCs, which could be a useful addition to immunotherapies for ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Immunopharmacology·DateAug 16, 2018

New in the Hastings Center report, July-August 2018

The Hastings Center report explores advanced care directives for dementia patients, childhood obesity, and patient demands for specific healthcare providers or racial/ethnic backgrounds. Competent individuals should have control over life-sustaining treatments, while environmental factors contribute to childhood obesity.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateAug 16, 2018

Low bandwidth? Use more colors at once

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to produce multiple colors simultaneously on an electronic chip, enabling broader bandwidth for sensing and processing information. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in nanophotonics, bio-sensing, and imaging applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2018

UTHealth-led study shows much work remains to ensure e-health record safety

A recent UTHealth-led survey revealed that only 19.3% of healthcare organizations in the US and Australia have fully implemented voluntary guidelines for safe e-health record management. The study found significant variation in adherence rates across different domains, suggesting factors such as budget constraints, personnel skill mix,...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 16, 2018

Societies release updated guideline for treating adult congenital heart disease patients

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released an updated guideline for managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, incorporating new data and growing expertise. The guideline presents a new classification system that captures complexity in both anatomy and physiology.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 16, 2018

Previously grainy wheat genome comes into focus

The complete wheat genome is now sequenced, enabling researchers to identify genes controlling traits such as drought resistance and breed plants with higher nutritional quality. This breakthrough accelerates innovation in breeding resilient and disease-resistant crops to meet global demand for wheat.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Children put on by robots

A study by Anna-Lisa Vollmer and colleagues found that children give into social pressure from humanoid robots, unlike adults. The research used a conformity experiment with Nao robots and investigated the impact on children's decision-making.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 16, 2018

Scientists discover new method of diagnosing cancer with malaria protein

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to diagnose cancer at its early stages using a malaria protein. The method retrieves individual cancer cells from blood samples, catching them in greater numbers than existing methods, allowing for earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes.

Newly identified role for inhibition in cerebellar plasticity and behavior

Researchers have identified a new role for inhibition in regulating motor learning in the cerebellum, finding that inhibitory cell class molecular layer interneurons play a key role in modulating plasticity and learning behavior. This discovery provides fundamental insights into neural computation and mechanisms underlying motor learning.

One giant leap for wheat

Scientists have produced the most comprehensive map of a wheat genome, paving the way for more resilient and nutritious varieties. The detailed findings describe over 94% of the Chinese Spring wheat genome, with benefits expected to boost wheat improvement over the next decades.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Stretching beyond limits

Researchers design a functionally graded material to minimize the tradeoff between flexibility and strength, achieving optimal balance in both elasticity and rigidity. This technology has wide applications in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 16, 2018

First mouse model to mimic lung disease could speed discovery of more effective treatments

Researchers have developed a mouse model that induces scarring and damage similar to human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, allowing for the study of new pathways and targets. The model enables the testing of drugs in more clinically relevant ways, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2018

Individuals shot by police exhibit distinct patterns of recent prior hospitalizations and arrests

A study found that individuals shot by police have arrest histories similar to those involved in assaults and homicides, and medical histories similar to those with self-inflicted firearm injuries. The study identified patterns among intent-specific firearm injuries, including increased risk of interpersonal and self-directed violence,...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 16, 2018

Quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information

A new study has evaluated the quality of YouTube videos for facial plastics information, revealing they can present biased information and offer an unbalanced assessment of risks and benefits. The study suggests these videos may not provide clear guidance on the qualifications of featured practitioners.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateAug 16, 2018

Scientists discover why silver clusters emit light

Researchers discovered that only small clusters of four silver atoms in a tetrahedral shape surrounded by water molecules emit light. This is due to the movement of two free electrons, which decay from higher to lower energy levels and produce a specific shade of green light.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Cells agree: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Research led by Salk Institute scientist Gerald Shadel found that short-term stress can trigger sustained production of antioxidants and increase mitochondria efficiency, potentially extending lifespan. Cells exposed to brief stress showed higher antioxidant levels, more mitochondria, and less superoxide buildup than unstressed cells.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 16, 2018