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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 228


Page 228 of 473

Biosensor chip detects single nucleotide polymorphism wirelessly, with higher sensitivity

A team at the University of California San Diego has developed a wireless chip that can detect genetic mutations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in real-time. The chip is at least 1,000 times more sensitive than current technology and could lead to cheaper, faster, and portable biosensors for early disease detection.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 9, 2018

Environmental impact passed on to offspring

Research shows that ambient temperature before conception influences offspring's brown adipose tissue activity and protection against excess weight and metabolic disorders. This epigenetic mechanism may explain why people in cold regions have higher levels of brown fat.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Bale monkeys living in different areas have very different DNA

A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that Bale monkeys living in different habitats have distinct mitochondrial DNA profiles. The researchers discovered that populations from fragmented forests were more closely related to vervet and grivet monkeys than those from continuous forests, suggesting hybridization had occurred.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 9, 2018

It takes a village...

Researchers identify myofibroblasts as key players in activating nucleus movement, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for muscle disorders. The discovery could improve understanding of muscle differentiation, functionality, and regeneration.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 9, 2018

Can we get the immune system to tolerate organ transplants?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new way to enhance the immune system's tolerance for organ transplants. By increasing the activity of a regulatory protein called DEPTOR in immune cells, heart transplants were able to survive for an average of 35 days, compared to just 7 days without immunosuppressive drugs.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 9, 2018

Fluorescent fish genes light path to neuroblastoma

A Rice University neurobiologist and cancer researcher has created a new type of zebrafish that produces fluorescent tags in migratory embryonic nerve precursor cells. The goal is to find the origins of neuroblastoma, which could potentially lead to treatments for cancers where SOX proteins play a role.

SourceRice University·Journalgenesis·DateJul 9, 2018

Space: Tribology's final frontier

A team led by Lehigh University's Brandon Krick is using a Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) coating to reduce friction in space, addressing the challenges of high-temperature and corrosive environments. The research aims to improve satellite performance and reduce energy loss.

Following the fresh water

A research team from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found the fingerprint of a massive flood of fresh water in the western Arctic, which is believed to have caused an ancient cold snap around 13,000 years ago. The cause of this event, known as the Younger Dryas, has remained a mystery for decades.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 9, 2018

Cross-sex hormone therapy raises risk for vascular events in transgender women

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine has found that cross-sex hormone therapy may increase the risk for certain vascular events among transgender women. The researchers compared the incidence rates of acute cardiovascular events in a large cohort of transgender persons with those observed in age-, race-, site-, and m...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

Novel PET imaging method more fully evaluates extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

A new PET imaging method evaluates the extent of rheumatoid arthritis inflammation by targeting translocator protein (TSPO) expression in joint lining tissue. The study demonstrates that TSPO PET can image not only synovial macrophages but also activated synovial fibroblasts, a critical process in RA pathogenesis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018

ANU scientists discover the world's oldest colors

Scientists from ANU and overseas have discovered the oldest colours in the geological record, dating back 1.1 billion years. The bright pink pigments were extracted from marine black shales of the Taoudeni Basin in Mauritania, West Africa, and are more than half a billion years older than previous pigment discoveries.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2018

Nanoparticles give immune cells a boost

Researchers at MIT developed nanoparticle 'backpacks' that hold immune-stimulating drugs and attach them directly to T cells, enhancing their activity without harmful side effects. In a study of mice, the approach led to tumor disappearance in over half of treated animals, offering new hope for treating solid tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 9, 2018

Could mental health apps lead to overdiagnosis?

Research found that popular mental health apps portray mental health as ubiquitous and manageable through self-help apps, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. The study's authors caution that this approach can be problematic, especially for those with severe mental health issues, who may need external support.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 9, 2018