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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 387


Page 387 of 473

Polymer nanoparticle shows ability to locate and treat breast tumors

Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a fluorescing nanoparticle that can find tumors and generate heat to destroy cancer cells. The nanoparticles, called Hybrid Donor-Acceptor Polymer Particles (H-DAPPs), successfully localized and killed breast cancer in mice, showing potential for future human trials.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 12, 2018

Can pursuing happiness make you unhappy?

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people who pursue happiness often feel like they do not have enough time, which paradoxically makes them feel unhappy. This effect is due to the pursuit of happiness causing participants to think of time as scarce.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMar 12, 2018

Riding the (quantum magnetic) wave

Scientists have successfully converted quantum waves into electrical current using an organic-based magnet, paving the way for faster and more efficient electronics. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Utah, could lead to new generations of electronic systems that use magnons instead of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 12, 2018

Glass matters

The chemical topology of silica surfaces can significantly impact the effectiveness of various chemical processes, including catalysis, filtration, and nanofabrication. Researchers found that hydrophilic silanol groups attract water molecules, forming a barrier that reactants must overcome to proceed with the desired process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

Movable silicon 'lenses' enable neutrons to see new range of details inside objects

Researchers at NIST and NIH developed a new method that uses movable silicon gratings to focus neutron beams, allowing for the examination of objects at unprecedented scales. This breakthrough could complement existing scanning techniques, enabling scientists to probe the interiors of materials without damaging them.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

Mutating Ebola's key protein may stop replication

Researchers at Purdue University may have discovered a way to stop Ebola virus replication by mutating its most important protein, VP40. The study found that altering the amino acid sequence of VP40 reduces lipid binding and prevents viral budding, offering new targets for therapeutics.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 12, 2018

The Great Recession took a toll on public health, study finds

A new UCLA-led study finds that the Great Recession was associated with increased blood pressure and glucose levels, particularly among older homeowners and those still in the workforce. The study analyzed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and suggests that economic crises can have measurable effects on public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

In the eye of the medulloblastoma

Researchers from CNRS and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a gene cluster involved in medulloblastoma tumour development. They found that genes normally expressed only in the eye can be activated in brain tumors, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell death.

SourceCNRS·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2018

Why is it so hot at night in some cities?

Urban heat islands are caused by cities trapping more heat than surrounding areas due to their structure, affecting energy consumption and air quality. Researchers studied 50 cities and found that well-organized cities with straight streets retain more heat at night, leading to increased energy bills in hot climates.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018

iPad app that allows patients to order tests doubles colon cancer screening rates in study

A new iPad app that educates patients about different options for colon cancer screening and allows them to order their preferred test has been shown to significantly increase screening rates. In a randomized controlled trial, patients who used the app were twice as likely to undergo screening compared to those in the usual care group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2018

Benefits of Bt corn

The widespread adoption of Bt field corn led to significant reductions in European corn borer and corn earworm infestations. This resulted in lower recommended insecticide sprays, total insecticides applied, and crop damages on pepper, green bean, and sweet corn crops.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018