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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 398


Page 398 of 473

Polygenic risk score may identify alzheimer's risk in younger populations

Researchers have developed a polygenic risk score to identify adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their 50s, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The score correctly identified individuals with MCI and showed that those with cognitive deficits other than memory problems were more likely to have diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 5, 2018

'Fighting my cancer as much as possible': Why many patients join phase 1 clinical trials

Research at the TAT International Congress 2018 found that patients participate in phase 1 clinical trials for access to innovative cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The studies suggest that this increased participation is driven by a growing awareness of treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 5, 2018

How does resolving cannabis problems differ from problems with alcohol or other drugs?

A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found that individuals resolving cannabis problems do so at younger ages compared to those resolving problems with alcohol or other drugs. They also reported starting regular use at a younger age and were less likely to seek formal treatment, but more likely to participate i...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 5, 2018

JILA team invents new way to 'see' the quantum world

JILA scientists invent a novel imaging technique that combines spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy to create rapid, precise measurements of quantum behavior. The technique produces detailed spatial maps of energy shifts among atoms in a three-dimensional lattice, providing information about each atom's location and energy level.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2018

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 5, 2018

Why US policies for dyslexia should be scrapped

Leading expert Julian Elliott argues that current US Federal and State dyslexia laws ignore scientific evidence and prioritize expensive diagnoses over early intervention. He advocates for a focus on identifying reading difficulties in children and providing targeted support, rather than pursuing a dubious diagnosis of dyslexia.

How the brain represents sound elevation

Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex does not solely represent acoustic environments but also incorporates perception. Custom ear molds disrupted participants' elevation perception, revealing different responses to sounds between sessions, indicating a dynamic relationship between sensory encoding and perception.

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Bubbles of life from the past

Researchers discovered 1.6 billion-year-old fossilized oxygen bubbles trapped in microbial mats, providing a signature for life. These ancient bubbles were created by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis and suggest a larger role for these microbes in shaping the Earth's ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalGeobiology·DateMar 2, 2018

The Lancet Planetary Heatlh: Globally, costs of the Paris Climate Agreement could be outweighed by health savings from reducing air pollution

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health finds that implementing the Paris Climate Agreement could lead to significant health savings due to reduced air pollution-related disease and death. Estimated costs range from 0.5-1% global GDP, while potential health benefits could be as high as 2.5 times greater than these costs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 2, 2018