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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 419


Page 419 of 473

Catching up to brain cancer

Researchers create a computer program that predicts glioblastoma tumor growth with high accuracy, focusing on the role of L1CAM in accelerating cell spread. The model offers new opportunities for researchers to simulate various scenarios and test potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 15, 2018

The neuroscience of cuttlefish camouflage

Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can maintain dynamic 3D skin shape for over an hour through a unique muscle tension mechanism. This physiology is thought to conserve energy while camouflaging from predators or waiting for prey.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateFeb 15, 2018

Research compares mouse and human kidney development

Recent studies have compared human and mouse kidney development, revealing deep conservation of certain processes but also significant differences in gene expression and cell structures. The findings provide new insights into the processes directing cells to form functional kidney structures and may help guide emerging stem cell techno...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 15, 2018

Student research team accelerates snow melt with 'Melt Mat'

A Virginia Tech student research team has discovered the Melt Mat, a thermally absorptive blanket that increases melting rates by threefold without any effort or energy input. The product can be used on residential driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and athletic fields to save municipalities millions and homeowners from snow shovel duty.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalLangmuir·DateFeb 15, 2018

University of Pennsylvania researchers conduct comprehensive evaluation of patients with concussion-like symptoms following reports of audible phenomena in Cuba

Penn researchers have identified a neurological syndrome in US government personnel serving in Havana, Cuba, who reported hearing unusual noises and experiencing memory and thinking dysfunction, vision and balance problems. Rehabilitation interventions appear to improve symptoms.

Researchers find existing drug effective at preventing onset of type 1 diabetes

Researchers discovered that a common blood pressure medication, methyldopa, can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in up to 60% of those at risk by blocking a specific molecule. The study used a supercomputer and found that methyldopa not only blocks the DQ8 molecule but also doesn't harm other immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2018

Eye exams linked to kids' reading levels

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that children with reading challenges may have lower than expected binocular vision test results, which could be compounding their academic difficulties. The study suggests that full eye examinations can be a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Optometry·DateFeb 15, 2018

Australian fire beetle avoids the heat

The Australian fire beetle uses its heat sensors to detect hot spots and avoid them when approaching a freshly burnt branch. The IR organs are relatively insensitive, and the beetles seem to rely on their sense of smell to detect forest fires.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateFeb 15, 2018

Demonstration of a single molecule piezoelectric effect

Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.

How does it compare?: Hospice care at home, at assisted living facility, at nursing home

A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 15, 2018

MSU team to empower Latino farmers

A MSU team is working to support Latino migrant farmers in Michigan by providing training and resources to improve farming practices. The project aims to increase the sustainability of small-scale farms, particularly those owned by Latino farmers, who are increasingly transitioning from industrial farms to independent land ownership.

Mining for gold in a mountain of data

A team from Lehigh University's Industrial and Systems Engineering department participated in a workshop on big data optimization algorithms, theory, applications and systems. Researchers presented their work on Interior Point Methods, machine learning methodologies, and other topics relevant to big data analytics.

Fingerprints of quantum entanglement

Researchers developed a novel verification method to prove large-scale entanglement with only a single measurement run, significantly reducing time and resources required. This breakthrough enables the reliable benchmarking of future quantum devices with unprecedented efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateFeb 15, 2018