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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 424


Page 424 of 473

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

Weeds out of control

A nationwide study found that black-grass populations in England have evolved resistance to herbicides, leading to increased costs and lower crop yields. The research team recommends adopting weed-management strategies that rely less on chemicals.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

Huntington's disease provides new cancer weapon

Scientists have discovered that the Huntington's gene is toxic to cancer cells due to its repetitive RNA sequences, which can be harnessed for a novel cancer treatment approach. Researchers hope to develop a short-term treatment to kill cancer cells without causing neurological issues associated with Huntington's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 12, 2018

Cold open water plunge provides instant pain relief

A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Sea level rise accelerating

A research team detected an acceleration in global sea level rise over the last 25 years, with a potential doubling of total sea level rise by 2100. The rate is increasing by about 0.08 mm/year every year, driven mainly by accelerated melting in Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Hip-hop music influencing more African-Americans to try 'Molly'

A study found that 82% of African American young adults who tried molly attributed its use to hip-hop music, particularly lyrics from artists like Kanye West and French Montana. Researchers suggest that hip-hop may be an effective source for prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction messages aimed at this demographic.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·DateFeb 12, 2018

No llamas required

Researchers have developed a new method using yeast to create camelid-free antibodies, allowing for faster and more efficient protein structure determination. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex proteins without the need for llama or alpaca facilities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Middle Earth preserved in giant bird dung

Researchers have reconstructed a pre-human New Zealand ecosystem using coprolites from extinct giant moa and kakapo parrot, revealing insights into the birds' diet, pathogens, and behavior. The study sheds light on the critical ecosystem function of giant birds in dispersing mushrooms and fungi, now lost due to their extinction.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Slow eating speed may be linked to weight loss

Research suggests that slowing down eating speed, cutting out after dinner snacks, and not eating within 2 hours of sleep may help shed pounds. The study found that slow eaters tended to be healthier and had a healthier lifestyle than fast or normal speed eaters.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 12, 2018

Limited scope of corporate sustainability revealed

A recent study reveals that many companies claim to apply sustainable sourcing practices, but these efforts often have a narrow focus, covering only a small portion of their supply chain. Despite this, companies are more likely to adopt at least one practice when faced with consumer and civil society pressure.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Deep-sea fish use hydrothermal vents to incubate eggs

Researchers discovered that deep-sea skates are using hydrothermal vents to incubate their eggs, reducing the typical four-year-long incubation time. The unique behavior allows the fish to thrive in extreme conditions, providing new insights into conservation strategies for this poorly understood species.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Rubber blanket at an atomic level

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to measure internal stresses and strains in 2D materials, revealing the effects on electronic properties. This new technique allows for precise imaging of deformations, enabling targeted adjustment of material properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018