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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 433


Page 433 of 473

A new way of generating ultra-short bursts of light

The new design doubles the conversion efficiency of conventional systems, allowing for greater bandwidth and resolution in detecting pollutants and diseases. The technology also enables the miniaturization of such systems onto a chip, leading to new applications for molecular detection and remote sensing.

SourceStanford University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018

Dye kills malaria parasites at speed not seen before

Researchers have discovered a safe antimalarial dye that kills malaria parasites at an unprecedented rate, curing patients within two days. The addition of methylene blue to artemisinin-based combination therapies prevents the spread of malaria, with male parasites disappearing from the bloodstream more quickly than female parasites.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2018

Diabetes doubles chance of developing cataract

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop cataract as the general population. The relative risk is highest among individuals aged between 45 and 54, who are up to 5.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cataract than their healthy counterparts.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEye·DateFeb 5, 2018

New evidence shows potential of two drugs to block malaria transmission

Researchers have identified two compounds that can safely block malaria transmission when added to existing treatment regimens, promising progress toward eliminating the disease. The study's findings suggest that these compounds can effectively prevent the spread of P. falciparum malaria, including its drug-resistant forms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 5, 2018

Researchers create fiber optic sensors that dissolve in the body

The new bioresorbable optical fiber Bragg gratings can be used to sense pressure at joints or act as tiny probes that can safely reach and assess the heart and other delicate organs. The sensors could also improve laser-based tumor removal techniques by delivering accurate real-time temperature sensing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018

How viruses disarm the immune system

Researchers at McGill University discovered a molecular mechanism that allows viruses to evade the immune system by modifying glycoproteins on CD8+ T cells. This pathway can be targeted to restore immune function and control chronic viral infections.

SourceMcGill University·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 5, 2018

Type 2 diabetes: The costs of treating complications

A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetes-related complications in Germany result in high healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 people with type 2 diabetes and estimated the costs associated with each complication, including eye disease, kidney damage, and cardiovascular diseases.

A clonal crayfish from nature as a model for tumors

The marbled crayfish, a single female ancestor of all Marmorkrebs specimens, exhibits epigenetic mechanisms that enable rapid adaptation to various environments without genetic variation. This clonal genome evolution shares similarities with tumor development, where environmental factors influence gene regulation and adaptation.

Conservation stories from the front lines

A new collection captures the long-neglected human side of science through peer-reviewed stories on conservation. The collection highlights the emotional highs and lows of scientists working to preserve species and ecosystems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Texas A&M develops new type of powerful battery

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a new type of magnesium-oxide cathode material that promises higher energy density, improved safety, and reduced costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough could enable more efficient and sustainable energy storage for renewable energy sources.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalChem·DateFeb 5, 2018

Columbia engineers win $4.7 million DARPA grant to revolutionize augmented reality glasses

A team of Columbia engineers, led by Michal Lipson, has developed a groundbreaking AR glass design that enables high-resolution projection and detection with no moving parts. The technology leverages recent work on engineered optical materials (EnMats) and silicon nitride integrated photonics to provide an ultrahigh-resolution see-thro...

Patients with kidney disease with heart defibrillators at greater risk of hospitalization

A study by Kaiser Permanente and University of Washington found that patients with chronic kidney disease who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators experience a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization. The use of ICDs was associated with a 49% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a 25% in...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Invasive species source pools

The study analyzed nearly 46,000 records of alien species from 1500-2005, finding that a substantial proportion of newly recorded species had not been previously reported elsewhere. This suggests that access to new potential alien species has increased over time, contributing to the global rise in emerging alien species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drinking hot tea associated with a 5-fold increased risk for esophageal cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming hot tea at high temperatures is associated with a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, which followed over 450,000 participants for nine years, suggests that abstaining from hot tea may be beneficial for individuals who drink al...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Trains, planes, automobiles and heart disease

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that environmental noise, including traffic noise, may contribute to the development of heart disease. The study proposes that noise induces a stress response, leading to vascular damage and increased risk of hypertension and diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 5, 2018