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Science News for April 20, 2018


HKU medical chemists discover peptic ulcer treatment metallodrug effective in 'taming' superbugs

Researchers have discovered an alternative strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance by repositioning colloidal bismuth subcitrate, which effectively paralyzes multi-resistant superbugs and suppresses the development of antibiotic resistance. The findings offer a promising new approach to treat deadly infections caused by CRE and CRKP.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

One step closer to reality

A new open-access software called PyFRAP has been developed to accurately analyze molecular diffusion in living cells. The program takes into account three-dimensional structures and provides reliable results, especially under complicated conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

New theory shows how strain makes for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a new theory to explain why stretching or compressing metal catalysts can make them perform better. The theory suggests that applying a strain to a catalyst's atomic lattice can tune its reactivity, enabling fine-tuning of catalyst performance throughout different reaction steps.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 20, 2018

Compound improves stroke outcome by reducing lingering inflammation

An experimental compound appears to improve stroke outcomes by reducing lingering inflammation, leading to better memory and movement in its aftermath. The compound, known as compound 21, stimulates the angiotensin type 2 receptor, which aids blood vessel dilation, minimizes cell death, and reduces inflammation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateApr 20, 2018

On the shape of the 'petal' for the dissipation curve

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have made significant progress in understanding the shape of the energy dissipation curve of edge states in topological insulators. The study reveals specific and measurable regularities that affect the physical properties of electron gases, including new peaks in absorption spectra and changes in ...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics·DateApr 20, 2018

Fight, flight, or freeze

Researchers found that coordinated brain activity between the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and olfactory system is linked to freeze behavior in mice. The study suggests that rhythmic breathing can help regulate emotional states and provides potential avenues for anxiety-reducing therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2018

A CNIC-coordinated project is set to receive €1 million in funding over the next 3 years

A CNIC-coordinated project will investigate the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) and its structural heterogeneity, with potential implications for metabolic plasticity. Researchers from various countries and specialties will collaborate to develop new methods and gain a deeper understanding of this fundamental biological process.

Graphene sets a new record on squeezing light to one atom

Researchers at ICFO have achieved the ultimate level of light confinement using graphene, creating ultra-small optical switches and sensors. By sending infra-red light through devices, they observed how plasmons propagated in between metal and graphene, demonstrating control of light guided in channels smaller than one nanometer.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2018

Primary pancreatic organoid tumor models for high-throughput phenotypic drug screening

Researchers have developed primary pancreatic organoid tumor models using magnetic nanoparticle assembly, enabling high-throughput phenotypic drug screening. These 3D structures allow for the testing of drug-like molecules against patient-derived cancer cells, providing insights into potential patient outcomes.

How do people die in Switzerland today?

A study by the universities of Zurich and Geneva found significant differences in end-of-life decisions across Switzerland's three linguistic regions. In all regions, deaths were preceded by one or more end-of-life decisions, with a common legislative framework governing life-sustaining treatment and assisted suicide. The involvement o...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBMC Medicine·DateApr 20, 2018