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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 24


Page 24 of 42

Innate immune adaptor TRIF confers neuroprotection in ALS

A deficiency of TRIF, a key innate immune adaptor, significantly shortens the survival time of ALS mice by allowing the accumulation of toxic reactive oxygens. This study reveals a new role for innate immunity in ALS pathomechanism and provides a clue to develop a therapeutic approach for protecting motor neurons.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 15, 2018

2018 AACR Annual Meeting presentations highlight the clinical utility of Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology for discovering epigenetic biomarkers and measuring immunotherapy response

Researchers used Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR technology to identify potential epigenetic biomarkers for lung cancer recurrence and detect HPV cfDNA in cervical cancer patients. The studies found associations between biomarker levels and treatment outcomes, indicating the clinical utility of ddPCR technology.

Long-term obeticholic acid treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with PBC

The study confirms that long-term OCA treatment leads to reversal or stabilization of fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) who have had an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The majority of patients improved or maintained their histological stage, while two patients deteriorated.

Crowded urban areas have fewer songbirds per person

Research by the University of Exeter and the British Trust for Ornithology found that people in crowded urban areas see fewer songbirds but more nuisance birds. In contrast, green and leafy suburbs have up to three and a half times more songbirds and woodpeckers, associated with positive human wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 13, 2018

Automated analysis of biopsy samples enables rapid and reproducible quantification of NASH disease activity

A new study has reported a good correlation between an automated image analysis system and an expert reviewer for the identification of key markers of NASH disease activity in a pre-clinical model. The study used deep-learning algorithms applied to open-source pathology software (QuPath1) to accurately identify cell histology patterns ...

Hepatitis C virus elimination programs report encouraging results: Is elimination within reach?

Two nationwide hepatitis C elimination programs in Georgia and Iceland have reported high levels of engagement, initiation of direct-acting antiviral agents, and cure among patients chronically infected with HCV. In Georgia, over 90% of diagnosed individuals were cured, while in Iceland, the prevalence of active HCV infection among peo...

Quantum physicists achieve entanglement record

Researchers have successfully entangled 20 calcium atoms in an ion trap experiment, demonstrating controlled multi-particle entanglement between neighboring groups of particles. The achievement holds significant promise for practical applications such as quantum simulations and information processing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 13, 2018

Tiny structures -- huge impact

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created tailored surface structures on curved carbon fibers using laser technology, enabling new applications in composite materials and optical devices. The method allows for precise control over the structure's size and shape, opening up possibilities for improving m...

Temperature affects insecticide efficacy against malaria vectors

A study published in Malaria Journal found that ambient temperature impacts the toxicity of commonly used insecticides against malaria vectors. The researchers explored the effect of temperature on pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides, revealing that temperature affects their efficacy differently for resistant and susceptible strains.

Sustained virological response to oral hepatitis C virus treatment associated with reduced mortality in an Italian cohort

A real-world study found that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) after direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment have lower all-cause mortality. Achieving SVR reduced mortality from both liver-related and unrelated causes at all stages of disease.

Observing biological nanotransporters

Researchers shed light on functional mechanism of ABC exporters, which transport a wide range of molecules out of cells. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic approaches by specifically influencing or inhibiting these processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 13, 2018

Sensor strategy a boon for synthetic biology

Rice University scientists introduce a new technique to fine-tune two-component biological sensors, enabling tailor-made biosensors for diagnostic gut bacteria and environmental pollutant detection. The approach uses phosphatase activity to alter the sensitivity of these pathways, promising a major breakthrough in synthetic biology.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2018

Budesonide add-on therapy improves markers of disease activity but fails to improve histology in patients with primary biliary cholangitis

A study found that budesonide add-on therapy improves biochemical markers of disease activity but fails to improve liver histology in high-risk patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Budesonide was shown to produce clinically meaningful improvements in serum alkaline phosphatase levels.

For racial minority adolescents, cigarette and alcohol use linked to suicidality

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that racial minority adolescents have a high prevalence of substance use and are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The research team analyzed data from over 20 years of national surveys and found that Pacific Islander, multiracial, and Ame...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018