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Science News for August 8, 2018


New RNA & DNA-sequencing platform matches thousands of drugs to late-stage cancer patients

A new RNA sequencing platform has been developed to match thousands of drugs with late-stage and drug-resistant multiple myeloma patients, providing a more accurate treatment approach. The platform's results showed that a majority of patients benefited from personalized treatment plans based on their cancer's RNA profile.

Human microbiome influences rotavirus vaccine response

A proof-of-concept study found that antibiotic treatment prior to vaccination increased viral shedding in healthy adult men, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics showed a slight increase in early vaccine boosting. The results suggest a potential correlation between the microbiome and vaccine performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 8, 2018

Environmental regulations drove steep declines in US factory pollution

A study by University of California, Berkeley economists found that air pollution emissions from US manufacturing fell by 60% between 1990 and 2008 due to stricter environmental regulations. The researchers analyzed data on over 1,400 products and found that changes in production technologies were the primary driver of these decreases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateAug 8, 2018

Hybridization boosts evolution

Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2018

Hidden signs in cancer tissue

A study by ETH Zurich researchers has discovered new cancer-specific molecular changes in RNA molecules, which could inform the development of cancer treatments. The analysis found that alternative splicing occurs more frequently in tumor tissues than healthy tissues, particularly in pulmonary adenocarcinomas.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 8, 2018

Scientists squeeze nanocrystals in a liquid droplet into a solid-like state and back again

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a way to transform a liquid-like state into a solid-like state and back again by introducing a chemical compound. The study has implications for developing all-liquid electronics and interacting with cells, and could lead to new ways of controlling nanoscale elements.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 2018

Immigrants use little health care, subsidize care of non-immigrants: Harvard/Tufts study

A new study by Harvard Medical School and Tufts University finds that immigrants use significantly less health care than US-born individuals, with lower rates of utilization and expenditures. Immigrants also pay more out-of-pocket health care payments, effectively subsidizing private insurance and some public programs like Medicare.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalInternational Journal of Health Services·DateAug 8, 2018

New NYUAD research finds 3D printers offer alternate method to create microfluidic probes

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a method to create microfluidic probes using 3D printing, which provides an effective and inexpensive technique for studying cancer cells. The new approach enables scientists to fabricate probes that can deliver reagents in a localized manner, allowing for targeted cell culture and analysis.

SourceRubenstein Associates, Inc.·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2018

Half a degree less warming can avoid precipitation extremes

A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.

Can medical marijuana help treat intractable epilepsy?

A review suggests that cannabidiol, a compound in cannabis, may have modest efficacy in treating severe epilepsy, particularly in children. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential and minimize side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateAug 8, 2018

Designer polymers on demand

Researchers create designer polymers with precise properties by controlling the order and number of subunits. They achieve this through a selective approach, allowing for on-demand control over sequence, structure, and architecture.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 8, 2018

Largest study yet shows type of underwear is linked to men's semen quality

A new study published in Human Reproduction journal found that men who wear boxer shorts have higher sperm concentrations than those who wear tighter fitting underwear. The researchers also discovered a link between the type of underwear and lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates sperm production.

Hijacking hormones for plant growth

Researchers have designed synthetic compounds similar to auxin, a hormone controlling plant growth, development and behavior. These compounds could be used for agricultural purposes, such as manipulating fruit ripening or preventing transgene spread.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateAug 8, 2018

New discovery sheds light on proteins critical in mood and behavior disorders

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found evidence of how certain transport proteins are working at the molecular level, potentially leading to improved treatments for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and OCD. The study's findings suggest that a universal feature of these transport proteins may ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2018

NSF award to shine more light on proteins

A $318,696 NSF award will support the development of a novel biosensing nanotechnology to visualize trace biomarker proteins under a microscope. This technology has the potential to greatly advance protein sensing, enabling accurate diagnoses based on biopsies and improving basic biomedical research.

Earth now and 2.5 billion years ago: New study of air helps understanding both

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a previously unknown sulfur isotope effect that helps identify sources of air pollution in China. The researchers used sulfur isotopes to analyze coal and air samples, finding a connection between biomass burning and aerosol formation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2018

Tying down electrons with nanoribbons

Researchers have discovered that nanoribbons can trap individual localized electrons, potentially enabling new quantum materials with unique electronic and magnetic properties. The discovery was made by combining theoretical predictions with experimental synthesis, using topological insulators as a starting point.

Balloon-borne telescope looks for cosmic gamma rays

The GRAINE collaboration launched a balloon-borne nuclear emulsion telescope to observe high-energy cosmic gamma rays. The experiment successfully completed a record-long flight of 17 hours and achieved high-resolution observations, marking a significant milestone in the field of cosmic gamma-ray research.

Researchers link residential characteristics with productivity one year after brain injury

A study found that foreign-born Hispanics living in areas with many foreign language speakers were 2.8 times more likely to engage in productive activities like employment and volunteer work one year after TBI. The researchers emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to individual needs, considering neighborhood factors.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateAug 8, 2018

Older adults who get physical can lower their heart disease risk

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that older adults who spend less time sitting and more time engaged in light to vigorous physical activity benefit from healthier levels of heart and vessel disease markers. The results showed that increased physical activity was particularly beneficial for...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 8, 2018

Mission: Possible -- mapping dangerous terrain

Researchers are creating self-guided packages made of biodegradable materials to map coastlines and sea bottoms. These devices aim to dissolve upon reaching shore, providing up-to-date information on potentially hostile regions. Additionally, a swarm of drones will be developed using cameras, sonar, and sensors to evade tracking, with ...

Oral delivery of nanoparticles

Researchers have successfully designed nanoparticles that can be absorbed through the intestine and into the bloodstream when taken orally. The modified particles showed improved uptake in rats, with about 47% making it into the blood, compared to 7% for unmodified particles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 8, 2018