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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Researchers uncover a major new vulnerability of childhood leukemia

A team of researchers has discovered a protein called LEDGF/p75 that contributes to the regulation of gene expression in mixed lineage leukemia. The study found that this interaction is strongly modulated by phosphorylation from an enzyme called casein kinase 2, providing a new therapeutic route against the cancer.

Breast cancers enlist the help of normal cells to help them spread and survive

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for aggressive breast cancer by targeting the communication channel between non-cancerous cells and tumour cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that disrupting this connection can slow tumour growth, increase sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve survival.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2018

Precision public health method identifies clusters of respiratory disease in Uganda

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases identified nine clusters of respiratory infections in Uganda, including one potentially linked to UK tourism. The researchers used a genetic sequencing method called VirCapSeq-VERT to analyze nasal and throat swabs, providing detailed information on viral pathogens.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 10, 2018

Breaking down the Wiedemann-Franz law

Researchers at ETH Zurich explore the coupling between heat and particle currents in a gas of strongly interacting fermionic atoms. They found an order of magnitude below predictions of the Wiedemann-Franz law, indicating separation of mechanisms responsible for particle and heat currents.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2018

Young salmon may leap to 'oust the louse'

A study by Simon Fraser University aquatic ecologists reveals that young salmon may leap out of water to remove sea lice, which can reduce growth and competitive ability. The researchers found that on average, leaping salmon had 22% fewer sea lice than non-leaping fish.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateAug 10, 2018

Research may help rescue antibiotics' effectiveness in the face of drug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have discovered synergy between colistin and other antibiotics, offering hope for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Combination therapy may allow clinicians to use lower effective doses of antibiotics, reducing toxicities and slowing antibiotic resistance development.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 10, 2018

Tough life in the savannah? Chimpanzee foods are mechanically more demanding than previously thought

A new study reveals that chimpanzees in the savannah consume tougher and less digestible food than those in the rainforest. The researchers found that the outer casing of certain fruits had higher toughness values, suggesting that the chimps' teeth evolved to handle these more challenging foods.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 10, 2018

Dealing with digital distraction

Studies find that even minor phone use during meals can make diners feel distracted, reducing enjoyment. Compassionate people spend less time on social media than those with narcissistic tendencies. Digital distractions undermine face-to-face interactions, causing decreased bonding and emotional intelligence.

More than 40 percent of women with asthma may develop COPD, but risk may be reduced

A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateAug 10, 2018

Autoimmune response drives vision loss in glaucoma

Researchers discover immune cells in eye contribute to progressive vision loss from glaucoma. Elevated eye pressure triggers autoimmune response attacking neurons, leading to optic nerve degeneration and permanent vision loss. The findings offer a promising new target for future therapies.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2018