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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 4


Page 4 of 41

CNIO researchers find first indicators of prognosis for the most aggressive breast cancer

Researchers identified six protein kinases that predict the evolution of triple negative breast cancer, allowing for new pharmacological targets and potential treatment combinations. The study's findings indicate a high cure rate (95%) for patients with no activated proteins, but increased relapse risk if one or more are active.

Discovery could lead to higher immunotherapy response rates for bladder cancer patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that stromal cells in bladder cancer tumors prevent immune cells from attacking them, leading to low response rates with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The study identified genes linked to more aggressive cancers and found that tumors with these genes were less responsive to treatment.

Attacking aftershocks

Using deep learning algorithms, researchers have developed a system that forecasts aftershocks significantly better than random assignment. By analyzing earthquake data and physics-based models, they identified the second invariant of the deviatoric stress tensor as an important factor in predicting aftershock locations.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2018

Drought increases CO2 concentration in the air

A new study uses satellite technology to measure the impact of droughts on photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration. Researchers found that during dry years, natural ecosystems removed about 30% less carbon from the atmosphere, leading to faster CO2 concentration increases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2018

Researchers highlight neglected evidence on the cardiovascular risks of toxic metals

A comprehensive analysis found associations between exposure to toxic metals and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study's authors call for attention to metals as a significant source of cardiovascular risk, highlighting the need for population-wide strategies to minimize exposure.

Tight-knit teammates may conform to each other's behavior

A study found that athletes who feel more closely connected to their teammates are more likely to conform to their behaviors, including both positive and risky actions. The researchers suggest that teams should find ways to encourage bonding without pressuring members to engage in negative behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateAug 29, 2018

Better assessments for early AMD

The European MACUSTAR consortium is conducting a multi-country clinical study on early AMD, focusing on intermediate-stage disease progression. Novel tests will be developed to assess earlier stages of the disease, improving diagnosis and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmologica·DateAug 29, 2018

NYC’s tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density yet impact is unequal across neighborhoods

A new study finds that NYC's tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density overall, particularly in high-income neighborhoods. However, disadvantaged neighborhoods experienced little to no change in retailer density, highlighting unequal impact across neighborhoods.

Study finds multiple sclerosis drug slows brain shrinkage

A clinical trial of over 250 participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found that ibudilast slowed down brain shrinkage compared to a placebo. The study showed a difference of approximately 2.5 milliliters of brain tissue between the two groups, but it is unclear if this translates to improved symptoms or function.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 2018

HKBU scholars in world-first breakthrough for difficult-to-treat breast cancer

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a metal compound that inhibits the enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in TNBC tumours with less toxicity in mice. This discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted drugs for TNBC therapy, offering a new approach to treating this difficult form of bre...

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2018