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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 27


Page 27 of 33

A banner year for pharma

In 2018, the biotech industry saw significant investment from venture capital firms and a surge in initial public offerings. Promising developments include the approval of the first RNA interference drug, Onpattro, for treating rare genetic disorders, as well as advancements in CRISPR technology and cannabis-based therapeutics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 5, 2018

Wireless, battery-free sensors monitor skin exposure to solar radiation

Researchers have developed wireless, battery-free sensors that monitor skin exposure to solar radiation in real-time, providing a flexible method to track UV light. The devices overcome existing drawbacks such as limited battery life, allowing for broader use in outdoor activities and optimizing light-based treatments for skin conditions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 5, 2018

Guiding the smart growth of artificial intelligence

A new paper examines the rationale behind the 'Barcelona Declaration' for responsible AI development and usage in Europe, focusing on safety, reliability, and ethics issues. The declaration aims to integrate best practices proactively as part of the design process.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAI Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Adding new channels to the brain remote control

Researchers have developed new tools for controlling specific cells in the brain using light, enabling the study of individual neurons within complex networks. The new protein pores allow for switching neurons on or off using light, opening up new possibilities for probing brain function.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2018

OU study explores sexuality & gender gaps in political perspectives among college students

A new study by University of Oklahoma sociologist Meredith Worthen reveals clear 'sexuality gap' between exclusive heterosexuals and others, as well as gender gaps among mostly heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual students. The research suggests that liberal attitudes are more common among LGB individuals, particularly women.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·DateDec 5, 2018

Learning from mistakes

A Caltech-led team of researchers has identified individual neurons that monitor our behavior, catching errors and correcting them quickly. The study provides rare recordings of these neurons, which are involved in error monitoring and have implications for psychiatric diseases like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Being employed puts your health at risk

The symposium presentation explores current topics in occupational risk analysis, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and dermal contact with solid metals. Studies have found a lifetime excess risk of CTE in NFL players to be unacceptably high, highlighting the need for regulations.

New insights in rust resistance in wheat

Researchers from Aarhus University have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of yellow rust resistance in wheat. The study found that Yr15 gene produces defence responses early in infection, providing a crucial piece of information for developing disease-resistant varieties.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Artificial synapses made from nanowires

Scientists have created a memristive element made from nanowires that functions similarly to biological nerve cells, storing and processing information in parallel. The discovery offers promising advantages for bioinspired computers, which can work decentralised with multiple processors connected by networks.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

New study uncovers why Rift Valley fever is catastrophic to developing fetuses

A new study has found that Rift Valley fever virus can cause high rates of stillbirth in pregnant rats and human tissue, with the virus evading the mother-child barrier more efficiently than other vertically transmitted viruses. The research aims to develop vaccines to prevent the virus from causing miscarriage and birth defects.

Narcissists less likely to support democracy

Research suggests that people with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to reject democratic institutions, preferring strong leadership or authoritarian rule. In contrast, those with a positive self-view and high levels of trust in others tend to support democracy more strongly.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateDec 5, 2018

Wildfire ash could trap mercury

Researchers found that burned forest material can sequester mercury, preventing its release into waterways. Black ash from low-intensity burns contained similar amounts of mercury as unburned vegetation and white ash from high-intensity burns had higher levels in a non-reactive form.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 5, 2018

New recommendations for the conduct of economic evaluations in osteoporosis

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases established recommendations for economic evaluations in osteoporosis. These guidelines aim to improve transparency and methodologic standards, promoting high-quality methodolo...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateDec 5, 2018

Assessing India's health with a single question

A study by researchers from UNIGE and Calcutta examines the reliability of a self-assessment question for evaluating health status in middle-income countries. The team found that the simple question provided a sound understanding of India's population health, with better variance captured compared to Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateDec 5, 2018