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Science News for February 4, 2018


Old drug may have new tricks for fighting cancer

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that ibrutinib can also target ERBB4, a lesser-studied member of the RTK family, potentially thwarting solid tumor growth. The compound limits growth in human cancer cells and reduces tumor size in mice.

SourceArizona State University·JournalOncogene·DateFeb 4, 2018

Ribosomes found to induce somatic cell pluripotency

A research team from Kumamoto University has discovered that ribosomes, the protein synthesizing organelle, can induce somatic cells to acquire pluripotency. This finding suggests a potential new approach for treating cancer and regenerating cells, as previously differentiated cells can be reprogrammed into multipotent stem cells.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2018
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Multinational companies continue to produce unregulated antibiotics in India

A new study found that millions of unapproved antibiotics are being sold in India, with multinational companies manufacturing nearly 20% of the unapproved formulations. The researchers argue that banning the sale of unapproved FDC antibiotics and improving access to healthcare are crucial steps to controlling antimicrobial resistance.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 4, 2018

New genome-editing method 'cuts back' on unwanted genetic mutations

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method that can introduce precise modifications to defective genes with fewer safety drawbacks. The new technique, called Single Nicking in the target Gene and Donor (SNGD), reduces unintended genetic mutations by up to 95%.

SourceOsaka University·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 4, 2018

Treatment of nitrogen-polluted sediment using marine anammox bacteria

Researchers from Kumamoto University and VIMS used sediment samples to evaluate the effectiveness of marine anammox bacteria in removing excess nitrogen. The study found that adding a bicarbonate supplement and high nitrogen content was necessary for anammox bacteria to thrive, and that symbiotic relationships between other microorgani...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalChemosphere·DateFeb 4, 2018

When did flowers originate?

The study reveals that flowering plants diversified suddenly in the Cretaceous period, while molecular-clock dating suggests an older origin. The discrepancy is attributed to false precision on both palaeontological and molecular evolutionary timescales.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 4, 2018