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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 23


Page 23 of 36

Another blow to fungal infection

Scientists have isolated a natural resistance gene, Stb6, that confers protection against Septoria tritici blotch (STB), a major threat to wheat production. The discovery holds promise for deciphering other resistance genes and developing a natural barrier to infection.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 12, 2018

Which commonly prescribed drug is more effective for infants with epilepsy?

A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.

Bats as barometer of change

Researchers at Rothamsted Research used radar data to track the migratory patterns of a large bat colony in Texas, revealing changes in seasonal habits and winter residency. The findings suggest that bats are arriving earlier in the spring due to environmental shifts, with potential implications for pest management and agricultural pro...

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018

Researchers discover brain pathway that dissociates opioid addiction from analgesia

A newly identified protein, RGSz1, can be manipulated to make opioid painkillers effective at lower doses while reducing the risk of addiction. This discovery provides novel avenues for pharmacological interventions that can optimize the actions of opioid medications and lead to safer treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Neutron study of glaucoma drugs offers clues about enzyme targets for aggressive cancers

A recent neutron analysis of glaucoma drugs and their interaction with human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzyme revealed the impact of temperature, pH, and electrical charge on drug targeting. The study provides new information about hydrogen-bonding networks in hCA II, which may aid in designing more effective cancer treatments.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalStructure·DateFeb 12, 2018

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018

Weeds out of control

A nationwide study found that black-grass populations in England have evolved resistance to herbicides, leading to increased costs and lower crop yields. The research team recommends adopting weed-management strategies that rely less on chemicals.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 12, 2018

Huntington's disease provides new cancer weapon

Scientists have discovered that the Huntington's gene is toxic to cancer cells due to its repetitive RNA sequences, which can be harnessed for a novel cancer treatment approach. Researchers hope to develop a short-term treatment to kill cancer cells without causing neurological issues associated with Huntington's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 12, 2018

Cold open water plunge provides instant pain relief

A 28-year-old man experienced instant pain relief after undergoing a cold water swim following endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. The procedure was successful but postoperative pain persisted, until the cold water plunge provided lasting relief. Further investigation is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this natural intervention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Sea level rise accelerating

A research team detected an acceleration in global sea level rise over the last 25 years, with a potential doubling of total sea level rise by 2100. The rate is increasing by about 0.08 mm/year every year, driven mainly by accelerated melting in Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2018

Hip-hop music influencing more African-Americans to try 'Molly'

A study found that 82% of African American young adults who tried molly attributed its use to hip-hop music, particularly lyrics from artists like Kanye West and French Montana. Researchers suggest that hip-hop may be an effective source for prevention, health promotion, and harm reduction messages aimed at this demographic.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·DateFeb 12, 2018

No llamas required

Researchers have developed a new method using yeast to create camelid-free antibodies, allowing for faster and more efficient protein structure determination. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex proteins without the need for llama or alpaca facilities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateFeb 12, 2018