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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 28


Page 28 of 36

Recreating liver tumors as organoids for faster, more accurate drug screening

Researchers have developed a new method to grow patient-derived xenografts (PDX) liver cancer cells in culture, which maintains their proper shape and function and grows as organoids. The success of the engineered organoids has the potential to revolutionize the screening and development of liver cancer drugs.

The social evolution of termites

Researchers compared termites' genetic features to those of ants and bees, discovering similar molecular mechanisms for eusocial lifestyles. They found evidence of convergent evolution in chemoreceptor families and genes involved in pheromone recognition.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2018

Sweet route to greater yields

Researchers from Rothamsted Research introduce a rice gene that regulates sucrose accumulation in kernels, leading to increased productivity in maize even under drought conditions. The transgenic maize also improves rates of photosynthesis, resulting in more sucrose production for additional kernels.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 7, 2018

Super wood could replace steel

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a new type of wood that is 10-12 times stronger than natural wood, making it a potential competitor to steel. The wood's mechanical properties are comparable to those of titanium alloys, but with improved toughness and reduced weight.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Researchers develop the first model to capture crosstalk in social dilemmas

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze the effects of crosstalk on cooperation dynamics in groups. The model shows that crosstalk hinders the evolution of cooperation and requires strategies with the correct level of forgiveness. This has significant implications for understanding human behavior in social dilemmas.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2018

Acne linked with increased risk of depression

Researchers found a significant link between acne and major depression, with a 63% higher risk within the first year of diagnosis. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiating prompt treatment for depression.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateFeb 7, 2018

Towards a better prediction of solar eruptions

Scientists identified a confining 'cage' in which a magnetic rope forms, causing solar eruptions. The resistance of this cage determines the power and type of flare. A new model predicts maximum energy release during solar flares, potentially devastating for Earth's systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Removing fossil fuel subsidies will not reduce CO2 emissions as much as hoped

New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.

More work is needed to determine appropriate drug doses for children

A recent study analyzing pediatric drug dosage guidelines found inconsistencies in recommended doses, with varying results from allometric scaling and prior patterns of use. The analysis suggests a need for more precise treatment approaches to address the complexities of pediatric dosing.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 7, 2018

Scientists halt breast cancer spread

Researchers found that restricting asparagine production in mice greatly reduced breast cancer's ability to spread, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The study also suggests that dietary changes may help stop cancer from spreading and improve outcomes for patients.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

The robots will see you now

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have created a bioinspired robotic replica that can interact in three dimensions with live zebrafish. The system allows the robot to watch and mimic the behavior of live fish in real-time, promoting social interactions.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2018

First-ever questionnaire assesses impact of brachial plexus injury and surgical outcomes

A new patient questionnaire developed by Hospital for Special Surgery measures the physical and emotional impact of brachial plexus injury, assessing patients' expectations and treatment outcomes. The survey has the potential to improve patient care by aligning surgical alternatives with patient needs and expectations.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 7, 2018

A step toward sensitive and fast gluten detection

Researchers have developed a fast gluten detector that can detect and quantify different sources of gluten than current tests, providing more accurate results. The new test is faster, taking only 45 minutes, and can sense less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA's limit for 'gluten-free' designation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateFeb 7, 2018