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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 36

Matchmaking for cancer care

A team of computer scientists has developed a new system to rapidly determine which cancer drugs are likely to work best given a patient's genetic markers. eGARD, the first publicly available system of its kind, can match genetic signatures with outcomes with 95 percent precision.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2018

Can over-the-counter pain meds influence thoughts and emotions?

Research suggests that over-the-counter pain medication can impact individuals' sensitivity to painful experiences, ability to empathize with others, and processing of information. This could have implications for public health and policymakers should consider potential risks and benefits.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

Sick bees eat healthier

Researchers found that sick bees living with the gut parasite Nosema ceranae preferred higher-quality pollen when given the option. This preference could influence which flowers are visited by bees, impacting both native and crop pollination.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateFeb 6, 2018

Unusual lung structures may raise risk of pulmonary disease

Researchers at McGill University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that variations in large airway branches are associated with higher COPD prevalence. People with certain airway tree variations are more likely to have COPD, especially if they smoke, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking as the best antidote.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

Bilingualism could offset brain changes in Alzheimer's

A new study by Concordia professor Natalie Phillips explores the effects of bilingualism on patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The research found that multilingual individuals may be able to compensate for AD-related tissue loss by accessing alternative networks in their brains for memory processing.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 6, 2018

Scientists can now measure activity of key cancer cell-survival protein

Researchers have developed a new way to measure the activity of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a protein associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. By identifying specific client proteins tied to Hsp70 activity, scientists can now develop potential therapies by testing small molecules in real-world environments.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2018

The recipe for life

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found evidence that the amino acid arginine was essential for protein-aptamer interactions, potentially altering our understanding of the origin of life. This discovery provides new insights into the ideal conditions for life to emerge, with implications for various hypotheses and experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018

New technique boosts eyewitness recall

Researchers at James Cook University found that a new technique, Category Cluster Recall (CCR), improves eyewitness recall compared to traditional free recall methods. Using CCR, witnesses were prompted to remember specific details in categories, resulting in more accurate and detailed information being recalled.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMemory·DateFeb 6, 2018

Workbench for virus design

Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

Optical ceramic meets metal-organic frameworks

Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University have developed a new type of optical ceramic material using metal-organic frameworks, which can be transparent or optically clear. The material has been shown to have high optical transmittance and can be used for applications such as lasing gain medium and amplified spontaneous emission.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateFeb 6, 2018

A new role for the 'pigments of life'

Scientists have reconfigured porphyrins to exploit their special properties by 'turning them inside out'. This discovery opens new horizons for these natural pigments as efficient metal-free catalysts. The findings could lead to applications in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and beyond.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

Symptoms of alcoholism make taking medication to treat the disease more difficult

Researchers at Oregon State University found that symptoms of alcoholism make it difficult for patients to take naltrexone, a medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that ongoing daily contact with the patient is crucial to improving adherence, particularly after heavy drinking episodes or strong cravings.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2018

Data-driven shale dialogue

Researchers studying water quality around hydraulic fracturing found a blueprint for moving conversations forward through publicly available data and collaboration. The Shale Network has fostered dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including citizens, watershed groups, and energy companies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2018

No volcanic winter in East Africa from ancient Toba eruption

New research from the University of Arizona contradicts the Toba catastrophe hypothesis by showing no significant negative impact on vegetation growing in East Africa after the 74,000-year-old volcanic eruption. The study found some die-off of mountain plants just after the eruption, but no massive die-off of vegetation at all elevations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2018

Mixed-use developments may actually reduce housing affordability, social diversity

A study by the University of Waterloo found that mixed-use developments in Toronto neighbourhoods led to increased costs and reduced social diversity, disproportionately affecting low-income groups. The study suggests that good policy, such as inclusionary zoning and affordable housing trusts, is needed to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

Novel genetic variants for ADHD linked to educational attainment

A study has identified five novel genetic variants associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that also influence educational attainment. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis between the two conditions, which may contribute to academic underachievement in children with ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 5, 2018