Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 34


Page 34 of 36

New technology for accelerated wound healing discovered

The technology involves delivering a human chemokine on site in wounds, increasing immune cell recruitment and specialization to accelerate healing. In preclinical studies, the treatment demonstrated potent effects on acceleration of wound healing in mice and models of diabetes and peripheral ischemia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Soil characteristics may be related to chronic wasting disease persistence, study finds

Researchers found that soils with more than 18% clay are associated with a steep drop in cases of chronic wasting disease. Additionally, soils with pH above 6.6 also show higher incidence rates of the disease. These findings could inform future management schemes to prevent disease transmission.

A majority of middle-aged people show a high level of mental well-being

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found a surprisingly high level of mental well-being among middle-aged individuals. The research examined multiple dimensions of mental well-being and identified four groups with varying levels of mental well-being. Individuals on the high-wellbeing trajectories had more satisfying relation...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateFeb 5, 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

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

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

Building miniature optical antennas using DNA as a guide

Aalto University researchers have developed a new method called DALI (DNA-assisted lithography) to fabricate precise metallic nanostructures with designed plasmonic properties. The technique uses self-assembled DNA origami shapes as 'stencils' to create millions of fully metallic nanostructures. These structures have intriguing optical...

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2018

Lobachevsky University scientists synthesize a new compound with anti-tumor properties

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have synthesized a multifunctional compound with anti-tumor properties, achieved through the combination of a photoactive organic dye, biological vector, linker, and hydrophilizing fragments. The new compound selectively accumulates in tumor tissues due to its ability to bind to growth factor recep...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2018

Cause of severe genetic disease identified

Mutations in p63 protein lead to severe genetic disease AEC syndrome, which resembles Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or ALS more closely than other syndromes. The research lays groundwork for causal therapies by showing that protein aggregates underlie the disorder.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2018

Genome wide association study of epigenetic aging rates in blood reveals a critical role for TERT

Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 10,000 people and found gene variants associated with intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration. Variants in the TERT gene were linked to older epigenetic aging rates and longer telomeres, highlighting its critical role in regulating the epigenetic clock.

Solving the puzzle of multicellularity

A Wits University PhD student has solved part of the evolutionary puzzle of multicellularity by studying the genomic sequence of a four-celled algae. The research identified the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway as a process controlling cell division, which played a key role in the evolution of multicellularity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 2, 2018

New technology: Edible QR code can be the medicine of the future

Researchers at University of Copenhagen develop edible QR code technology that enables precise dosing and storage of medical data, reducing wrong medication and fake medicine. The technology has the potential to transform the pharmaceutical supply chain and enable innovative production of personalized medicine.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 2, 2018

Genetic factors that make babies susceptible to complications from Zika are identified

Researchers found that genes in neural progenitor cells of affected babies were more active or less active in key signaling pathways, contributing to the development of congenital Zika syndrome. The study used twins and induced pluripotent stem cell technology to replicate the virus's effects in vitro.

Can your brain testify against you?

A review explores the applications of neuroscience in law, highlighting the need for clear guidelines to balance potential benefits with civil liberties. The use of neuroscientific evidence raises concerns about individual rights and privacy, particularly in determining guilt and intent.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateFeb 2, 2018

New controls scale quantum chips

Engineers at Rigetti Computing have developed a technique to reduce qubit interference, allowing for the creation of larger practical quantum processors. This breakthrough enables the retention of logical operations independent of the state of a large quantum register.

SourceRigetti Computing·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2018

Analyzing street drugs points to potential early warning system in opioid crisis

A new study suggests that analyzing street drugs can serve as an early warning system for the opioid crisis. The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has developed a method to quickly analyze stamp bags, which contain mixtures of illicit drugs, to detect fentanyl and other high-lethality substances.

Nano-switches in the cell

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which mitochondria regulate protein synthesis in response to oxidative stress. Using quantitative mass spectrometry and biochemical methods, the team identified redox-active thiols that can slow down cellular protein synthesis machinery when reactive oxygen species are present.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2018

New research on why GPs quit patient care

A recent study by University of Exeter researchers has identified three main themes influencing GPs' decisions to leave or remain in direct patient care. The findings highlight concerns about the under-value of general practice within the healthcare system, professional risk in delivering care, and considerations about career options.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 2, 2018