Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 15, 2018


Teens who were severely bullied as children at higher risk of suicidal thoughts, mental health issue

A new study found that teens who experienced severe bullying as children are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in adolescence. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that early intervention is crucial to prevent severe victimization.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 15, 2018

Researchers develop a remote-controlled cancer immunotherapy system

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to remotely control genetic processes in live immune T cells, enabling them to recognize and kill cancer cells. The system uses mechanogenetics to convert mechanical signals into genetic control, with potential to increase precision and efficiency in CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Normal tissue BRCA1 methylation associated with risk for high-grade ovarian cancer

Researchers found that normal tissue BRCA1 methylation is associated with an increased risk of high-grade ovarian cancer, which may occur as a prenatal event. The study analyzed white blood cells from patients and healthy controls and discovered that elevated BRCA1 methylation was confined to those diagnosed with high-grade serous tumors.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 15, 2018

Long-term health conditions drive A&E visits, not lack of GP services

A recent study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that patients with multiple long-term health conditions are more likely to attend emergency departments. The study analyzed data from over 800,000 patients in east London and found a significant link between socioeconomic deprivation and ED attendance rates.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJan 15, 2018

Robots aid better understanding of phytoplankton blooms

Researchers have developed biogeochemical profiling floats to collect data on phytoplankton blooms, identifying the starting point for explosive spring blooms. These robots provide unparalleled data on ocean conditions, including light intensity, suspended particles, and chlorophyll concentration.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2018

War in Ukraine has escalated HIV spread in the country

A study published in PNAS found that conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks due to displaced people moving from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission. The research suggests that harm reduction services should be scaled up and international support provided to prevent further transmission.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

New Carnegie Mellon dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

An efficient approach of conjugated tetraenes from butadiene and alkynes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a one-pot approach to synthesizing conjugated tetraenes from inexpensive reagents, eliminating waste production and simplifying the process. The new method has potential applications in electronic materials, natural products, and pharmaceutical molecules.