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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41

Programming DNA to deliver cancer drugs

A research team at the University of Delaware has developed technology to program strands of DNA into switches that turn proteins on and off. The technology could lead to the development of new cancer therapies and other drugs by activating non-toxic cancer prodrugs into their therapeutic forms.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2018

Environmentally friendly cattle production (really)

A Michigan State University study evaluated adaptive multi-paddock, or AMP, grass-fed operations and found that they can potentially offset greenhouse gas emissions. The research also showed that the finishing phase of beef production could be a net carbon sink, with carbon levels staying in the green rather than in the red.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAgricultural Systems·DateMar 19, 2018

Making intricate images with bacterial communities

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a technique called biofilm lithography to create intricate designs with bacterial communities. The method involves shining blue light on bacteria that secrete a sticky protein, resulting in sharp images of patterns such as polka dots and circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Deeper insight into viral infections

A new bioinformatics analysis method has been developed to study viral infections, revealing over 500 different proteins and peptides, including 200 previously unknown to science. This discovery improves the identification of translation events and opens up new possibilities to understand the effects of viral infections on the organism.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2018

Historians to climate researchers: Let's talk

A Princeton University historian team analyzed four case studies to understand how societies coped with natural stresses, revealing socioeconomic factors often played a more significant role than environmental changes. Historians' nuanced interpretation adds context to past events, helping policymakers prepare for global climate change.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

How allergens trigger asthma attacks

A team of scientists has identified a human protein called interleukin-33 (IL-33) that reacts to various environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and cockroaches. This discovery establishes a direct link between genetics and the environment, and offers new potential targets for treatment of allergic diseases.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 19, 2018

Certain antidepressants more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder, analysis shows

A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs were more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder than SNRIs. Patients started to see improvements from medication around two weeks, with the most significant improvement occurring in the fourth week of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 19, 2018

Young at wrong end of deprivation gap, finds study

A study by the University of Manchester found that relative deprivation increased among young adults aged 30-59 and infants aged 0-4, while the over-60s experienced a decrease. The researchers attribute this to government policies, education funding, and housing costs increasing relative to real wages.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 19, 2018

Cosmologists create largest simulation of galaxy formation, break their own record

Researchers from multiple institutions developed the largest-ever hydrological simulation of galaxy formation, expanding on their 2015 'Illustris' simulation. The new model includes a more precise accounting for magnetic fields and improves understanding of black hole physics, shedding light on star formation limits.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 19, 2018