Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Monoclonal antibodies crucial to fighting emerging infectious diseases, say NIAID officials

Researchers from NIAID highlight the potential of monoclonal antibodies in treating and preventing emerging infectious diseases. These therapies have shown promise in clinical trials, such as the Ebola outbreak, and may offer a more targeted approach to infection prevention and treatment.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2018

Multiple optical measurements reveal the single cell activation without contrast agent

The researchers developed a label-free multimodal microscopy platform that allows non-invasive study of cellular preparations. The platform enables the study of fine cellular processes, such as macrophage cells activation upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), at single-cell level through phenotypic and molecular characterization.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2018

NIAID scientists assess transmission risk of familial human prion diseases to mice

Scientists from NIAID exposed research mice to brain samples from three people who died from a familial prion disease. Two mutations, Y226X and G131V, were found to be transmissible to mice. The finding highlights the hardiness of prion infectivity and potential risks associated with prion transmission.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateMar 8, 2018

Commercial pesticides: Not as safe as they seem

A comprehensive review of gaps in risk assessments for adjuvants in commercial pesticides highlights the need for new regulations to protect people and the environment. The review found that exposure to environmental levels of some adjuvant mixtures can affect non-target organisms and even cause chronic human disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 8, 2018

Supply bottleneck impairs nerve function

A recent study published in PNAS found that disrupted mRNA transport into axons leads to impaired nerve function and cell death, exacerbating conditions like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy. The researchers identified a noncoding RNA, 7SK, as playing a crucial role in these transport complexes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2018

Bullying based on stigma has especially damaging effects

A recent study by University of Delaware professors found that while interventions for stigma-based bullying have increased, their implementation and evaluation need improvement. The researchers suggest increasing the capacity of school health professionals to address LGBTQ bullying and developing strategies to reduce stereotypes and p...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalDevelopmental Review·DateMar 8, 2018

Across the metal-molecule interface: Observing fluctuations on the single-molecule scale

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a technique to analyze structural and electronic fluctuations on the single-molecule scale across the metal-molecule interface. This method provides information that cannot be obtained using conventional methods, with important implications for devices like organic solar cells.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 8, 2018

No progress seen in reducing antibiotics among outpatients

A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2018

Best practices lacking for managing traumatic brain injury in geriatric patients

A recent review article emphasizes the urgent need for more clinical research, data, and prognostic models on traumatic brain injury in older adults. The lack of geriatric-specific TBI guidelines presents barriers to optimal care, and the authors discuss issues related to neurocritical care, neurosurgical management, and rehabilitation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateMar 8, 2018

Engineered cartilage template to heal broken bones

Researchers at UConn Health developed a novel hybrid hydrogel system to promote endochondral ossification, a process critical for long bone formation. The system uses fibrin and hyaluronan to guide the growth of cartilage templates, which release factors that initiate vascularized bone formation.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateMar 8, 2018

Is your stress changing my brain?

Researchers at the University of Calgary discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in mice, altering CRH neurons that control the brain's response to stress. In females, these effects are reversed after a social interaction, while males do not exhibit this reversal.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2018

How common is food insecurity among older adults?

A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 8, 2018

Improving birth outcomes one amino acid at a time

Researchers found that L-arginine supplementation increased blood vessel development in the placenta and reduced low birth weight/preterm birth and stillbirth. The study suggests that L-arginine may be a critical component in regulating blood vessel development, with implications for other conditions linked to poor birth outcomes.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 8, 2018