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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 36


Page 36 of 41

The body's 'glucostat' identified

The study found that pancreatic islets, particularly human cells releasing glucagon, play a crucial role in regulating insulin-producing cells and blood glucose levels. This discovery has important implications for diabetes treatment and transplantation using stem cell technology.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2018

A new tactic for eczema?

Researchers discovered that retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) in skin Tregs regulates immune response. Removing RORα from Tregs led to an increase in inflammatory cells and worsened eczema symptoms. The study suggests boosting RORα or targeting related pathways may be effective treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 6, 2018

Environmental exposures more determinant of respiratory health than inherited genetics

A large-scale study analyzing over 1.6 million data points found that environmental exposures, such as air pollution, have a greater impact on gene expression related to respiratory diseases than genetic ancestry. The research used big data to uncover the environmental factors behind diseases and inform strategies for prevention.

SourceOntario Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2018

Study advances research in pelvic organ prolapse among women

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine provides a long-awaited baseline measure of the rate of progression of pelvic organ prolapse. The research found that pelvic organ prolapse progresses slowly, with women who gave birth vaginally being about five years ahead in progression compared to those who delivered by Caesarean section.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 6, 2018

A simple trick for modeling calcium

Researchers have developed a straightforward modification to computer models of calcium ions that leads to highly accurate simulations. The new model can simulate calcium interactions with proteins and other molecules, providing powerful tools for studying biological processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 6, 2018

Teaching computers to guide science: Machine learning method sees forests and trees

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley have developed a novel machine learning method called 'iterative Random Forests,' which can identify high-order interactions in complex systems. This approach enables scientists to gain radically richer information than traditional methods, with applications in biology, precision medicine, ma...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

Scientists developed a material for the new type of liquid crystal displays

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University and their international colleagues created a ferroelectric liquid crystal material that outperforms traditional LCDs in terms of speed, stability, and color accuracy. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient displays with improved resolution and reduced energy consumption.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 6, 2018

Massive astrophysical objects governed by subatomic equation

A Caltech researcher has found that the Schrödinger Equation governs the evolution of massive astrophysical disks. The equation, typically used for subatomic systems, describes how warps and distortions emerge in these disks over millions of years. This surprising discovery could provide new insights into complex astronomical phenomena.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 5, 2018

Modified, 3-D printable alloy shows promise for flexible electronics, soft robots

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a 3D printable alloy that enables the rapid manufacture of flexible computer screens, bendable displays, and soft robots. The new alloy, created by adding nickel nanoparticles to galinstan, can be layered into tall structures with good conductivity and self-healing properties.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 5, 2018

Stem cell 'twins' to study disease

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a gene editing method called MhAX, which creates genetically matched stem cell 'twins' for studying disease-related mutations. The technique guides the cell's own repair mechanisms and allows for precise removal of reporter genes, leaving only the modified SNP behind.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2018