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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 40


Page 40 of 41

DNA scissors can cut RNA, too

Scientists have discovered that the CRISPR-Cas9 protein can also cut RNA, expanding its potential uses in gene editing and virus detection. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases and improved food and energy crops.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 1, 2018

A near-universal way to measure enzyme inhibition

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new technique for measuring enzyme inhibition, offering a universal approach to drug discovery. The method uses isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure heat generated by enzyme activity, providing a direct window into the mechanisms of enzyme inhibition.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2018

Arthritis drug can lower sugar levels in diabetes

A common rheumatoid arthritis treatment, lefluonamide, lowered blood glucose levels and reversed insulin resistance in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that this therapy could be repurposed as an effective antidiabetic treatment for patients with both diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMar 1, 2018

Leishmaniasis strain in Iraq outbreak identified

Researchers studied Leishmania species and strains in Iraq's hot border region, finding most cases match an Iranian strain. The study highlights the need for control programs to stop the spread of leishmaniasis, a disease that infects millions worldwide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018

A power boost for mobile technologies

A new startup, Borês Technologies, is working on low-power-consumption electronics that will enable the haptic revolution in mobile technologies. The technology has the potential to change the way people interact with their electronic devices and with each other remotely.

Converting CO2 into usable energy

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a new electrocatalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a highly energetic molecule. Single nickel atoms were found to catalyze the reaction with up to 97% efficiency, paving the way for recycling CO2 for usable energy and chemicals.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 1, 2018

Paradigm shift in the diagnosis of diabetes

A new classification of diabetes has been discovered, which can predict the risk of serious complications and provide tailored treatment suggestions. The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals that type 2 diabetes consists of several subgroups, each with unique characteristics.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 1, 2018

Durable wood 'sponges' act as green sensors of mechanical strain

Researchers created a sustainable wood carbon sponge material by treating balsa wood, making it highly compressible and suitable for strain sensing and various applications. The material's unique structure provides exceptional mechanical and fatigue resistance, outperforming most reported compressible carbonaceous materials.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateMar 1, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2018

The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 1, 2018