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Science News Archive November 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 42

Fish genes hold key to repairing damaged hearts

Researchers have identified a gene called lrrc10 that may hold the key to repairing damaged hearts in fish. The study found that this gene is already linked to a heart condition in people and could potentially be used to develop new treatments for heart failure, which affects hundreds of thousands of people in the UK.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 20, 2018

Cutting the legs off cancer

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that blocking a specific molecule can prevent cancer cells from spreading. The study found that inhibiting tissue type plasminogen activator (tPA) blocked melanoma growth and metastasis in mice. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for cancer therapy, potentially improving ou...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 20, 2018

MRI scans shows promise in predicting dementia

Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter health and found that individuals who went on to experience cognitive decline had significantly more signs of damage. The study predicted cognitive decline with 89% accuracy, rising to 95% when focusing on specific brain areas.

Reducing the impact forces of water entry

Researchers at Utah State University have found that creating cavities in the water's surface can significantly reduce the initial impact force of objects entering a body of water. This phenomenon, known as 'free surface preparation,' has been tested with spheres and resulted in a 40-60% reduction in impact force. The study has potenti...

Exoplanet stepping stones

Scientists at the W.M. Keck Observatory have made robust data on a young giant gas planet, confirming its water composition and lack of methane. The team is perfecting their technique using advanced instrumentation to study giant planets and prepare for future searches for life on Earth-like exoplanets.

The eyes have it

High levels of prions were found throughout the eyes of deceased sCJD patients, suggesting the eye as a potential source for early detection and prevention of disease transmission. Researchers also discovered that prion seeds accumulate in the retina, with implications for diagnostic tests before symptoms become apparent.

A Mexican cavefish with a scarred heart

Scientists have discovered that a Mexican cavefish can regenerate its heart tissue, unlike its blind and translucent cousin. Researchers found three DNA segments responsible for the ability to regenerate heart tissue, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms behind this process.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 20, 2018

Scientists unveil completely human platform for testing age-specific vaccine responses

Scientists developed a human tissue culture construct to test immune responses to vaccines, enabling rapid assessment of candidates and accelerating the development process. The platform replicates immune responses in different populations and age groups, allowing researchers to select human vaccine candidates before human trials.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 20, 2018

Does Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' influence teen suicide? Survey asks at-risk youths

A Michigan Medicine study finds that nearly half of suicidal adolescents who watched Netflix's '13 Reasons Why' reported an increased suicide risk, highlighting the need for parental vigilance and tailored prevention programming. The majority of teens who discussed their reactions with peers did so without a parent's involvement.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 20, 2018

A smartphone and new software could help save infants born preterm

A new machine learning algorithm combined with a handheld smartphone device can accurately estimate the gestational age of premature newborns. The technology has the potential to aid healthcare workers in remote and low-income countries, where preterm births are a leading cause of child mortality.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 20, 2018

Many patients diagnosed with adenomas may not receive colonoscopies in recommended time frame

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that many patients diagnosed with adenomas often do not receive subsequent colonoscopies within the recommended time frame. The study analyzed patterns and factors associated with the receipt of colonoscopy within approximately three years of a diagnosis of ...

Babies born with broken hearts

Fetal single ventricle defects can be identified with echocardiograms, but irregular filling mechanics may contribute to defects in developing fetal hearts. Researchers are exploring how flow patterns affect outcome and could use fluid dynamics to advance the mechanistic understanding of heart failure in children.

Being fair: The benefits of early child education

A new study published in Nature Communications found that children from low-income families who received early intensive education tend to exhibit high levels of fairness in their decision-making processes decades later. They are more sensitive to inequality and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains, suggesting a lasting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018