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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 47

Fighting mutant influenza

Researchers have identified two compounds with better antiviral properties than oseltamivir, effective against both drug-resistant and sensitive strains of influenza A. These compounds target the AM2 protein with the S31N mutation, a key site of resistance in most influenza A viruses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

Cluster of factors could help predict C. diff

Researchers identified a cluster of five risk factors associated with unhealthy gut microbial communities, which can increase the risk of C. diff infection. The study suggests potential preventive interventions, including dietary changes and fecal transplantation from healthy donors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

Honey, I shrunk the cell culture

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a near-infrared laser that can change the size and shape of a block of gel-like material while human or bacterial cells grow on it. This tool holds promise for biomedical researchers seeking to shed light on how to grow replacement tissues and organs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 2018

Houston Methodist scientists create device to deliver immunotherapy without side effects

Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 23, 2018

Does putting the brakes on outrage bottle up social change?

A team of psychologists found that moral outrage can lead to collective action and inspire people to take part in long-term social change. The study, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, combined findings from moral psychology and intergroup psychology to investigate the dynamics of outrage.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

The role of the Atg2 protein in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered the role of Atg2 in tethering pre-autophagosomal membranes to the endoplasmic reticulum. The study found that Atg2's N- and C-terminal regions have membrane-binding capabilities, allowing it to initiate autophagosome formation and expand membranes. Understanding this mechanism is ...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Neurons reliably respond to straight lines

A study published in Scientific Reports found that 80% of tracked neurons were reliably activated by the same oriented lines throughout a two-week period. The researchers used two-photon microscopy to visualize hundreds of neurons and tested an extensive range of stimuli, including varying line thickness.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 23, 2018