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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 47

Attacking RNA with small-molecule drugs

Researchers at Yale University have made significant breakthroughs in targeting RNA with small-molecule drugs, identifying unique pockets within self-splicing ribozymes found in fungi. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating fungal infections and drug-resistant bacteria.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 15, 2018

Physics: Not everything is where it seems to be

Physicists at University of Innsbruck and TU Wien demonstrate that elliptical polarization causes a spiral shape in light wavefronts, leading to a distorted image of actual structures. This systematic error can affect biomedical research, super-resolution microscopy, and even astronomical object position estimation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 15, 2018

Blood test biopsy for kids with brain tumors is simple, safe way to see if treatment is working

A new blood test offers a safer approach than surgical biopsies and allows doctors to monitor treatment effectiveness even before changes are identified on scans. The study found that circulating tumor DNA in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid can reveal a driver mutation in 42 of 48 patients, indicating the tumor's genetic signature.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 15, 2018

Aging and vitamins

Scientists identify 10 compounds that protect against age-related diseases by safeguarding proteins from damage. These compounds, known as putative longevity vitamins, may help prolong healthy aging and prevent the acceleration of insidious diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

Arsenic for electronics

Scientists have successfully modified arsenene with chloromethylene groups, improving its semiconducting properties. The modified material exhibits strong luminescence and electronic properties, making it attractive for optoelectronic applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 15, 2018

Kids' sleep may suffer from moms' tight work schedules

Researchers found that when mothers reported less flexibility in their work schedules, their children got less sleep. However, consistent bedtimes may be the key to offsetting damage done by tight work schedules. Employers can create policies to give employees more flexibility, which could help promote sleep health from childhood.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateOct 15, 2018

New immunotherapy targeting blood-clotting protein

Scientists have developed an antibody that blocks the inflammatory and oxidative activity of fibrin, a blood protein that contributes to neurodegeneration in the brain. The treatment has shown promise in reducing inflammation and neurodegeneration in both mouse models of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 15, 2018

Memristive device as an active synapse

Researchers from Lobachevsky University have developed a memristive device that mimics the behavior of synapses in biological neurons. The device uses pulse signals to create a simulated connection between neuron-like generators, demonstrating reproducible bipolar switching between low and high resistance states.

The easy way may not be the best

A new study reveals that cells take an approach of 'purposeful inefficiency' in responding to diseases, offering new pathways for understanding and treating conditions like cancer and Parkinson's. The research team discovered surprising genetic responses to misfolded proteins, including increased protein production and wasteful processes.

Teenaged girls did not engage in riskier sexual behavior after HPV vaccination introduced in school

Researchers analyzed data from a province-wide survey of over 300,000 girls and found no correlation between HPV vaccination and increased risky sexual behaviors. The percentage of girls reporting ever having sex decreased, while the proportion engaging in intercourse before age 14 declined and condom use increased.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 15, 2018

Ketamine is a safe, effective alternative to opioids in treating acute pain in the ED

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine suggests that intravenous, low-dose ketamine is as effective as intravenous morphine in controlling acute pain in adults in the emergency department. The findings indicate that ketamine can be considered as an alternative to opioids for ED short-term pain control.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 15, 2018

High-performance flexible transparent force touch sensor for wearable devices

Researchers at KAIST have developed a high-performance flexible transparent force touch sensor that overcomes traditional limitations in sensing performance. The sensor features high sensitivity, transparency, bending insensitivity, and manufacturability, making it suitable for industrial-grade applications.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 15, 2018