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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 3


Page 3 of 47

Cytokine levels could predict immunotherapy problems

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified blood-based biomarkers that may help identify patients at greatest risk of developing autoimmune side effects from immunotherapy. The study found that levels of certain cytokines were particularly low before treatment in patients who developed immune-related adverse events.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateOct 31, 2018

Study links cottonseed oil with lower cholesterol

Researchers at the University of Georgia found that a high-fat diet enriched with cottonseed oil improved cholesterol profiles in young adult men. Participants showed significant reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides on the cottonseed oil diet, compared to minimal changes on an olive oil-enriched diet.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNutrition Research·DateOct 31, 2018

A bullet-proof heating pad

Researchers have created a wearable heater by modifying woven fabric with DuPont Kevlar fiber and nanowires, providing uniform heat and thermal insulation. The material is strong, flexible, breathable, and washable, making it suitable for use in cold-weather clothing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 31, 2018

Minimally invasive surgery for early-stage cervical cancer may increase risk of death

Patients receiving minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer have an increased risk of death compared to those treated with open surgery. A long-term analysis of nationwide databases found a 9.1% risk of death in the minimally invasive group, significantly higher than the 5.3% risk in the open surgery group.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 31, 2018

Cocaine adulterant may cause brain damage

Researchers at the University of Zurich found that people who take cocaine cut with levamisole show impaired cognitive performance and a thinned prefrontal cortex. The study suggests that drug-checking programs should be expanded to protect users from the toxic effects of levamisole.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 31, 2018

Flexible, stable and potent against cancer

Scientists have developed novel conjugates made from antibodies and a kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, showing high effectiveness in vitro and tumor models. The linker between components allows for tuning the activity of the cytostatic drug, reducing side effects in cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 30, 2018

Russian scientists obtain new results in the study of inorganic pigments with apatite structure

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have synthesized a high-purity sample of barium hypomanganate chloride and characterized its crystal structure and chemical environment. The study has stabilized the degree of manganese oxidation and measured its isobaric heat capacity, revealing anomalous behavior below 15K.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateOct 30, 2018

Tiny light detectors work like gecko ears

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that uses tiny detectors to map the angle of incoming light waves, inspired by the unique structure of geckos' ears. This technology could support advances in lens-less cameras, augmented reality, and robotic vision.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2018

Flood of genome data hinders efforts to ID bacteria

A recent study published in Genome Biology found that the rapid growth of genomic databases is affecting the accuracy of bacterial species identification. The research, led by Rice University scientist Todd Treangen, reveals that the imbalance in database coverage hinders the ability to quickly identify pathogens.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 30, 2018

When silence acts as a mirror

A study by the Society for Consumer Psychology reveals that people generally assume silent group members share their own opinions, even when outnumbered. This 'mirror effect' could lead leaders to misinterpret group consensus and quiet individuals to inaccurately agree with dominant views.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 30, 2018

NSF awards two grants for polymer research

Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to create new ways to use renewably sourced plant and wood polymers to tackle long-standing challenges in medical drug solubility. The project focuses on designing biodegradable polymers that can help orally administered drugs reach the bloodstream effectively.

An end to arachnophobia 'just a heartbeat away'

A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateOct 30, 2018