Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 35


Page 35 of 37

Focused delivery for brain cancers

A novel technique developed by Hong Chen uses focused ultrasound to target drug delivery to the brainstem, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This approach has shown promise in treating diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), a childhood brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than three percent.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 4, 2018

Sexual development in fungi

Researchers have identified KIN3 as a crucial enzyme connecting cellular signalling pathways involved in fungal developmental processes. The study found that mutants lacking this enzyme were sterile and exhibited developmental disorders.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalGenetics·DateSep 4, 2018

Internet & telephone assisted training for child disruptive behavior found to be effective

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that internet- and telephone-assisted trainings for parents and children with disruptive behavior at age 4 significantly reduced child behavioral problems and increased parental skills. The program showed positive long-term outcomes, i...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2018

ACA reduced disparities in health care between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos

A new study led by UCLA researchers found that the ACA reduced disparities in healthcare between Mexican-heritage Latinos and other Latinos, with a significant increase in health insurance coverage among Mexican-heritage Latinos after implementation of the law's major provisions. However, disparities persist due to legal status, income...

Grant aims students toward next-gen bioelectronics

The Rice University graduate-level bioelectronics program aims to develop technologies at the cell/material interface, focusing on light-harvesting systems and implantable devices. The five-year program will train students from various departments to tackle bioelectronics challenges collaboratively.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, September 2018

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers developed modified atmosphere insulation, a viable solution to improve building energy efficiency. Additionally, scientists created an open source software platform allowing quantum programs to run on multiple quantum computers, revolutionizing modern computing. The lab also made breakthroughs ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Energy·DateSep 4, 2018

At last, a simple 3D printer for metal

Researchers have developed a new approach to 3D printing metals, using metallic glasses, which can produce solid, high-strength metal components with minimal processing. The technique eliminates the need for expensive and complicated support structures, making it more practical and commercially viable than current methods.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateSep 4, 2018

Little star sheds light on young planets

Astronomers have found a dense disk of material surrounding a young star, which may be the precursor to a planetary system. The discovery could revolutionize models of solar system formation and provide insights into our own cosmic neighborhood.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 4, 2018

Watching an embryo's neural tube close

Researchers aim to explore treatment for birth defects like spina bifida and anencephaly by studying how the neural tube closes, with $3.2 million from the NIH. A hybrid microscope combining Brillouin spectroscopy and OCT will help understand mechanical properties controlling neural tube closure in developing embryos.

Measuring the nanoworld

A global study standardizes FRET measurement technology to pinpoint molecular distances at the nanoscale. This breakthrough enhances understanding of molecular machines and processes that underpin life.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 4, 2018

Dementia symptoms peak in winter and spring, study finds

Adults with and without Alzheimer's disease show better cognition skills in late summer and early fall than in winter and spring, equivalent to a 4.8-year difference in age-related decline. The odds of mild cognitive impairment or dementia were also higher in winter and spring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 4, 2018

Effective TB, HIV, malaria vaccines missing from pipeline

A study analyzing 538 vaccine candidates found that only about 128 are likely to reach the market, with many critical products lacking. The researchers estimate it would cost $16.3 billion to move current candidates through the pipeline, highlighting the need for increased investment and innovative approaches.

SourceDuke University·JournalGates Open Research·DateSep 4, 2018

New clues found to understanding relapse in breast cancer

A large genomic analysis has linked certain DNA mutations to a high risk of relapse in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, while other mutations were associated with better outcomes. The study identified three genes - DDR1, PIK3R1 and NF1 - with relatively uncommon mutations that were associated with cancer recurrence and spreading.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2018

Body clock link to steroids discovered

Research by University of Manchester scientists found that genes regulating lungs and liver function change with the day-night cycle, impacting steroid side effects. Removing a specific molecule, Reverbα, altered gene expression and showed protective effects against fatty liver buildup.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 4, 2018

Study provides 10-year risk estimates for dementia, which may help with prevention in high-risk individuals who potentially could benefit from early targeted prevention

A Danish study has estimated 10-year absolute risk of dementia by age, sex and common APOE gene variation, identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early preventive interventions. The research found that a combination of these factors could lead to a 7-24% risk of developing dementia by age 80.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 4, 2018

Giving tortoises a 'head start'

Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered that raising tortoises in captivity and releasing them into a protected habitat can significantly boost wild populations. The study found that 70% of head-started tortoises were still alive after one year, with strong site fidelity allowing them to reproduce.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 4, 2018