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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Brigatinib becomes potential new first-line option for ALK-positive non-small lung cancer

The ALTA-1 trial found brigatinib to be a first-line treatment option for advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer, with a 51% reduction in progression or death risk compared to crizotinib. Patients treated with brigatinib also showed improved response rates and longer progression-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2018

What do ducks hear?

Researchers are testing pinger systems to deter diving ducks from gill nets, a major threat to sea bird populations. The study aims to determine the optimal frequency for these devices, which could save hundreds of thousands of birds annually.

To be or not to be a white blood cell, that is the question

Researchers discovered a mechanism that determines whether immature blood cells differentiate into red or subtypes of white blood cells. The study found that repression of Bach factors contributes to the development of anemia of infection/inflammation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating bone marrow and blood disord...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 25, 2018

Seasonal reservoir filling in India deforms rock, may trigger earthquakes

Researchers in India used GPS and satellite data to track crustal deformation around reservoirs, finding that seasonal filling can reduce the strength of nearby faults and trigger earthquakes. Even small reservoirs can cause significant deformation capable of triggering an earthquake if there are critically stressed faults in the region.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 25, 2018

Study shows value of breast cancer patients seeking second opinions

A study by Medical University of South Carolina found that breast cancer patients who received a second opinion at an NCI-designated center experienced a significant change in diagnosis, with 43% of cases altered. The review by a multidisciplinary tumor board led to the identification of additional cancers in 16 patients and changes in...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateSep 25, 2018

Molecule capable of halting and reverting Parkinson's neurodegeneration identified

A team of scientists has identified a molecule called SynuClean-D that can inhibit the aggregation of alpha-synuclein protein, a key contributor to Parkinson's disease. By administering SynuClean-D to Caenorhabditis elegans worms, researchers were able to reduce alpha-synuclein aggregations and prevent neural degeneration.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2018

Retracing Antarctica's glacial past

Researchers found a centuries-long delay in West Antarctic Ice Sheet contraction after the Ross Ice Shelf collapse, adding complexity to sea level rise computer simulations. This discovery was made by analyzing sediment cores and fossilized life forms from the seafloor.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2018

Novel method produces highest-ever signals for human embryonic stem cell detection

Researchers developed a novel method to enhance native stem cell bioelectric signals, achieving ultra-high current levels two-orders of magnitude higher than previous methods. The new method uses 2D-molybdenum disulphide sheets, demonstrating improved commercialization and therapeutic safety for future stem cell-based therapies.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateSep 25, 2018

The soothing effects of strangers

A study found that pain treatment is more efficient when provided by a stranger, revealing the analgesic effect of surprise. Participants experienced reduced neural pain responses and subjective pain judgments after being treated by someone from a different social group.

Common heart condition linked to sudden death

Researchers found a link between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, with 14 cases per 1000 per year associated with the condition. The study identified features such as scarring of the heart muscle and heavy mitral valve leakage that put patients at high risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateSep 25, 2018