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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 39


Page 39 of 486

Animals could help humans monitor oceans

A team led by the University of Exeter suggests that animals carrying sensors can fill gaps in ocean monitoring, particularly in areas near poles and shallow coastal regions. The study highlights the potential for animal-borne sensors to enhance our understanding of climate variability and weather patterns.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Puffins stay cool thanks to their large beak

Researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Davis, discovered that puffin beaks can drop by 5°C within 30 minutes of landing, suggesting an evolutionary trait to cool down during flight. This study suggests that large bills may have evolved to help birds dissipate heat from energetically demanding activities.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 27, 2019

Research affirms imaging technique's ability to characterize healthy and non-healthy tissue

A study published in SPIE Journal of Biomedical Optics found that diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can reliably discriminate between healthy tissue and tumor tissue, regardless of neoadjuvant chemotherapy status. The technique's feasibility for tumor-margin assessment during breast-conserving surgery has been demonstrated.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 27, 2019

Case report: Stem cells a step toward improving motor, sensory function after spinal cord injury

A clinical trial enrolled 10 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries to receive stem cell injections, with the first patient demonstrating significant improvement in motor and sensory functions. The study's early findings suggest that patient response varies, but the treatment may offer a new option for improving physical function a...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateNov 27, 2019

Exploring drug repurposing to treat glioblastoma

Researchers found that MALT1 levels correlate with patient survival in brain cancer, and blocking the gene with MALT1 inhibitors causes glioblastoma stem cells to undergo cellular suicide. This discovery points to the potential of further exploring MALT1 inhibitors as a treatment for glioblastoma.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 27, 2019

Glass from a 3D printer

Using stereolithography, ETH Zurich researchers have created glass objects with intricate structures and pore sizes controlled by UV light intensity. The technique allows for the production of complex glass objects, such as those with different types of glass or combined materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 27, 2019

Study finds three anti-seizure drugs equally effective for severe form of epilepsy

A new study has found that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus. The three drugs were tested on over 380 children and adults, showing similar benefits in stopping seizures and improving responsiveness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019

Key to rubustness of plants discovered

Researchers at Graz University of Technology and Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology have discovered the mechanism behind Apiose production, a key factor in plant robustness. The enzyme UAXS selectively catalyzes four reaction steps, enabling plants to build strength properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 26, 2019

Saving bats from wind turbine death

A survey of stakeholders in the wind energy field reveals a consensus on prioritizing biodiversity protection over climate change concerns. Stakeholders agree that measures to make wind energy production ecologically sustainable should be taken, with most suggesting increased research and improved efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 26, 2019