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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 468


Page 468 of 486

Resist! TAK1 enables endothelial cells to avoid apoptosis

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that TAK1 preserves endothelial cell survival in an inflammatory environment, suggesting its potential as a target for anti-angiogenic therapy. The researchers used a unique mouse model to show that TAK1 is essential for endothelial cell survival during inflammation and injury.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 17, 2019

This computer program makes pharma patents airtight

Researchers in Poland and South Korea have developed a computer program that suggests synthetic strategies to circumvent patent-protected aspects of essential drugs. The software, called Chematica, uses mechanistic rules to identify new retrosynthetic pathways, allowing for the generation of alternative yet economical starting materials.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateJan 17, 2019

Blocking hormone uptake burns more fat

A new study reveals that blocking the uptake of a hormone called norepinephrine in fat cells increases metabolism and burns stored fat. The discovery highlights the importance of beige fat tissue, which plays a key role in thermogenesis and regulating body temperature.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 17, 2019

Body-painting protects against bloodsucking insects

Researchers found that body-painting provides protection against bloodsucking insects, with white stripes repelling them more effectively. The discovery is based on experiments using plastic models and may have ancient origins, as similar markings were found on Neanderthal cave walls.

SourceLund University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 17, 2019

Gene therapy blocks peripheral nerve damage in mice

Scientists have developed a gene therapy that blocks axon destruction in mice, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to prevent the loss of peripheral nerves in multiple conditions. This breakthrough could help prevent peripheral neuropathy, a disease affecting 20 million people in the US, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 17, 2019

What happened 4,000 years ago in the Urals?

Researchers are studying Bronze Age activity in the Urals to understand demographic processes and settlement structures. They are analyzing palaeogenetic techniques, archaeological excavations, geophysical surveys, material culture, and archaeobotany to find answers about population genetics, cultural transformation, and demography.

Models of life

Researchers at TUM created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate and trigger complex reactions like RNA production, mimicking biological organisms. The system achieves spatial differentiation and is a step towards tissue-like synthetic materials.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 17, 2019

Many hepatitis infections go undiagnosed in cancer patients

A large study of cancer patients reveals a significant proportion are undiagnosed with acute and chronic hepatitis B and C. The findings suggest that universal screening for these viruses may be warranted to prevent life-threatening complications and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceSWOG·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 17, 2019

How molecules teeter in a laser field

Researchers from MBI report on an experiment using attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to study the interaction of molecules with a laser field. They found that infrared fields affect weak core-to-Rydberg transitions more strongly than core-to-valence transitions, and that Rydberg states dominate XUV absorption.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 17, 2019

Measuring AI's ability to learn is difficult

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that measuring AI's ability to learn is challenging due to the complexity of tasks. The researchers discovered that no mathematical method can determine whether an AI-based tool can handle a task or not, even with precise task descriptions.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 17, 2019

Coming soon: A blood test for Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have made significant progress towards developing a blood test for Alzheimer's disease, with sensitive assays able to detect smaller amounts of peptides that form when amyloid breaks down. A reliable blood test could aid in diagnosis and help identify participants for clinical trials, potentially leading to better treatments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2019

Combination therapy more effective in treating patients with leishmaniasis and HIV

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combination therapy is highly effective in treating patients with both HIV and visceral leishmaniasis. The treatment regimen, which combines liposomal amphotericin B with the oral drug miltefosine, resulted in a 67% cure rate after 28 days of treatment.

SourceDrugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 17, 2019

Psychological distress is a risk factor for dementia

A Danish population-based study found that vital exhaustion, a state of emotional suffering and somatic symptoms, is associated with a higher risk of dementia later in life. The study, published in IOS Press, suggests that addressing psychological risk factors may be crucial in preventing dementia.

New hope for stem cell approach to treating diabetes

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new method for producing insulin-producing beta cells from human stem cells, which are more responsive to fluctuating glucose levels. The resulting cells were transplanted into diabetic mice and effectively controlled blood sugar for several months.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 17, 2019