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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 34


Page 34 of 43

Breakthrough could enable cheaper infrared cameras

A new method for making infrared cameras using quantum dots offers faster production and better performance. This technology could enable the use of infrared cameras in autonomous vehicles, smartphones, and other devices, improving their ability to detect heat signatures and see through smoke and fog.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 7, 2019

Chemical hydrogen storage system

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a chemical storage system based on simple and abundant organic compounds. The system uses ethylenediamine and methanol to store and release hydrogen with high theoretical capacity and efficiency.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 7, 2019

Potential new treatment for heart attack

Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that can minimize heart muscle death caused by stress signals after a heart attack. The treatment, targeting protein MAP4K4, reduced damage by 60% in mice and has the potential to be developed into an injection for routine clinical use.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 7, 2019

How the microbiota controls neutrophil activity

The microbiota controls neutrophil activity by producing Serum Amyloid A (Saa), a host protein that restricts aberrant activation while enhancing migration to wounds. Saa reduces bactericidal activity and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in neutrophils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 7, 2019

Study reveals elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in young

A new study published in Diabetologia found that women who develop gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy are at double the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those without GDM. The study also revealed that this increased risk remains even if women with GDM do not go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 7, 2019

How antifreeze proteins make ice crystals grow

Researchers from Bielefeld University and international partners have confirmed two-fold ability of antifreeze molecules to trigger or inhibit ice crystal formation depending on temperature. This discovery challenges the long-held view that antifreeze proteins only inhibit ice crystal growth.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 7, 2019

At the limits of detectability

Researchers at TUM have developed a compact instrument to determine the spectral properties of individual molecules, capturing detailed information on molecule-environment interactions. This breakthrough aims to accelerate the identification of efficient molecules for future organic solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2019

Embryos' signals take multiple paths

Researchers found that stem cells are sensitive to the speed of signaling molecule delivery, not just its concentration. This discovery highlights the dynamic interactions between morphogens and cells during embryonic development, allowing for more precise control over cell fates and potentially leading to new ways to drive cellular di...

Potential treatment for cancer in butterfly disease

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for cancer in patients with epidermolysis bullosa, a severe skin disease also known as butterfly disease. The new drug, rigosertib, was shown to be highly effective at killing cancer cells in preclinical studies and may target the cancer without harming healthy cells.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMar 7, 2019

Changes are needed in teaching medical residents how to communicate patient handoffs

Researchers highlight the challenges and complexities of end-of-shift handoffs, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, duplication of tests or treatment, and medication errors. To improve handoff education, the team recommends strategies such as collaborative learning meetings, point-of-care education programs, and scenar...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2019

Child's elevated mental ill-health risk if mother treated for infection during pregnancy

A major Swedish observational study of nearly 1.8 million children found that maternal infection during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of autism and depression in children. The risk was highest for infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes virus, but even mild infections were linked to increased mental ill-health.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2019

SHANK3: the good, the bad and the hopeful

A deficiency in the SHANK3 protein, which regulates synaptic communication between brain cells, is associated with various neurological conditions. Researchers have identified kinases that can regulate SHANK3 stability, offering hope for developing treatments by increasing its abundance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 7, 2019

Researchers find high blood pressure link

A recent study published in Hypertension Research found a significant association between early onset menstruation and high blood pressure in late adulthood. The research suggests that women with early menarche may have less optimal developed cardiovascular systems, increasing their risk for hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHypertension Research·DateMar 7, 2019