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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 4


Page 4 of 41

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

Turning key metabolic process back on could make sarcoma more susceptible to treatment

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to make sarcoma cells more susceptible to treatment by slowing down their growth through a key metabolic process. By reactivating the FBP2 enzyme, researchers were able to stop cancer cell proliferation and leave them vulnerable to targeted therapies.

Building a better flu shot

Researchers at Michigan State University have found that cellular RNA levels change significantly following infection or vaccination. The study's findings could help identify new targets for building better flu vaccines and aid in the design of a universal vaccine.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 26, 2019

Life, liberty -- and access to microbes?

A new essay in PLOS Biology argues that poverty compromises health by creating unequal access to beneficial microorganisms. People living in low-income communities lack essential factors promoting healthy microbiomes, leading to poor health outcomes such as obesity and mental health disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 26, 2019

Study pinpoints possible cause of noise-related blood vessel damage, heart disease

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has identified a potential mechanism linking long-term exposure to environmental noise and cardiovascular disease. The research found that high noise levels lead to activation of the amygdala, a deep brain structure, triggering changes that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 26, 2019

A novel pathway to target colorectal cancer

A new study published in Gastroenterology reports that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer through the microRNA MIR675-5p, which silences the expression of p53. Researchers found that mice treated with PGE2 had increased metastases compared to controls, and tumor cells expressed more MIR675-5p and less p53.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 26, 2019

Changes in pupils after asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts indicate changes in brain function

Researchers discovered measurable changes in pupillary parameters following asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts. The study suggests that nonconcussive head impacts may affect intrinsic brain reflex pathways and reflect biological injuries, paving the way for a potential inexpensive and rapid method of determining brain injury.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateNov 26, 2019

Japanese anime and zoos boost public interest in conservation of real-life animal characters

A new national analysis in Japan highlights the potential of entertainment-conservation partnerships to increase public interest in wildlife. The research found that animated shows with animal characters can boost donations to zoo conservation programs, with Kemono Friends being a notable example of its positive impact on public interest.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 26, 2019

Autism and ADHD share genes

Researchers from iPSYCH discovered that autism and ADHD share changes in the same genes, particularly the MAP1A gene involved in nerve cell formation. The study found a significantly increased risk of developing autism and/or ADHD for those carrying mutations in this gene.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 26, 2019