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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 32


Page 32 of 43

Overcoming resistance in pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a way to tackle the development of resistance in pancreatic cancer by targeting the ERBB signaling pathway. This approach has shown promise in shrinking pancreatic tumors in mice, providing a potential avenue for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 9, 2019

New results on fungal genetics

Researchers discovered physically linked mating type loci in 24 Trichosporonales fungi species, with highly conserved gene sequences. This is unusual, as mating type chromosomes tend to degenerate during evolution, and the mechanisms stabilizing these loci will be analyzed in future studies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 9, 2019

Offering children a variety of vegetables increases acceptance

A new study found that offering children a variety of vegetables increased their acceptance and consumption. Families who introduced multiple vegetables saw a significant increase in consumption, with parents reporting it as easy to follow the provided instructions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 9, 2019

'Building blocks' of bird calls resemble human languages

Researchers identified two distinct sound elements in chestnut-crowned babbler calls that are shared across different arrangements and convey no specific meaning. The findings suggest that the capacity to generate meaning from meaningless building blocks is widespread in animals, similar to human language construction.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Employee contract structures in startups can be determining factors of success

A new study by Evgeny Kagan and colleagues found that incentive clauses in contracts work best for high-performing team members, while those who may not be high performers do not benefit from incentives. The researchers suggest delaying contracting to learn about team member personalities and adjusting contract structures accordingly.

Prolonged antibiotic treatment may alter preterm infants' microbiome

Treating preterm infants with antibiotics for more than 20 months can lead to less diverse bacterial populations in their gut, containing more antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use may promote allergies and other health issues later in life by reducing the diversity of microbial communities.

Hidden danger from pet dogs in Africa

Dogs in Africa are susceptible to severe and often fatal disease if bitten by infected tsetse flies, characterized by symptoms such as corneal cloudiness. Researchers have developed molecular methods to accurately diagnose the disease, revealing a surprising link between canine and human cases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateSep 9, 2019

Online crowdfunding to pay for cancer care

The study found that online crowdfunding efforts can significantly increase access to cancer care, particularly for low-income individuals. By leveraging online platforms, patients with financial burdens can receive essential treatments and services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

NIAID officials call for innovative research on sexually transmitted infections

Experts from NIAID urge biomedical research community to refocus on STI research, emphasizing the need for innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. The authors highlight the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance and cooperation among researchers, healthcare providers, and community clinics.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 9, 2019

Feeling legs again improves amputees' health

Researchers developed an interface to connect a leg prosthesis with residual nerves, providing sensory feedback that reduces effort during walking and phantom limb pain. The system also increased confidence in prosthetic use, enabling users to devote more attention to other tasks.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Researchers unearth 'new' extinction

Scientists have confirmed a new mass extinction event occurred 260 million years ago, affecting life on land and in the seas. The event is correlated with massive flood-basalt eruptions, similar to those causing other known severe mass extinctions.

SourceNew York University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 9, 2019