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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 43

The birth of vision, from the retina to the brain

Researchers at UNIGE identified key genes regulating retinal cell differentiation and axon guidance, offering insights into the construction of vision and potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The study's findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and could lead to new therapies for optic nerve damage.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 9, 2019

Melt-rich rock from Chicxulub impact crater

Researchers analyzed core samples from the Chicxulub impact crater, revealing that top layers contained soil biomarkers suggesting a tsunami brought terrestrial material back to the site. The study also found evidence of impact-induced wildfires and a lack of sulfur-rich evaporites, implying a massive release of sulfate aerosols.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Acute periodontal disease bacteria love colon and dirt microbes

Research found that common mouth bacteria responsible for acute periodontitis fared better when paired with bacteria and other microbes from outside the mouth, including those found in the colon or dirt. This suggests that not all relationships within a microbiome are cooperative, and some may have 'high fences' and share sparsely.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Hemophilia three times more prevalent than thought

A new study by McMaster University researchers reveals that over 1,125,000 men globally have hemophilia, with 418,000 having severe forms of the disease. The study found a significant life expectancy disadvantage for those with hemophilia, particularly in lower-income countries.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

How brain rhythms organize our visual perception

A team of neuroscientists discovered that the brain combines visual features through high-frequency oscillations to achieve a unified percept. The researchers measured nerve cell activity in rhesus monkeys while performing a visual perception task, finding that faster responses occurred with stronger high-frequency oscillations.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

Bias against single people affects their cancer treatment

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that unmarried patients with cancer are significantly less likely to receive potentially life-saving surgeries or radiotherapies compared to their married counterparts. The disparity persists despite extensive research findings suggesting otherwise.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Factors associated with longer wait times in colorectal cancer specialty care referrals

A study found that patients presenting with non-alarming gastrointestinal symptoms experienced longer wait times for referral, while those with red flag symptoms had shorter wait times. The study highlights the need for earlier reconsideration of initial diagnoses and strict follow-up consultations to reduce wait times.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 9, 2019

Molecule properties change through light

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a novel molecule that can control its magnetic properties through visible light. The discovery has significant implications for the development of flexible and processable magnetic materials, which could be used in a range of applications including data storage and chemical sensors.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 9, 2019

Phase 1 study shows novel KRAS inhibitor well tolerated by patients with adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer

A Phase 1 study demonstrated early promising antitumor activity and few adverse side effects in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring KRAS G12C mutation. The therapy, AMG 510, showed encouraging anti-tumor activity with no dose-limiting toxicities or adverse events leading to discontinuation.

Nivolumab combined with ipilimumab safe as first-line therapy for lung cancer patients

Research presented at the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer found that combining nivolumab with ipilimumab showed improved efficacy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly those with high TMB or higher tumor PD-L1 expression. The safety profile of this combination therapy was also consistent ...

Keynote 189: Tumor mutational burden not significantly associated with efficacy of pembrolizumab

Researchers studied the relationship between tumor mutational burden and response to immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. The study found that high or low TMB levels did not significantly impact overall survival, progression-free survival, or objective response rates for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.