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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

Gene signature found for poor response to standard chemotherapy in rare uterine cancer

Researchers have discovered a gene signature, USC73, that can identify women with rare and aggressive uterine serous carcinoma who are unlikely to respond to standard chemotherapy. The high USC73 score is associated with poor patient survival, cancer cell proliferation, and low rates of complete response to treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateApr 22, 2020

Microwaves power new technology for batteries, energy

Purdue University researchers developed a technique to turn waste polyethylene terephthalate into battery components using ultrafast microwave irradiation. The technology has shown promising results for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution for renewable energy storage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 22, 2020

A win-win solution -- Shredded straws can enhance soil fertility and reduce ammonia pollution

Long-term crop straw incorporation reduces annual ammonia volatilization fluxes by 16.1% to 35.1%, likely due to high C/N ratio of straw increasing microbial N immobilization and ammonium transformation. This practice sustains agricultural development while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Women's faces in Time Magazine throughout history

A study published in the Journal of Cultural Analytics found that the proportion of female faces in Time magazine varied over time, correlating with shifting attitudes towards women. The 'Faces of Time' project identified four phases of fluctuation, with a steady increase in female representation since the early 1990s.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Cultural Analytics·DateApr 22, 2020

Tissues protect their DNA under mechanical stress

Researchers found that cells protect themselves from mechanical stress by not only deforming cell nuclei but also softening the genetic material itself. This mechanism helps prevent DNA damage and disease, including cancer. The study also reveals that healthy stem cells are more resistant to mechanical stretch than cancer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 2020

Research reveals a new malaria vaccine candidate

Researchers have identified a promising new strategy for combating malaria by targeting the parasite's 'kill switch' with PfGARP antibodies. The approach, which involves generating anti-PfGARP antibodies or directly infusing them into individuals, has shown promise in nonhuman primates and holds hope for preventing severe malaria.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Inappropriate diagnoses

A small but concerning number of former NFL players report receiving clinical diagnoses of CTE, raising concerns of inappropriate diagnosis and overlooking of treatable conditions. Players with sleep apnea, heart disease, and depression are more likely to receive a CTE diagnosis, which could downplay the effects of these conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 22, 2020

Examining suicidal acts in US

Researchers examined 1.2 million US suicides and nonfatal attempts from 2006 to 2015, finding significant increases in mortality rates among younger adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address rising suicidal acts in the US population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 2020

Health disparities in rural US: Higher coronary artery disease death in women under 65 and people with heart failure

Researchers found a significant increase in premature coronary artery disease deaths among rural women under 65, while also noting that people living in rural areas have lower survival rates for heart failure. This disparity highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities.

What protects minority languages from extinction?

Researchers have identified two scenarios in which minority languages can survive: linguistic diversity and mixed speaker populations. By applying mathematical modeling, the authors propose a new framework for understanding language coexistence, shedding light on the complexities of minority language preservation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 22, 2020

Orujo olive oil reduces obesity

Researchers found that Orujo Olive Oil significantly reduced obesity in mice by 30%, while also decreasing body fat, hepatic inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. The study highlights the biological value of orujo oil as a functional food with great therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateApr 22, 2020

How we end up 'confined' on YouTube

Researchers studied YouTube recommendations from a thousand videos, generating half a million, and found a 'confined' phenomenon. The most confined recommendation networks revolve around the most viewed or longest-watched videos.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020