IN THE LAB
China’s Bittersweet Success At Halting Forest Loss
Although satellite images show that tree cover in China is on the rise, unsustainable wood imports mean the problem may just be shifting elsewhere.
Blocking MicroRNAs To Prevent Osteoporosis
Targeting the microRNA miR-214-3p, which is found at elevated levels in elderly females, could help to treat osteoporosis.
Treating Huntington’s With Gene Knockout Might Be Safe For Adults
Although deleting the huntingtin gene is lethal for young mice, it appears to safely treat the disease in adult mice.
Magnetars Could Explain Super Bright Supernovas
Neutron stars called magnetars could be the power behind super-luminous supernovae, which are 10 to 100 times brighter than normal supernovae.
Morphing Crystals Into Nanocages
Using pre-existing crystal as molds, researchers have made nanocrystals morph into nanocages which can be used for drug delivery and solar panels.
For Wildlife Sanctuaries, A Little Goes A Long Way
Micro-sanctuaries can help animals survive, particularly when located close to human-dominated landscapes.
Small Molecule Drug Could Prevent Kidney Fibrosis
ETC159, currently in phase I trials for colorectal, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, could also be used to treat liver fibrosis.
Why Does IVF Produce More Baby Boys?
Though largely safe and well accepted, the IVF procedure causes defects in X chromosome inactivation which result in fewer girls being born.
Promising Dengue Vaccine Faces Final Test
The TV003 vaccine, which researchers believe will protect against all four strains of dengue, is set to complete a phase III trial by 2018.
