Low dose of experimental cancer drug cuts appetite to target obesity

Through experiments involving a drug originally developed to suppress the growth of tumors, scientists have happened upon a potential new anti-obesity treatment, which they've demonstrated can trigger weight loss in mice.

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The new science linking cancer, schizophrenia and MS to viral infections

Several new studies have shed light on links between diseases not previously thought to be related to viral infections, from a common childhood virus being linked to bladder cancer to an association between hepatitis C and schizophrenia.

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Space exploration consortium announces plan to put artwork on the Moon

While most artists aspire to have their work exhibited somewhere like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a piece by Dubai-based painter Sacha Jafri may soon be soaring to even loftier heights – plans call for it to be permanently displayed on the Moon.

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First-ever recording of dying human brain reveals dreaming-like activity

The phrase “my whole life flashed before my eyes” may have some truth to it. Scientists have recorded the activity of a dying human brain for the first time ever, revealing brain wave patterns related to processes like dreaming and memory recall.

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Basal meltwater is thawing the Greenland Ice Sheet from the bottom up

Meltwater is falling to the base of the Greenland Ice Sheet with such force, the power produced is comparable to that generated by the world's largest hydroelectric power station, creating a melting effect at the bottom that is "completely unprecedented."

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Sound waves convert stem cells into bone in regenerative breakthrough

Regrowing or replacing bone lost to disease is tricky and often painful. In a new study Australian researchers have found a relatively simple way to induce stem cells to turn into bone cells quickly and efficiently, using high-frequency sound waves.

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Can birch trees be used to soak up microplastics from polluted soil?

Scientists in Germany are exploring an interesting solution to the problem of soils contaminated with microplastics, and have demonstrated how birch trees might be used to soak up the small plastic particles with their roots.

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New method allows vaccines to be stored for months without refrigeration

Researchers at Australia’s CSIRO have demonstrated a method for protecting the integrity of vaccines against high temperatures. A proof-of-concept study has shown the method keeps vaccines viable at temperatures up to 37 °C (98 °F) for three months.

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Scientists boost the mosquito-killing effect of natural clove oil

The best method of limiting mosquito-borne diseases is to kill the larvae, but doing so often involves synthetic insecticides. A new study suggests a method of improving the effectiveness of a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative – clove oil.

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Engineered ammonia-producing bacteria could replace crop fertilizers

Ammonia is commonly used in commercial crop fertilizers, which in turn can pollute waterways when they run off of fields. New research, however, suggests that engineered bacteria could one day take the place of such fertilizers.

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