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Science News Archive 2004 - Page 109


Page 109 of 135

The human brain and comparative judgments

A new study published in Neuron reveals that the brain processes continuous dimensions such as size and luminance in distributed regions of the cortex. The researchers observed that there is considerable overlap between local brain regions and no single region uniquely selective for one particular stimulus.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 24, 2004

Titania nanotube hydrogen sensors clean themselves

Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateMar 24, 2004

Martian mystery explained

Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateMar 24, 2004

Be picky when served large portions

A study published in Obesity Research found that customers who were served larger portions of high-calorie foods consumed significantly more calories, often without noticing. The study's findings suggest that portion size can have a significant impact on food consumption and weight management.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity Research·DateMar 23, 2004

Trio wins American Chemical Society polymer education award

The Virginia Tech trio of Tom Ward, James McGrath, and Garth Wilkes has been awarded the Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award by the American Chemical Society Division of Polymer Chemistry for their long-term efforts in educating students in polymer science and engineering. The award recognizes the trio's creation of an interdisciplin...

Artificial prions created

Scientists have identified amino acid sequences that allow prions to aggregate and replicate, leading to the creation of an artificial yeast prion. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind diseases like mad cow disease and Alzheimer's, potentially paving the way for new treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 23, 2004

Researchers identify the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host

Researchers used gene chips to analyze the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host, discovering a specific set of genes activated after 21 days post-infection. This indicates that these genes help the pathogen survive within the host while avoiding detection by the immune system.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2004

Ribozyme package effective against hepatitis B virus

A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 22, 2004

'His is lighter than mine'

A study by researchers at University College London found that when participants were lifting a heavy box, they perceived the weight of an actor's lifted box as lighter than it actually was. This suggests that our brains use simulation theory to understand others' actions, which can lead to biased judgments in social situations. Accord...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 22, 2004

Study finds little effects in patients who take prescription drugs and dietary supplements

A study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that most interactions between prescription medications and dietary supplements are not serious, affecting approximately 94% of patient population. Healthcare providers should continue to inquire about supplement use to consider potential interactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2004

New insight into how tumors evade the immune system

Researchers found that galectin-1, a molecule present in various tumor types, negatively impacts T cell survival and contributes to tumor progression. Inhibition of galectin-1 significantly reduces tumor formation in mice, highlighting its potential as a molecular target for cancer immunotherapy.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 22, 2004