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Science News for July 12, 2006


Researchers gain insight into why brain areas fail to work together in autism

Studies found that people with autism have reduced connections and coordination between brain areas, leading to difficulties in problem-solving and communication. The research provides evidence for a new theory that views autism as a failure of brain regions to communicate with each other.

New NIAID program aims to model immune responses and key infectious diseases

The Program in Systems Immunology and Infectious Disease Modeling (PSIIM) aims to understand complex biochemical networks regulating interactions between pathogens and human cells. The program employs Simmune software to simulate biological systems, enabling scientists to predict how drugs affect cell behavior and develop new treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 12, 2006

Paint-on semiconductor outperforms chips

A new paint-on semiconductor device has been developed by researchers at the University of Toronto, surpassing traditional methods in terms of cost and performance. The device, created using a liquid painting process, boasts exceptional sensitivity to infrared rays and is approximately ten times more sensitive than current sensors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

Fitting software to students

A recent study at the University of Southern California found that motivated students excel in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), while disengaged students surprisingly show high levels of learning-oriented behavior. The research suggests that ITS can reach struggling students through private learning opportunities, and future models ...

Controlling movement through thought alone

Researchers developed a brain-to-movement system called BrainGate, which enabled a paralyzed man to control objects using only his thoughts. The pilot clinical trial findings show that movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex long after a spinal cord injury, allowing for direct and successful control of external devices.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

New procedure safer for detecting fetal anemia

Researchers developed a non-invasive Doppler ultrasonography method to detect fetal anemia in high-risk pregnancies. The study found that this new procedure is safer than traditional testing methods, which can be traumatic for the mother and carry a risk of miscarriage.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2006

Laser tweezers sort atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully sorted atoms using laser tweezers, a crucial step towards creating a quantum computer. By precisely controlling the position of individual atoms, they can perform simple quantum calculations and pave the way for more complex computations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2006

Coming soon: 3-D imaging that flies 'through' and 'around' cancer

Stanford University researchers developed a 3D PET/CT imaging technique that provides a visual navigation of organs, allowing for better detection and characterization of cancer. The technology has potential for presurgical visualization, guiding biopsies and identifying tumor 'hot spots', enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 12, 2006