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Science News Archive 2007 - Page 49


Page 49 of 203

Storing data on atomic roundabouts

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered right-handed and left-handed magnetic vortices, which could be used to store information in hard disks. The discovery has potential practical applications, but the primary interest is in understanding the underlying principles of magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2007

Stowers Institute's Xie Lab demonstrates dual intrinsic and extrinsic control of stem cell aging

The Stowers Institute's Xie Lab has discovered that stem cell aging is controlled by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The study found that specific proteins, adhesion between cells, and enzyme activity can influence stem cell lifespan and function, potentially leading to the development of new therapies for age-related diseases.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 10, 2007

Protein enhances lethality of influenza virus

A recent study published in Cell Host & Microbe has found that the protein PB1-F2 from the 1918 influenza virus strain increases virulence and secondary bacterial pneumonia in mouse models. This discovery provides crucial insights into the pathogenicity of IAVs and has significant implications for preparing for future pandemics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 10, 2007

Potential early warning system for lung cancer identified.

A study published in Thorax reveals a potential early warning system for lung cancer, detecting autoantibodies in blood that are associated with solid tumours and triggered by cancerous changes. The presence of these autoantibodies in patients indicates an 80% chance of a cure if the disease has not yet spread.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateOct 10, 2007

Positive results for airway bypass

The airway bypass procedure has shown positive results in reducing air trapped in lungs and improving breathing in patients with emphysema. The study achieved a statistically significant reduction in residual volume and improvement in the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for pat...

SourceBroncus Technologies·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateOct 9, 2007

Transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound can not substitute for 24-h pH monitoring or manometry

The study found that transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) is not a substitute for 24-hour pH monitoring or manometry in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor disorders. TCEUS can aid in estimating GER and motility disorders, but it cannot replace these established diagnostic methods.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 9, 2007

Chronic job strain doubles the risk of a second heart attack

A new study from Université Laval found that people who experience chronic job strain after a first heart attack double their risk of suffering from a second one. Researchers discovered that high levels of work stress increase the probability of experiencing another CHD event, even after taking into account other health factors.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 9, 2007

New findings solve human origins mystery

A recent study published in PLoS ONE confirms that many early hominoid apes were upright bipedal walkers sharing the basic body form of modern humans. This groundbreaking research reveals a specific genetic change that generated the upright human body form and identifies four upright bipedal species that precede Australopithecus Lucy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 9, 2007

Nobel prize in physics for Helmholtz scientist

Peter Grünberg's discovery of Giant Magnetoresistance led to increased storage capacity in hard disks and the development of spintronics, a new research field exploiting quantum spin states. The award marks the Helmholtz Association as a leader in providing an excellent working environment for exceptional researchers.

Patients with pneumonia who received pneumococcal vaccine have lower rate of death, ICU admission

A study found that patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who received the pneumococcal vaccine had a significantly lower risk of death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission compared to those who were not vaccinated. The vaccine was shown to reduce ICU admissions by less than 1%, resulting in potential cost savings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 8, 2007