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Science News Archive April 2007 - Page 4


Page 4 of 17

Water flows like molasses on the nanoscale

A Georgia Tech research team discovered that water exhibits layered properties when confined to channels less than two nanometers wide. The study found that the viscosity of water increases dramatically as it approaches one nanometer in thickness, potentially making it a more suitable lubricant for applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 25, 2007

Physician ties to drug industry stronger than ever

A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.

SourceBurness·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 25, 2007

Towards rational vaccine design

A study published in Immunology Letters describes new ways of inducing immune responses through selective B cell priming, suggesting a potential approach to rational vaccine design. This discovery could have significant practical implications for vaccination development.

SourceElsevier·JournalImmunology Letters·DateApr 24, 2007

Moonlighting enzyme linked to neurodegenerative disease

Researchers identify mutations in moonlighting enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) that contribute to the reduction of frataxin production, leading to increased severity of Friedreich's ataxia. The study suggests DLD as a potential target for therapies of this condition.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2007

You don't have to be smart to be rich, study finds

A nationwide study by Ohio State University's Jay Zagorsky found that people with below-average intelligence are just as wealthy as those with higher IQ scores. However, high-IQ individuals tend to earn higher incomes but struggle with financial difficulties such as maxed-out credit cards and missed bill payments.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIntelligence·DateApr 24, 2007

Stretching DNA to the limit

A Duke University team develops a method to measure DNA mechanical properties upon irradiation, revealing unraveling of the double helix and crosslinking of bases. This work establishes a relationship between DNA nanomechanics and damage, paving the way for DNA diagnostics.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateApr 24, 2007

Ultrasound upgrade produces images that work like 3-D movies

Researchers at Duke University have developed an ultrasound imaging software that enables the display of real-time stereo image pairs, improving early diagnosis of birth defects and surgeons' depth perception during medical procedures. The technology has potential to be upgraded in existing 3D scanners with minor software changes.

SourceDuke University·JournalUltrasonic Imaging·DateApr 24, 2007

Researchers find ways to reduce side effects in the treatment of damaging protein plaques

A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that carboranes can stabilize transthyretin protein and prevent harmful plaque formation without causing negative side effects. This discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2007

High insulin levels impair intestinal metabolic function

Researchers at the University of Alberta found a connection between high insulin levels and impaired intestinal lipid metabolism in an animal model, supporting the role of intestinal metabolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disease. Excessive insulin slows chylomicron removal from the bloodstream, leading to blockages and heart problems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAtherosclerosis·DateApr 24, 2007

The power of speaking ladylike

A new study by Dr. Carmelia Suleiman explores the role of gender in media interviews with politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Researchers found that language choices and habits in conversation were influenced more by the interviewers' perspectives than the interviewees' genders.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psycholinguistic Research·DateApr 24, 2007

Meeting the ethanol challenge: Scientists use supercomputer to target cellulose bottleneck

A team of scientists has conducted molecular simulations to understand the cellulose enzyme complex's role in breaking down tightly bound cellulose into sugars. By discovering key steps in this process, researchers can develop protein engineering strategies to speed up the reaction and produce ethanol more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProtein Engineering Design and Selection·DateApr 24, 2007