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Science News for February 27, 2007


First direct electric link between neurons and light-sensitive nanoparticle films created

Scientists at UTMB and University of Michigan develop direct electrical link between nerve cells and photovoltaic nanoparticle films, enabling light-stimulated nerve-signaling devices. This breakthrough could lead to creation of a nanoparticle-based artificial retina with unprecedented flexibility, compactness, and reliability.

RAND study finds walking more likely in neighborhoods with more 4-way intersections

A RAND Corporation study found that neighborhoods with more four-way intersections and diverse businesses encourage walking. However, the impact of these factors on walking is not particularly strong, especially when housing density is low. The study suggests that urban design recommendations can help create walkable communities.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2007

City ants take the heat

Researchers discovered that ants in São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, have adapted to higher temperatures. The findings suggest a link between urban heat islands and the physiological adjustments of species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 27, 2007

UT-Houston scientists develop new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

New insights into autoimmunity and depression

A study found that anti-ribosomal P antibodies, associated with SLE, induce depressive behavior in mice by interacting with the limbic system. Fluoxetine treatment reversed this effect, but haloperidol had no significant impact.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007

The link between rheumatoid arthritis and cancer

Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 27, 2007

Eating ice cream may help women to conceive, but low-fat dairy foods may increase infertility risk

Researchers found that consuming whole fat milk and eating ice cream reduces the risk of anovulatory infertility in women trying to become pregnant. In contrast, a diet consisting of low-fat dairy products increases the risk by up to 85%. Women are advised to switch from low-fat to high-fat dairy foods to improve fertility.

Public welcomes workers with intellectual disabilities, Queen's poll finds

A Queen's University poll found that 65% of respondents believe workers with intellectual disabilities should work alongside those without ID, while 71.1% note a lack of job training programs as a major obstacle to workplace inclusion. The study suggests that public attitudes are not a barrier to keeping workers with ID in the workplace.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·DateFeb 27, 2007

New guide to sharks and rays of Indonesia

A five-year survey of catches at local fish markets provided the first detailed description of Indonesia's shark and ray fauna. The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research published a 330-page field guide, Economically Important Sharks and Rays of Indonesia, featuring over 20 new species.

CNSE reports breakthrough in production of exposed images using ASML EUV R&D lithography tool

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has successfully produced the world's first exposed images using the ASML EUV research and development tool. This achievement supports the R&D programs of the $600M International Venture for Nanolithography consortium, which includes global industry-university collaborations.

Cancer cells forming blood vessels send their copper to the edge

Researchers discovered that cancer cells forming blood vessels exhibit a distinct distribution of cellular copper, which may help explain how copper-reducing cancer therapy works. This finding has implications for understanding the regulation of metal ion content in metal-binding proteins and could lead to new cancer therapies.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

HPV infection common among females in US

A national study estimates that approximately 1 in 4 U.S. females between 14 and 59 years old may have HPV infection, with the highest prevalence among younger women. The study also found a significant trend for increasing HPV prevalence with age, followed by a decline through 59 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 27, 2007

Brain maps online

Researchers at UC Davis have created digital brain atlases with high-resolution whole-brain images, enabling virtual microscopy for comparison of healthy brains with those affected by neurological diseases. The online platform allows users to explore and analyze brain data using free downloadable tools.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuroImage·DateFeb 27, 2007

Nectar is not a simple soft drink

Researchers discovered that plant nectar contains secondary compounds, including nicotine, which repel pollinators and attract 'nectar thieves'. This finding suggests that plants may produce nectar to increase genetic diversity by attracting more visitors despite the potential risk of poisoning insects.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 27, 2007