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Science News for August 28, 2008


Robots learn to follow

Researchers at UC Davis developed a control system that allows robots to pick up on cues and predict where leaders are going, enabling them to follow accurately around corners. The system uses behavioral cues such as head turns and incorporates them into decision-making processes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateAug 28, 2008

Memory trick shows brain organization

A new study published in Neuron reveals that the perirhinal cortex can contribute to forming memories by creating simple associations between items. This finding expands our understanding of how brain areas involved in memory formation are organized, potentially leading to new insights into memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Life under the laser

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a novel technology using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to detect and track single molecule binding to A3-adenosine receptors. This allows for real-time observation of receptor activity within living cells, shedding light on potential anti-inflammatory drug targets.

Ceramic material revs up microwaving

Researchers have developed a ceramic material that heats up in the microwave without causing damage, allowing for faster cooking times. The material, made from petalite and magnetite, can retain heat for up to 15 minutes, enabling innovative food preparation methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 28, 2008

Variant of mad cow disease may be transmitted by blood transfusions, according to animal study

A recent study found that blood transfusions can transmit a variant of mad cow disease (vCJD) to humans with high efficiency, particularly when donors are in the later stages of infection. The research suggests that blood from BSE- and scrapie-infected sheep could be used effectively in non-human experiments to develop diagnostic tests.

Breaking harmful bonds

Brandeis scientists have identified a catalyst that efficiently breaks the carbon-fluorine bond, rendering it harmless to the environment. This breakthrough finding could lead to large-scale reactions to convert environmental pollutants into reusable or destroyable products.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2008

Biophysical method may help to recover hearing

Scientists have created a biophysical methodology to retune functioning regions of the ear to recognize frequencies associated with damaged areas, which could remedy even substantial hearing loss. The method uses modifications that enable remapping of frequencies without losing auditory information.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 28, 2008

HIV patients at greater risk for bone fractures

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that HIV-infected patients have a higher prevalence of fractures compared to non-HIV infected patients. The study analyzed data from over 8,500 HIV-infected patients and more than 2 million non-HIV infected patients, revealing a significant increase in fr...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 28, 2008