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Science News Archive August 2008 - Page 2


Page 2 of 17

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

Chronic stress alters our genetic immune response

Researchers found that chronic stress alters the genetic immune response by changing the pattern of gene expression in monocytes, a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. This altered response can lead to increased inflammation and contribute to the risk for illnesses like depression, heart disease, and diabetes.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2008

Cocaine-induced brain plasticity may protect the addicted brain

A recent study found that cocaine-induced brain plasticity may actually defend the brain during excessive drug use, potentially limiting maladaptive behavioral responses. The research identifies MEF2 as a key regulator of structural synapse plasticity and suggests that increasing spine density in the NAc may be a compensatory mechanism.

Not all fat is created equal

A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that fat tissue in obese patients has impaired cellular function, leading to increased risk of insulin resistance and related conditions. The researchers discovered significant differences in the cellular structure and function of fat cells between lean and obese individuals.

SourceTemple University·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 27, 2008

Study examines use of opioids

A recent study found that over 10 million Americans use opioids, with 4 million using them regularly, reflecting a need to strike a balance between opioid misuse and chronic pain control. Opioid regular use increased with age, decreased with education level, and was more common in females and non-Hispanic whites.

SourceBoston University·JournalPain·DateAug 27, 2008

Endoscopic ultrasound highly accurate in evaluating ambiguous radiographic findings of the pancreas

Researchers report that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly accurate in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms, with a 99.1% accuracy rate. EUS-FNA also shows excellent results, with 88.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity, making it an ideal next step for patients with ambiguous imaging findings.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateAug 27, 2008

Potential new targets for antidepressant medications

A new study suggests that blocking the corticotrophin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor and the vasopressin-1B (V1B) receptor may retain their efficacy in treating depression, even when neurogenesis is disrupted. The researchers found that restoration of the stress axis may be key to how these new antidepressant approaches work.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2008

New role for natural killers!

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a new role for Natural Killer cells, which can make diseases worse in certain cases. The research suggests that these cells produce chemicals that inhibit immune responses, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating chronic infections and cancer.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalImmunity·DateAug 27, 2008

Low levels of brain chemical may lead to obesity, NIH study of rare disorder shows

A National Institutes of Health study found that people with WAGR syndrome, a rare genetic condition, have low blood levels of the brain chemical BDNF and are more likely to become obese. The study suggests that BDNF plays a role in regulating appetite and body weight.