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Science News Archive February 2008 - Page 7


Page 7 of 19

The downside of a good idea

Research by Goldstone and colleagues found that groups with limited information sharing performed better on difficult problems, suggesting a balance between exploration and dissemination of innovations.

SourceIndiana University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 20, 2008

Do animals think like autistic savants?

Researchers argue that autistic savants' exceptional skills come at a cost in other aspects of processing, while animals process sensory inputs according to rules. This shared processing method is thought to be a specialized feature of the left hemisphere, common to both humans and nonhuman animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 19, 2008

Human stem cells aid stroke recovery in rats

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2008

Strengthening fluids with nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have been shown to enhance the performance and stability of liquids when exposed to electric fields, leading to potential applications in miniature camera lenses, cell phone displays, and other microscale fluidic devices. The findings could enable new types of heat transfer systems that don't require a pump.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2008

UCF technique promises to aid doctor's ability to identify, treat bacterial infections

A new technique developed by a University of Central Florida chemist will help physicians more quickly identify the bacterial infections patients have so they can be treated in hours instead of days. The method uses gold nanoparticles coated with a sugar and a protein that binds to sugars, allowing for rapid testing of antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 2008

Gene therapy 'trains' immune system to destroy brain cancer cells and reverses behavioral deficits

Researchers developed gene therapy approach that attracts and 'trains' immune system cells to destroy deadly brain cancer cells, promoting long-term immunity and restoring normal brain function. The therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and deadly type of brain cancer.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateFeb 19, 2008

Ancient mystery solved

Geologists at the University of Leicester solved a 100-year-old mystery by analyzing the Burgess Shales rocks. They found that the rocks were instantly buried, preserving soft tissue in exquisite detail.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of the Geological Society·DateFeb 19, 2008

HIV patients still stung by stigma from health-care providers

A recent study documents various stigmatizing behaviors by health-care personnel towards HIV-positive patients, including lack of eye contact, disdainful voice tone, and providing substandard care. The study highlights the need for all health-care personnel to be mindful of their actions to prevent misunderstandings and hard feelings.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateFeb 19, 2008

Precancerous stem cells can form tumor blood vessels

A new study shows that tumor blood vessels develop from precancerous stem cells, a type of cell that can become malignant. The findings suggest that screening anti-angiogenic drugs should include these cells to improve their effectiveness in blocking tumor growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2008

Sniffing out insider threats

Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateFeb 19, 2008

Researchers create first chikungunya animal model

The researchers have developed the first animal model of the chikungunya virus infection, which allows them to study the pathophysiology of the disease. The mouse model reveals that young age and inefficient type-I interferon signaling are risk factors for severe disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 2008

'Invisible' bacteria dupe the human immune system

Researchers at University of York characterize mechanism used by bacteria to evade the human immune system, using an 'invisibility cloak' to move about the body without risk of attack. The discovery of a novel enzyme and its role in capturing sialic acid offers hope for developing novel antimicrobials against these bacteria.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 2008

Directed self-ordering of organic molecules for electronic devices

A simple surface treatment technique induces self-assembly of molecular crystals, improving performance and providing electrical isolation. This method enables the mass production of large arrays of organic electronic transistors on polymer sheets, opening up possibilities for flexible displays, intelligent paper, and biosensor arrays.

Astronomy technology brings nanoparticle probes into sharper focus

Researchers used astronomy technology to develop a system that provides more precise images of single molecules tagged with nanoprobes, allowing for detailed information about molecular binding and gene sequences. The technology enables high-speed detection and identification of individual molecules at nanometer resolution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2008

Study finds that young children bear greatest burden of cholera

A new study found that young children in impoverished regions are disproportionately affected by cholera. The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, reveals the African site had the highest incidence of cholera, with vaccination and improved water supply considered immediate strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 19, 2008

Study suggests antibiotic may prevent dreaded brain fever

Researchers suggest that minocycline can limit Japanese Encephalitis (JE) death by reducing neuronal death, microgliosis, and viral titre. The study found that treatment with minocycline provides complete protection against experimental JE, improving behavioral outcome as well.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateFeb 19, 2008