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Science News Archive June 2008 - Page 17


Page 17 of 21

UCLA researchers develop new PET scanning probe that will allowing monitoring of the immune system

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have created a new probe that allows for the modeling and measurement of the immune system in action. The probe enables scientists to monitor the immune response at the whole body level in 3D, facilitating faster diagnosis and treatment evaluation of immunological disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 8, 2008

Circadian math: 1 plus 1 doesn't always equal 2

A new study reveals that short-wavelength light, like natural blue sky light, is highly effective at stimulating the human circadian system. Exposure to multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously can result in less total stimulation compared to viewing individual colors separately, a phenomenon known as spectral opponency.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateJun 6, 2008

Should medical researchers share their results with the volunteers in their studies?

A new review suggests that participants' desire for transparency outweighs bioethicists' concerns about potential negative psychological consequences. Volunteers generally want access to aggregate study results and some individual results if relevant to their lives. However, individual results can be overwhelming and expensive to provide.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJun 6, 2008

Crystal clear savings for drug giants

A new technology developed by University of Leeds engineers can monitor crystals as they form in drug manufacture, providing a method to ensure production of desired drug compounds. This can lead to huge delays and costly challenges for drug companies, but the technology has enormous commercial potential.

Brazil's biotech firms: From imitators to innovators in health-related products

Brazil is transitioning from imitator to innovator in health-related products, with several small and medium-sized enterprises succeeding in developing innovative products. Despite facing challenges such as regulatory barriers and limited access to private equity, Brazil's biotech industry has the scientific capacity to become a major ...

SourceSandra Rotman Centre for Global Health·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 6, 2008

Caltech scientists decipher the neurological basis of timely movement

Researchers have discovered that the brain uses a forward model to generate predictions about future movements, allowing for rapid and accurate control. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of neural prosthetic devices and could one day enable people with paralysis to control their limbs through thought.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2008

Scientific information largely ignored when forming opinions about stem cell research

Public attitudes toward embryonic stem cell research are influenced more by religious values and deference to scientific authority than scientific knowledge. For highly religious audiences, understanding the science has no effect on their views, while for less religious individuals, it is linked to more positive attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Public Opinion Research·DateJun 6, 2008

Higher co-payments reduce use of antidepressants

New research from Brandeis University finds that multi-tiered formularies requiring higher copayments for non-preferred medications reduce the use of antidepressants. The study, which analyzed data from a large nonprofit managed care organization, found that out-of-pocket spending increased while health plan spending per user decreased.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalThe Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics·DateJun 6, 2008

Otters reveal their identity

Researchers have developed two new methods to better estimate the numbers of European Otters and their effects on fish farming industries. Genetic analyses of faeces can prove a promising approach in investigating otter populations. The information can be used to ensure effective nature conservation by calculating fish eaten per pond a...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalConservation Genetics·DateJun 5, 2008

Volcano taming

R.D. Schuiling suggests using dolomite or limestone to react with hot lava, cooling it down and solidifying it, potentially saving thousands of lives and homes during future eruptions. He proposes various methods for deploying these rocks, including helicopter drops and aerial cable systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateJun 5, 2008

Ocean life under threat from climate change

Marine ecosystems face significant threats from climate change, including warming temperatures, nutrient supply disruptions, and ocean acidification. The paper calls for increased research funding to better assess these impacts and develop adaptation options.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2008

A supra new kind of froth

Researchers have discovered that magnetic domains in type-I superconducting lead exhibit patterns similar to everyday froths like soap foam or frothed milk. The team found that suprafroths, a new kind of froth system created by applying a magnetic field, adhere to statistical laws governing the behavior of froths.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 5, 2008

Terrorism risk determines homeland security spending

A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.

SourceWiley·JournalPolicy Studies Journal·DateJun 5, 2008

Admiring celebrities can help improve self-esteem

A study published in Personal Relationships found that people with low self-esteem can use parasocial relationships with celebrities to view themselves more positively. These relationships, which involve admiration without actual contact, offer a low-risk alternative to real relationships and can help reduce self-discrepancies.

SourceWiley·JournalPersonal Relationships·DateJun 5, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: June 5, 2008

Researchers have identified cells that initiate infant tumors, developing a new mouse model to identify therapeutic targets. A molecule called IRF4 has been found to control inflammation in the gut, while implanting olfactory ensheathing cells promotes neuroplasticity in stroke models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 5, 2008

Building on pyramids of trash

A Dutch engineer suggests building pyramids from solidified waste to dispose of toxic industrial and domestic waste. This innovative system reduces the risk of toxic materials leaching into groundwater, providing a sustainable solution to waste management.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateJun 5, 2008

Talking to cells

Researchers at the University of Nottingham created artificial polymer vesicles that can communicate with bacterial cells using sugar groups. These vesicles transfer information to the cells in the form of dye molecules, opening possibilities for targeted drug delivery and treatment.

SourceWiley·DateJun 5, 2008

Motivation of small business managers affects firm growth

A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.

SourceWiley·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateJun 5, 2008