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Science News Archive 2009 - Page 207


Page 207 of 277

Dissecting a stellar explosion

The analysis reveals highly polarised gamma rays, providing insight into the central engine's magnetic field structure. The team favours a synchrotron model, suggesting that the jet lifted the magnetic field into space.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 3, 2009

Beating the back-up blues

Physicists at the University of Leeds and IBM Research have made advances in racetrack memory, a new kind of computer memory that could replace hard disks. The technology is estimated to be 100 times cheaper per bit than flash memory and promises faster speeds.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 3, 2009

Radiologists can dramatically lower cardiac CT radiation dose in some patients

A study at the University of Erlangen found that reducing tube voltage from 120 kV to 100 kV lowered cardiac CT radiation doses in adult patients weighing 185 pounds or less by 39% without compromising image quality. The lower dose resulted in effective radiation doses ranging from 4.9 to 11.9 mSv, compared to 8.8 to 16.9 mSv at 120 kV.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 3, 2009

More compelling evidence on why earlier HIV treatment lengthens survival

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that starting antiretroviral treatment earlier can significantly increase survival rates among asymptomatic HIV patients. The research, led by Dr. Mari Kitahata at the University of Washington, analyzed data from over 17,500 patients and showed that delaying treatment u...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 2, 2009

Bird can 'read' human gaze

Researchers found that jackdaws, a type of bird, are sensitive to human eye orientation and use it to communicate, particularly when seeking food or interacting with potential threats. The birds' ability to interpret human gestures, such as gaze alternation and pointing, suggests a high level of cognitive awareness.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 2, 2009

JHU researcher discovers brain cells have 'memory'

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that brain cells in a specific region store visual information for up to two seconds, enabling the creation of a stable visual world despite rapid changes. This discovery may have practical implications for understanding and treating disorders such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 2, 2009

Autism linked with stress hormone levels

A study led by the University of Bath found that children with Asperger Syndrome do not experience a surge in cortisol levels after waking, which may contribute to their struggles with minor changes. The researchers believe this could help explain why individuals with AS have difficulties adapting to routine or environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateApr 2, 2009

MDC researchers prevent virus induced myocarditis

Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch discovered a mechanism to prevent viral myocarditis by blocking the Coxsackie-adenovirus-receptor. Genetically engineered mice without this receptor were protected from cardiac infection caused by the Coxsackievirus, showing that autoimmune response may not be the primary cause of disease process.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 2, 2009

Sleep may help clear the brain for new learning

Researchers found that sleep decreases the number of new synapses formed during social enrichment, while deprivation of sleep eliminates this decrease. The study identified three genes essential to links between learning and increased need for sleep, offering a promising avenue for studying plasticity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2009