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Science News Archive April 2009 - Page 21


Page 21 of 24

Researchers develop new way to see single RNA molecules inside living cells

Biomedical engineers have developed a new probe that allows visualization of single RNA molecules within live cells, enabling scientists to study RNA's operation and interaction with binding proteins. The tool overcomes issues with fluorescent probes, allowing for hours-long imaging and distinguishing between targeted and unbound probes.

Device controls electron spin at room temperature

North Carolina State University scientists developed a GaMnN thin film-based device that manipulates both charge and spin of electrons at room temperature, surpassing previous devices which only functioned at -173°C. The new technology uses lower voltages to switch electron bias, improving semiconductor efficiency and speed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 6, 2009

Gutsy germs succumb to baby broccoli

Eating two and a half ounces of baby broccoli sprouts daily for two months reduced HpSA levels by over 40% in infected individuals, suggesting potential protection against gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. However, the study did not cure infection or eradicate H. pylori colonization.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 6, 2009

New pain assessment tool distinguishes between pain subtypes

A new standardized tool for assessing chronic pain has been developed and validated to differentiate between peripheral neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic low back pain. The tool, called STEP, takes just 10-15 minutes to administer and has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Ambati study published in PNAS

A new study by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and colleagues found that the siRNA treatment is toxic to both blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, with potential applications in cornea transplantation and treatment of lymphatic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

Heart Failure Congress 2009

The European Society of Cardiology reports that heart failure is the most prevalent chronic cardiac condition in Europe, with 30 million cases identified. Recent improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates, but challenges persist in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Young adults at future risk of Alzheimer's have different brain activity, says study

A new study by scientists from Imperial College London and University of Oxford found that young adults with a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's Disease exhibit changes in brain activity decades before any symptoms appear. The researchers used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to compare the brains of healthy young...

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2009

Poison: It's what's for dinner

A study published in Molecular Ecology found that woodrats have genetic detoxification genes that enable them to consume creosote bushes, which are coated with a toxic resin. The researchers also discovered that these animals adapt their diets in response to climate change, and the findings may provide insights into how humans can modi...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 5, 2009

Scientists show how a neuron gets its shape

Researchers used microscopy to study neuron growth in Caenorhabditis elegans and found that certain neurons work backward from their destination. The discovery suggests that the brain is wired based on connectivity rather than absolute distance, providing an explanation for how the brain grows in proportion to the organism.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateApr 3, 2009

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