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Science News for July 22, 2009


New windows opened on cell-to-cell interactions

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new class of self-assembling materials that can control colloidal interactions by applying biological molecules from cell membranes. The findings suggest that specially tweaked biological membranes can serve as control knobs to direct materials to specific actions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 22, 2009

New silver nanoparticle skin gel for healing burns

Researchers have developed a novel silver nanoparticle skin gel that effectively kills harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant microbes, while promoting wound healing without causing harm to healthy skin. The gel contains 30 times less silver than traditional antimicrobial agents, making it a safer option for burn patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateJul 22, 2009

Hepatitis C: No overall difference in sustained viral response in most widely used treatments

A large study comparing widely used treatments for chronic hepatitis C infection found similar safety and efficacy in achieving long-term viral eradication. However, subgroup analysis revealed that certain approaches may be better suited for women and minorities, with some treatments showing higher success rates in these groups.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2009

AIDS discovered in wild chimpanzees

A new study reveals that chimpanzees infected with SIV, the precursor to HIV-1, contract and die from AIDS. Infected females were less likely to give birth, and infants born to infected mothers were unlikely to survive. The virus was transmitted sexually and through mother's milk.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2009

Music is the engine of new U-M lab-on-a-chip device

Researchers at U-M have developed a lab-on-a-chip device that uses sound waves to drive experimental samples through the device. This innovation replaces traditional electromechanical valves with resonance cavities, amplifying specific musical notes to create air pressure controlling droplets.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2009

For abused women, leaving is a complex and confusing process

A new study finds that abused women experience a five-stage process of leaving, marked by boundary ambiguity, emotional disconnection, and preparation to leave. Women often struggle with clarity and connection once they've left, highlighting the need for support and understanding from social workers, friends, and family.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Family Theory & Review·DateJul 22, 2009

Can brain scans read your mind?

A study by UCLA and Rutgers neuroscientists found that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can accurately predict a person's mental task, such as reading words aloud or counting tones. The research suggests that brain patterns are similar across healthy individuals, allowing for predictions on new people.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 22, 2009

Hepatitis C infection: treatment options equally effective, likelihood of success known early on

A landmark study finds that treatment with either of two standard antiviral drug therapies is safe and offers the best way for people infected with hepatitis C to prevent liver scarring, organ failure and death. The study showed that treating patients in early or less advanced stages of the disease leads to higher success rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 22, 2009

Foot & Ankle Specialist accepted in Medline

The Foot & Ankle Specialist journal has been accepted for inclusion in the MEDLINE database, providing researchers and clinicians with improved access to high-quality studies on foot and ankle treatments. This acceptance aims to enhance the dissemination of techniques and advancements in foot and ankle care.

SourceSAGE·JournalFoot & Ankle Specialist·DateJul 22, 2009

LSUHSC shows for first time infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution linked to adult lung disease

Early exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter in infancy has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. This study found that infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution caused genetic defects leading to dysfunctional proteins and permanent changes in immune responses.