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Science News for March 15, 2009


New organic material may speed Internet access

Researchers have developed an organic material with high optical quality and strong ability to mediate light-light interaction, which can fill the slot between waveguides on integrated optical circuits. This innovation enables fast data processing in all-optical networks, potentially increasing internet speed.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 15, 2009

Blocking protein may help ease painful nerve condition

Researchers found that blocking dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) gene may help prevent degeneration of ailing nerve cell branches, a potential trigger for painful neuropathy. The study could lead to the development of a drug to spare cancer patients considerable pain during chemotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 15, 2009

No hiding place for infecting bacteria

Researchers in Colorado discovered a way to disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by targeting protein and DNA with specific enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacteria, which are prevalent in burns, wounds, and cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateMar 15, 2009

A natural approach for HIV vaccine

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a diverse team of antibodies in slow-progressing HIV patients whose coordinated pack hunting knocks down the virus. These natural antibodies, produced by six people infected with HIV, show limited neutralizing ability when alone but become effective when combined.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2009