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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 15


Page 15 of 26

Dendritic cells ensure immune tolerance

Research suggests that dendritic cells are essential for generating and maintaining immunological tolerance. Without these cells, the immune system fails to distinguish between self and foreign substances, leading to autoimmune responses. This study highlights the critical role of dendritic cells in protecting against autoimmune diseases.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Where does consciousness come from?

A new paper suggests that four specific processes occur only in conscious perception tasks, offering a unique insight into the neural correlates of consciousness. By studying brain activity of patients with epilepsy, researchers isolated four converging electrophysiological markers characterizing conscious access after word perception.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 16, 2009

First treatment for muscular dystrophy in sight: Scientists successfully harness exon-skipping

Researchers at Children's National Medical Center and colleagues in Tokyo have achieved the first successful application of exon-skipping to curb Duchenne muscular dystrophy in dogs. The treatment uses synthetic DNA-like molecules called morpholinos to skip over mutated gene parts, showing promise for humans with this genetic disorder.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 16, 2009

Paper electrified by copper particles

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have successfully produced nano-sized metallic copper particles that can form electricity-conducting layers and patterns on paper. The particles, protected by polymeric compounds, exhibit good electrical conductivity and make them promising materials for electronics printed on paper.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 16, 2009

Hospital infection control strategies for antibiotic-resistant organisms

Effective measures to prevent and control hospital infections from antibiotic-resistant organisms include proper hand hygiene, a clean environment, and early patient identification. Hospital-acquired infections are more common in patients with certain risk factors such as older age, severe disease, or prolonged antibiotic use.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2009

Acitretin therapy may help reduce nail psoriasis

Low-dose acitretin therapy shows promise in reducing nail psoriasis symptoms, with 25-33% of patients experiencing complete or near-complete clearing. The treatment also demonstrates safety and effectiveness in improving quality of life for patients suffering from severe nail psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2009

UV lights decrease infectious TB in hospital room air

Researchers used guinea pigs to test air disinfection methods, finding that UV lights and negative ionizers reduced TB transmission. The study showed a significant decrease in TB infection rates when UV lights and fans were used to ventilate patient room air.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 16, 2009

Researchers develop DNA 'patch' for canine form of muscular dystrophy

Scientists have developed a successful treatment for dogs with Duchenne muscular dystrophy using 'exon skipping' technology, which covers up genetic errors. The treatment involves injecting tailor-made DNA patches into the bloodstream, improving muscle functioning and reducing deterioration in skeletal muscles.

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

Potential pathway for drug intervention

A newly identified molecular pathway directed stem cells to produce glial cells, providing insights into the neurobiology of Down's syndrome and central nervous system disorders. The study found that synaptojanin-1 is essential for glia production, which may lead to the development of drugs that inhibit glial proliferation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 13, 2009

Nanocups brim with potential

Researchers at Rice University have created a light-bending metamaterial using nanocups that can focus light from any direction. This material has potential applications in thermal solar power, superlenses, and invisibility cloaks.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 2009

Iron is involved in prion disease-associated neuronal demise

A study found that iron homeostasis is disrupted in prion disease-affected brains, leading to a vicious cycle of increased iron uptake. The misfolded protein PrP-scrapie causes this imbalance by altering cellular iron metabolism, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 13, 2009

Is it really only our kidneys that control blood pressure?

A debate between world-leading experts reveals conflicting views on blood pressure control, with some arguing the kidneys play a key role and others pointing to the brain's influence. The discussion highlights major issues in blood pressure control and will guide future studies.

SourceWiley·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateMar 13, 2009

New method for detecting explosives

Researchers have developed a new technology to detect explosives based on their unique thermal characteristics, enabling trace detection and differentiation between individual explosives. The system uses microfabricated bridges to probe thermal signatures of chemical vapors, allowing for high sensitivity and selectivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 13, 2009