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Science News Archive March 2009 - Page 8


Page 8 of 26

Ben-Gurion U researchers -- bariatric surgery minimizes pregnancy complications for obese women

Women who undergo bariatric surgery experience reduced risk of medical and obstetric complications during pregnancy. The study showed a significant decrease in gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and severe pre-eclampsia. However, there was a higher rate of cesarean births among women who had undergone bariatric surgery.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMar 24, 2009

Glass you can build with

Researchers have developed metallic glass alloys with improved fatigue resistance, surpassing conventional metal alloys in both strength and durability. The breakthrough involves introducing a second phase of crystalline metal within the glass, which acts as a local arrest point to prevent crack propagation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

Combination of very low LDL and normal systolic blood pressure attenuate coronary artery disease

Researchers found that patients with CAD who achieve very low LDL cholesterol levels (≤ 70 mg/dL) and normal systolic blood pressure (≤ 120 mmHg) experience the slowest progression of coronary disease. This study emphasizes the importance of aggressive control of all risk factors to prevent heart disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 23, 2009

Inflation 'felt' to be not so bad as a wage cut

A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the brain's ventro-medial prefrontal cortex is less active when faced with a low-wage scenario, despite being aware of the true purchasing power remaining the same. This confirms the existence of the money illusion and offers insights into its cerebro-physiological processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

Starve a yeast, sweeten its lifespan

Researchers found that acetylation affects yeast lifespan through the NuA4 enzyme complex, which also controls sugar production in cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding aging and human diseases, as the mechanisms identified are conserved across species.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 23, 2009

2 'new' greenhouse gases growing

Two new greenhouse gases, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), are accumulating in the atmosphere at a rapid rate. These potent gases have significant global-warming potential and are used in industrial processes as alternatives to other harmful gases.

Telltale heat

Infrared thermography is a non-destructive testing method that allows researchers to peer several centimeters into the material of wind turbine rotor blades. This technology enables the detection of minor irregularities and delaminated areas that can cause mechanical stresses and lead to premature failure.

Researchers identify genes for thiostrepton, a powerful drug whose use is now limited

A team of researchers from Georgia Tech has identified the genetic machinery responsible for producing thiostrepton, a powerful antibiotic effective against MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The discovery sets the stage for genetic manipulations to improve solubility and create new antibacterial agents.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2009

After the collapse

Scientists have directly observed a gigantic star blowing up, supporting the idea that massive stars end as black holes. The explosion revealed most of the star's mass collapsed into a dense core, creating an invisible black hole.

Food choices evolve through information overload

Researchers from the University of Leeds used computer modeling to study animal specialization and found evidence supporting the neural limitations hypothesis. This suggests that animals adapt to eat certain foods due to information overload, leading to a loss of ability to process and choose new options.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

New stem cell therapy may lead to treatment for deafness

Researchers have successfully isolated human auditory stem cells from fetal cochleae and found they can differentiate into sensory hair cells and neurons. This breakthrough has the potential to develop a new treatment for deafness, with implications for studying ear development and modeling drug screening.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 23, 2009

JCI table of contents: March 23, 2009

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine have discovered that inhibiting an enzyme called 11-beta-HSD2 blocks COX-2 activity in human and mouse colorectal tumor cells, potentially providing a new approach to preventing colorectal cancer. This finding is significant because long-term inhibition of 11-beta-HSD2 did not cau...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 23, 2009

Software fits flexible components

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Chalmers and ITWM developed a software program that enables designers to virtually install flexible components in new car models. The tool simulates assembly processes, providing concrete advice on component shape changes and optimal installation paths to minimize damage to the car body.

Redefining DNA: Darwin from the atom up

Researchers have developed a new type of DNA with 12 chemical letters, enabling highly parallel amplification of DNA and diagnosis of human diseases. This breakthrough may shed light on the origins of life and personalization of medicine for millions of patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.

Vertigo linked to osteoporosis

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience vertigo than those without. Researchers discovered a strong link between low bone density and an increased risk of inner ear disorders, which can cause dizziness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMar 23, 2009

Predicting mosquito outbreaks for disease control

University of Adelaide researchers developed a model predicting mosquito population peaks, aiding in disease outbreak prevention by allowing for targeted mosquito control. The study analyzed 15 years of data on Aedes vigilax populations, linking environmental factors to peak timing and magnitude.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 23, 2009