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Science News Archive November 2009 - Page 13


Page 13 of 24

In touch with molecules

A team of European researchers has achieved the first experiment to study the electrical behavior of only two C60 molecules touching each other. The investigation revealed that the conductance between the two molecules is significantly lower than expected, with a controlable leakage current between neighboring circuits.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2009

Faithful mothers have healthier babies

A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateNov 12, 2009

New insights into the physiology of cockroaches

A study by scientists from the University of Valencia has shown that cockroaches eliminate excess nitrogen by excreting ammonia, unlike most terrestrial insects. The research suggests an evolutionary convergence between cockroaches and ants, arriving at similar metabolic solutions through their associations with endosymbionts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 12, 2009

New explanation for nature's hardiest life form

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular characteristics of bacterial spores, discovering that they have entirely different properties than previously thought. The findings suggest that changes in the physical properties of spore water may be crucial to their heat resistance.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2009

LA BioMed to launch study of testosterone in older men

A large national study on testosterone's effectiveness will be conducted at LA BioMed, focusing on its impact on anemia, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions in older men with low testosterone levels. The Testosterone Trial will involve 800 men across 12 sites, including LA BioMed, to evaluate the treatment's benefits.

Alberta's hidden valleys offer both resources and danger

Researchers have discovered hidden glacial valleys in Alberta that contain valuable resources, including loose rock and natural gas, posing risks of accidents and environmental damage. The valleys were found using a combination of seismic and electrical mapping data, highlighting the importance of advanced underground mapping practices.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateNov 12, 2009

Study finds many people with hemianopia have difficulty detecting pedestrians while driving, advocates for individual testing

A study found that individuals with hemianopia, a condition where one half of the visual field is blinded, struggle to detect pedestrians on their blind side while driving. This suggests that drivers with hemianopia should be tested individually to determine their fitness to drive.

SourceSchepens Eye Research Institute·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 12, 2009

Sweet as can be: How E. coli gets ahead

Researchers discovered that E. coli has a protein that recognizes the rarer furanose form of galactose, allowing it to exploit this additional nutrient source. This adaptation enables E. coli to grow faster and persist in the gut at the expense of other species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2009

Shape of things to come: Structure of HIV coat could lead to new drugs, says Pitt team

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a functional importance seam in the HIV coat that could lead to new treatments for blocking HIV infection. The findings may allow scientists to rationally design therapeutic compounds that interfere with assembly and function of the protein.

No-entry zones for AIDS virus

Researchers at German Cancer Research Center find that HIV virus rarely integrates into genes with high transcription activity. This discovery could lead to the development of specific AIDS drugs targeting these 'cold spots', potentially offering a new approach to combat the virus.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAIDS·DateNov 12, 2009

Too much selenium can increase your cholesterol

A new study from the University of Warwick found that high levels of selenium are associated with increased cholesterol levels. The research team discovered a 10% increase in non-HDL cholesterol levels and an 8% total cholesterol level increase, which can lead to heart disease. The study highlights the importance of moderate selenium i...

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 12, 2009

Greenland ice cap melting faster than ever

A new study confirms the Greenland ice sheet is losing mass at an accelerating rate, primarily driven by accelerated iceberg production and increased surface meltwater. The research suggests this trend is likely to continue in the near future, with significant implications for global sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2009

Gene knockout may cheer up mice

Researchers discovered that removing the PKCI/HINT1 gene from mice results in anti-depressant and anxiolytic-like behaviors, suggesting its potential role in mood regulation. The study's findings could lead to the development of new diagnostic or therapeutic agents for depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 2009

Fertility procedures need not delay breast cancer treatment for younger women

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that younger women with breast cancer can safely delay treatment for up to 71 days after undergoing fertility preservation. The study found no significant delay in cancer treatment when fertility preservation is coordinated in a timely fashion.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 12, 2009