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Science News Archive 2010 - Page 54


Page 54 of 283

AFM tips from the microwave

Scientists from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena developed a new process to grow carbon nanotubes on scanning probe tips, utilizing microwave radiation for rapid growth. The method improves the fabrication of sharp atomic force microscopy tips, reducing costs and enabling routine measurements.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 21, 2010

Malaria research begins to bite

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have pinpointed 72 molecular switches controlling the malaria parasite's three key stages. Their research, funded by Wellcome Trust and MRC, is a significant breakthrough in finding cheap and effective solutions to stop malaria transmission.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 21, 2010

Strategies for translational research in the UK

The UK's NIHR Biomedical Research Centres have established a cutting-edge translational research infrastructure, driving progress in disease research and treatment. With strong focus on interdisciplinary working, public engagement, and industry partnerships, the centres aim to deliver rapid benefits for patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2010

Younger brains are easier to rewire

Researchers found that brains of congenitally blind individuals showed greater reorganization of the visual cortex, which processes motion, compared to sighted individuals who became blind at a later age. This suggests that early life plays a crucial role in shaping brain function and that retraining may be possible.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 21, 2010

BUSM study shows patient navigations improve mammography rates in minority women

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that patient navigation services significantly improved biennial mammography screening rates among inner city women. The study showed a significant increase in adherence rates to 87% in those who received patient navigation, compared to 76% in the non-navigated group.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 21, 2010

Towards better explosives detectors

Researchers have developed a new technique using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and differentiate explosives. This technology provides rapid identification of components in explosives like C4, including the explosive active components, additives, binders, and contaminants.

Adverse neighborhood conditions greatly aggravate mobility problems from diabetes

A study found that living in neighborhoods with poor air quality, traffic noise, and infrastructure issues significantly increases the risk of mobility problems among African Americans with diabetes. The researchers discovered that people with diabetes who live in adverse neighborhood conditions are up to 80 times more likely to develo...

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 21, 2010

Smaller is better in the viscous zone

Duke University researchers discovered that smaller catalyst particle size is crucial for improving efficiency in chemical reactions. The team found that the surface-to-volume ratio of the catalyst particle is more important than previously thought, leading to faster reactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 21, 2010

Value-added sulfur scrubbing

A new method involves microbial sulfate reduction using an anaerobic bioreactor, reducing over 90% of sulfates in scrubbing water. The treated waste can be converted into elemental sulfur or metal sulfide nanoparticles for industrial use.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateOct 21, 2010

Light on silicon better than copper?

Duke University engineers have designed and demonstrated microscopically small lasers integrated with thin film-light guides on silicon that could replace copper in a host of electronic products. The new approach solves some of the unanswered riddles facing scientists trying to create and control light at such a miniscule scale.

SourceDuke University·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 21, 2010

Positive social traits trump bad health habits

A new study by Margie E. Lachman and Stefan Agrigoroaei found that specific psychological, social, and physical protective factors can delay declines in health by up to a decade. Positive traits such as control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise are associated with better health in later life.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2010

Risk gene for severe heart disease discovered

A common variant of the HSPB7 gene is found to increase risk for dilated cardiomyopathy by nearly 50%. The study provides a first step towards supporting future preventive measures for this severe form of heart muscle disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 21, 2010

Forensic scientists use postmortem imaging-guided biopsy to determine natural causes of death

A new study uses a combination of computed tomography (CT), postmortem CT angiography (CTA) and biopsy to determine the natural causes of death, with results showing near-identical findings in 18 out of 20 cases. The minimally invasive approach has improved accuracy and reduced the need for traditional autopsy.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 21, 2010

Coccolithophore blooms in the southwest Atlantic

A study led by Dr. Stuart Painter identifies five distinct water masses controlling coccolithophore blooms off the southeast coast of South America, highlighting the region's complexity and productivity. The research cruise measured salinity, chemistry, and nutrient levels, confirming that specific conditions foster bloom formation.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateOct 21, 2010

Egg meets sperm: The female side of the story

The study reveals new insights into how the egg interacts with sperm at fertilization, providing potential clues to infertility and potentially leading to non-hormonal contraceptives. The research was conducted by Luca Jovine's team at Karolinska Institutet and has important implications for human reproductive medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateOct 21, 2010