Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 15


Page 15 of 24

Patents block competition, slow innovation in gene testing

Exclusive licenses to gene patents hinder competition and innovation in genetic testing, according to researchers at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. The findings suggest that overly broad patent claims are the primary issue, rather than patents themselves.

SourceBurness·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 14, 2010

New data presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting showed that Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) improved both motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease

New data from the RECOVER study showed that Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) effectively improved both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including sleep quality, mood, cognition, and pain. The treatment also translated into significant improvements in quality of life for patients.

Genetic patterns rise from huge yeast samples

Researchers have devised a method to identify genetic material responsible for complex traits in millions of yeast cells, shedding light on the missing heritability problem. By studying regions of the genome that cause specific traits in offspring, scientists can detect subtle patterns previously undetectable.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 2010

Exclusive licensing deals a tool for collaboration, study says

Researchers found that exclusive licensing deals are a tool for collaboration and risk management in product development, allowing innovators to manage risks while leveraging cooperation. The study analyzed over 200 exclusive licensing deals and suggests that granting rights to a sole partner can curb risk and incentivize cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateApr 14, 2010

Wildlife still exposed to Exxon Valdez oil 20 years after disaster

Scientists have discovered lingering oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still being ingested by wildlife in Prince William Sound. The study used biomarkers to reveal long-term exposure to oil in harlequin ducks, demonstrating that consequences of oil spills can last for decades.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2010

Why humans believe that better things come to those who wait

New research identifies a brain circuit that enables humans to make choices with high long-term benefits by delaying reward. The study found that vividly imagining the future reduces impulsive choice behavior, suggesting the anterior cingulate cortex plays a key role in dynamic adjustment of preference functions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 14, 2010

Pinning down a proton

Researchers have developed a new method for describing proton and neutron binding in nuclei, enabling more accurate predictions of astrophysical reactions. This breakthrough may improve our understanding of star life cycles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2010

BioTorrents: An OA file sharing service and more

The study presents BioTorrents, a website that allows open access sharing of scientific data via BitTorrent. It features keyword searching, category browsing, and error checking for reliable transfers. The article discusses the implications of BioTorrents on file transfer challenges.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 14, 2010

Brain cancer: Study focuses on forgotten cells

Scientists have discovered that residual glioblastoma cells have different properties than those found in the tumor mass, making them more mobile and resistant to treatment. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against this aggressive brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 13, 2010

Sequence is scaffold to study sleeping sickness

Researchers have generated a high-quality draft genome sequence for the strain of T. brucei responsible for human African trypanomiasis, a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system. The study found that the parasite's ability to infect humans is linked to subtle genetic differences, including changes in VSG genes.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 13, 2010

Turning planetary theory upside down

Astronomers discover six exoplanets orbiting their stars in the opposite direction to the star's rotation, contradicting conventional wisdom. This finding sparks alternative migration theories, suggesting that hot Jupiters may form far from their stars and migrate inward due to gravitational interactions with distant companions.

SourceESO·DateApr 13, 2010

Give dirty mouths a brush

A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found that triclosan/copolymer toothpaste is more effective at killing harmful germs in the mouth than regular fluoride toothpastes. This can help minimize cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateApr 13, 2010