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Science News Archive April 2010 - Page 23


Page 23 of 24

Combing a qubit

Physicists at the University of Maryland have developed a novel approach to manipulate quantum bits using an optical frequency comb. The technique allows for the creation of coherent pairs of frequencies, reducing the need for physically adjusting components and increasing the versatility of qubit manipulation.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 5, 2010

Viral life cycle of malignant catarrhal fever explained

Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Animal Diseases Research Unit have discovered the viral life cycle of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a leading cause of disease in American bison. The virus undergoes several changes inside the animal's body, targeting specific cell types at different stages of its own life cycle.

Medicine residues may threaten fish reproduction

Researchers have discovered that traces of medicines can be found in fish swimming in treated wastewater. Elevated levels of the hormone levonorgestrel were found in fish blood, leading to infertility. The study highlights the impact of synthetic hormones on fish reproduction and calls for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 4, 2010

April 2010 Lithosphere highlights

Researchers have made significant findings on the state of stress in central and eastern North American seismic zones, providing insights into earthquake-generating stresses. Additionally, studies have mapped the depth domains of the Eastern Ghats Belt in India, offering clues to understanding ancient collisions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalLithosphere·DateApr 2, 2010

Caltech scientists uncover structure of key protein in common HIV subgroup

Researchers have uncovered the three-dimensional structure of a key protein found on the surface of a specific HIV-1 subgroup, providing valuable insights for vaccine design. The discovery reveals unusual autoreactivity between an anti-HIV antibody and the CD4 receptor, raising questions about potential autoimmune responses.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 2, 2010

The embryonic heart: Imaging life as it happens

Using optical-coherence tomography (OCT), researchers are documenting the formation of the mammalian heart in real-time, allowing for the first time to observe the heart beat and chamber contractions. This breakthrough technology aims to shed light on developmental processes and gene mutations that cause cardiovascular abnormalities.

New tool for RNA silencing

Researchers have created the first class of reagents to potently and selectively inhibit miRNAs in C. elegans, a widely used model organism. The new reagents efficiently and specifically inhibited targeted miRNA in different tissues, including the hypodermis, vulva, and nervous system.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalSilence·DateApr 1, 2010

All for one and one for all

Researchers developed a realistic computer model of spiny stellate cells, finding that only 30 synapses out of 6,000 firing simultaneously create reliable signaling. This contradicts the widely accepted view that neurons communicate through volleys of electrical spikes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2010

Genetic form of anemia defined molecularly

A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

Hip surgery success partially predicted by number of other existing conditions

A new study found that a patient's pre-surgical health classification, as determined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), is a leading indicator of how well they will fare after hip fracture surgery. Medical complications were more common in patients with ASA class 3 and 4, highlighting the need for close medical managem...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 1, 2010

Combinatorial therapy allows viruses to destroy tumors

Researchers developed a combinatorial approach using viruses to destroy tumors, which was shown to provide substantial regression and cure of tumors in mice. By targeting tumor blood vessels, this approach could potentially treat a wide range of cancers, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

Study shows partial lung removal favorable over full removal as treatment for lung cancer

A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that sleeve lobectomy offers superior survival and better postoperative pulmonary function compared to pneumonectomy in selected patients. The study analyzed 210 lung cancer patients and reported lower mortality rates for those who underwent a sleeve lobectomy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 1, 2010

Donor kidneys from hepatitis C patients needlessly denied to patients with that infection

A Johns Hopkins study found that more than half of donor kidneys infected with hepatitis C are discarded, despite the need among hepatitis C patients who may die waiting for an infection-free organ. The study suggests that using hepatitis C-positive kidneys could help those with hepatitis C and expand the organ supply.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateApr 1, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 1, 2010

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating cancer using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. In mice, combining this with standard therapy led to substantial tumor regression and cure. Additionally, modulating VEGF signaling allowed the cells lining tumor blood vessels to be targeted by viruses, suggesting a potential wi...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010