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Science News for December 3, 2010


Gold and silver nano baubles

Scientists in Mexico and the US have synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles just 25 nanometers in diameter, which could have potential applications as catalysts, drug-delivery agents, and quantum dots. The analysis reveals multiple layers of shells within each particle, with some blending or alloying of metals.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanoparticles·DateDec 3, 2010

Virtual training gets real

The ImREAL project aims to create a simulated learning environment that responds to users' behavior and adapts accordingly. Researchers will develop intelligent tools to encourage trainees to detect subtle differences in communication and social cues across cultures.

New public health goals tackle obstacles to breastfeeding success

The US Department of Health and Human Services has set ambitious targets to improve breastfeeding rates in the country. The Healthy People 2020 goals aim to increase the percentage of Baby Friendly Hospitals and workplaces that accommodate working mothers, as well as reduce formula supplementation during maternity hospital stays.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateDec 3, 2010

The gene-environment enigma

A study by Washington University School of Medicine reveals that genes alone do not predict disease risk, as environment interacts with DNA in complex ways. The research found that genetic variants have different effects in different environments, making it challenging to make accurate predictions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 3, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- Dec. 3, 2010

Recent AGU research highlights increased flood fatalities in Africa due to population trends, not climate change, as well as lake warming caused by climate change. The study also found that the ozone hole affects upper-atmosphere temperature and circulation, while solar wind contains more oxygen than previously thought.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 3, 2010

Anesthetic gases heats climate as much as 1 million cars

A recent study by chemists from University of Copenhagen and NASA found that anesthetic gases have a significant impact on the climate. One kilo of anaesthetic gas affects the climate as much as 1620 kilos of CO2, with three commonly used gasses having global warming potentials ranging from 210 to 1620 times that of CO2.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateDec 3, 2010

UT Southwestern researchers uncover culprits in life-threatening clotting disorder

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a potentially life-threatening condition that causes blood clots. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific proteins may lead to new therapies for APS and its associated pregnancy complications.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2010

Smashing fluids: The physics of flow

The study used an extensional rheometer to measure flow properties of complex fluids, revealing intriguing effects depending on concentration and velocity. At high speeds, the fluid can fracture like a solid, behaving like a jammed system with clusters locking together.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2010

Graptolite fauna indicates the beginning of the Kwangsian Orogeny

The study identifies the early Katian Age as the commencement of the Kwangsian Orogeny, a significant event in South China's geological evolution. Continuous Ordovician sections in Yongxin and Chongyi Counties display a continuous graptolite sequence, indicating a sharp facies change from deep-water black shales to shallow-water clastics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 3, 2010

Data mining depression

Researchers develop system to analyze patient data, therapist interactions, for better understanding of depression causes and prevention strategies. The approach balances individual differences with observed similarities in behavior and response to treatment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Functional Informatics and Personalised Medicine·DateDec 3, 2010

Effect of 6 mT SMF on phagocytosis depends on macrophage differentiation degree

A study by Dini et al. investigates the effect of 6 mT Static Magnetic Field (SMF) on phagocytosis in human macrophages, finding that it depends on the degree of macrophage differentiation. The results suggest that moderate intensity SMF can modify cell surface morphology and influence fluid-phase endocytosis and phagocytosis.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateDec 3, 2010