Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 5, 2010


Study of how genes activate yields surprising discovery

Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine discovered that genes involved in building protein complexes are activated randomly, not coordinately. This unexpected finding may change the way scientists think about cellular processes and synchronization.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 5, 2010

Over-reactive immune system kills young adults during pandemic flu

Researchers found that a massive, uncontrolled activation of the complement system led to severe lung damage and death in young adults. The study's findings suggest that this over-reaction is responsible for making healthy young and middle-aged adults seriously ill during pandemic flu, explaining why they are disproportionately affected.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 5, 2010

'Shotgun' method allows scientists to dissect cells' sugar coatings

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have adapted gene chip microarray technology to the study of glycans, using an approach called 'shotgun glycomics.' This technique allows for the separation and analysis of thousands of glycans, enabling researchers to test what sticks to them. The method has been used to identify a mo...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 5, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

UNC-led team tests commonly used antibodies

A UNC-led research team developed a searchable database of more than 200 commonly used antibodies to help genetic scientists precisely test DNA. The database addresses the issue of specificity in antibody tests, which can affect gene regulation and human diseases.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 5, 2010

Seeing the world differently

Researchers found that individual volunteers' perceptions of optical illusions varied greatly due to differences in brain size. The primary visual cortex area affects the extent to which we see visual illusions.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2010

Babies' biological clocks dramatically affected by birth light cycle

A new study finds that birth light cycles significantly impact the development of biological clocks in mice, which may explain why people born in winter months are at a higher risk of certain neurological disorders. The experiment reveals that even after weaning, biological clocks remain affected by the initial light cycle.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2010

Northern wildfires threaten runaway climate change, study reveals

A new study reveals that climate change is causing northern wildfires to burn more fiercely and release more carbon into the atmosphere than previously thought. The research found that fires in Alaska's interior have become more severe over the past decade, pumping out more greenhouse gases and accelerating permafrost loss.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 5, 2010

Study reveals new possibility of reversing damage caused by MS

Researchers have identified a mechanism to regenerate insulating layers in the brain that protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The study shows activating stem cells can repair injury in the central nervous system, reversing damage caused by MS.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2010
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The LouseBuster returns

A new study by the University of Utah found that the LouseBuster is highly effective in killing head lice and nits, with 94.8% mortality rate. The device uses warm air to dry out lice and nits, making it a safe and easy treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateDec 5, 2010