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Science News for February 28, 2010


Injecting drug users have poor access to HIV services

A systematic review found inadequate coverage of effective interventions for HIV prevention among injecting drug users globally. Only 8% of injectors have accessed needle and syringe programs in the last year, with coverage varying greatly between countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 28, 2010

Root or shoot

Researchers at the Salk Institute discover two genetic master switches that determine a plant's polar axis, with one group promoting root development and the other shoot growth. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between these switches, which are regulated by multiple mechanisms to ensure proper spatial distribution.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2010
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Beewolves protect their offspring with antibiotics

Beewolves have evolved a symbiotic relationship with bacteria of the genus Streptomyces that produce nine different antibiotics, providing effective protection against various pathogens. This natural defense mechanism, known as combination prophylaxis, has been used by beewolves for millions of years to safeguard their offspring.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 28, 2010

New technique allows study of protein folding, dynamics in living cells

A new technique called Fast Relaxation Imaging enables real-time observation of protein folding and unfolding in living cells. The method reveals that proteins are more stable and their thermal denaturation is more gradual in a cellular environment compared to an in vitro setting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 28, 2010

Pinpointing immune system disturbances in celiac disease

A new study has identified four key aspects of immune system disturbance that contribute to the development of coeliac disease, including how T cells react to toxic wheat proteins and the body's response to viral infections. The research also suggests a shared risk between coeliac disease and other chronic immune-mediated diseases.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 28, 2010

Glue, fly, glue

Researchers discovered that caddisfly larvae's underwater silk adhesive is sticky and has potential to be used as a medical bioadhesive in surgery. The silk, known as 'rock rollers,' may be useful for sticking wet tissues together, similar to using a wet Band-Aid.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateFeb 28, 2010
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