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Science News Archive July 2010


Page 1 of 23

Nano 'pin art': NIST arrays are step toward mass production of nanowires

NIST nanowires grown through precisely defined holes in a stencil-like mask covering the silicon wafer exhibit excellent mechanical quality factors and controlled diameter placement. The technique enables precise control of wire location, resulting in uniform shape and size of nearly perfect hexagonal shapes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 30, 2010

'Path of mental illness' follows path of war, 20 years after conflict ends

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a high prevalence of PTSD nearly two decades after the Liberian civil war, with certain villages experiencing a higher burden of trauma. The study suggests that populations exposed to severe conflict are likely to bear a long-lasting psychological toll.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 30, 2010

Functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate pancreatic cancer models, using diffusion-weighted and transcatheter intraarterial perfusion MRI to differentiate living from dead cells. This non-invasive method may replace invasive techniques like biopsy or necropsy for assessing therapeutic efficacy.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

Vanishing bile duct syndrome secondary to anti-retroviral therapy in HIV

A case report describes a rare instance of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) secondary to nevirapine use in an HIV-positive pregnant female. The patient experienced liver dysfunction, jaundice, and itching after starting triple-drug therapy with nevirapine. Liver biopsy revealed cholestatic hepatitis, leading to severe ductopenia and...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 30, 2010

30 million women to benefit from health reform law

The Affordable Care Act will stabilize and reverse growing health costs for women through subsidized insurance coverage and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Women are expected to benefit from the law's provisions on maternity care, newborn coverage, and protection against higher premiums and coverage denials based on gender.

New approach to Alzheimer's therapy

DZNE and LMU researchers have identified alpha secretase enzyme ADAM10, which cleaves amyloid precursor protein without forming beta-amyloid plaques. This discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and preventing Alzheimer's disease.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJul 30, 2010

Reading terrorists minds about imminent attack

A new Northwestern University study has developed a technology that can detect imminent terrorist attacks by correlating P300 brain waves with guilty knowledge in mock terrorism scenarios. The test was accurate in identifying critical concealed information, even without prior knowledge of the planned crime.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJul 30, 2010

Playing with pills

Norwegian nursing students will be given a specially developed computer game to aid in passing a critical exam. The project aims to improve learning through visual and fun methods, addressing students' struggles with mathematics and science.

UCLA scientists for the first time identify a cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer

Researchers identified basal cells from benign prostate tissue as a new cell-of-origin for human prostate cancer. This discovery could lead to better predictive and diagnostic tools, as well as the development of targeted treatments. The study provides a novel model system for understanding prostate cancer development and progression.

Gender-bending fish on the rise in southern Alberta

A study by University of Calgary researchers reveals a significant increase in female fish population and feminization of males in two Southern Alberta rivers. The presence of man-made and naturally occurring chemicals, such as synthetic estrogens and bisphenol A, is linked to the sex ratio imbalance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 29, 2010

Home birth: Proceed with caution

Recent meta-analysis finds planned home births double the risk of neonatal deaths and triple when infants have congenital defects. Women should receive adequate midwife care and have quick access to hospital equipment for safe delivery.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 29, 2010

'White graphene' to the rescue

Researchers have successfully produced sheets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), a potential insulator to complement graphene's electronic properties. The material can be deposited and transferred to various substrates, opening up possibilities for its use in graphene-based electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 29, 2010

Study finds respiratory symptoms more reliable indicator of H1N1, not fever alone

A new study reveals that coughing and other respiratory symptoms are more accurate indicators of H1N1 infection than fever, which can lead to undetected cases. According to the research, nearly half of individuals with mild H1N1 infections may not display fever, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive screening approach.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJul 29, 2010