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Science News for July 22, 2010


Graphene oxide gets green

Rice University scientists have created an eco-friendly method for mass-producing graphene oxide, a crucial component in various industries. The new process uses common chemicals to produce the material, eliminating toxic gases and making it safer for large-scale production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 2010

Not enough hours in the day for endangered apes

A recent study reveals that a warming climate may cause African apes to lose up to 50% of their habitats due to increased time spent resting. Researchers found that climate change alone can lead to significant habitat loss, making it crucial to ensure safe havens for conservation efforts.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 22, 2010

Nanowick at heart of new system to cool 'power electronics'

Researchers have developed a new ultrathin cooling technology that can efficiently cool 'power electronics' in military and automotive systems. The miniature device uses copper spheres and carbon nanotubes to passively wick a coolant, handling up to 550 watts per square centimeter of heat.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateJul 22, 2010

Resident scientists

Seven Northwestern graduate students will be 'resident scientists' at Chicago-area middle and high schools, integrating their research into the science curricula. The program aims to train graduate students in communicating complex research to people of all ages and bring computational thinking into the K-12 classroom.

Stopping anemia drug may be wiser than reducing dose to normalize hemoglobin levels

Researchers found that discontinuing epoetin was more effective than reducing dose in normalizing hemoglobin levels, but also increased risk of lower-than-recommended levels. Study results suggest a balance between administering epoetin and achieving target hemoglobin levels is necessary for kidney disease patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2010

Quantum mechanics not in jeopardy

Researchers have confirmed an axiom in quantum physics by ruling out the existence of higher-order interferences experimentally. This confirms the accuracy of Born's law, a key principle in quantum mechanics that proposes interference occurs in pairs of possibilities.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2010

A blood test for depression?

Researchers discovered a set of seven genes in whole blood that can diagnose major depressive disorder (MDD) with high accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to unbiased diagnosis and reduce stigma associated with mental health problems, ultimately helping patients receive better treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2010

Unique means of animal locomotion reported for first time

Biologists at Tufts University have discovered a novel 'two-body' system of locomotion in the crawling tobacco hawkmoth caterpillar, where its gut moves independently of the surrounding body wall. This finding may offer valuable insights for designing soft-bodied robots and re-examining the role of soft tissues in human biomechanics.

SourceTufts University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 22, 2010

Study describes health effects of occupational exposures in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers

A five-year study found significantly lower death rates from all causes and cancer in Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant workers compared to the US population. However, death from lymphatic and bone marrow cancers was slightly above national rates. Security workers had higher overall death rates than other employees.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2010

Important clue to understanding the pathogenesis of ciliary disorders

Researchers have identified a gene that regulates the disassembly of primary cilia in living organisms, leading to defects in left-right asymmetry and organ function. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of ciliary diseases, which affect multiple organ systems and can lead to severe clinical symptoms.

New global report launched by the International AIDS Society recommends a new paradigm for treating injecting drug users: 'Seek, test, treat and retain'

The International AIDS Society launches a new report recommending a science-based approach to scaling up treatment and prevention of HIV amongst Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). The 'Seek, test, treat and retain' model advocates for expanding outreach, testing, treatment, and retention services within the criminal justice system.

Premature death less likely than end stage renal disease for African-Americans with kidney disease

African Americans with hypertensive nephrosclerosis have a higher rate of developing end stage renal disease (ESRD) than dying prematurely, according to a new study. The study analyzed data from the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) trial and cohort phase, finding that ESRD rates exceeded mortality rates ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2010

Could diabetes be in your bones?

Two new studies reveal a key molecular link between bone remodeling and metabolism, finding that osteocalcin levels are tied to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Osteocalcin treatment improves symptoms in mice with diabetes-like conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2010

Math model of colon inflammation singles out dangerous immune cells

Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model of colon inflammation that identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages as key culprits for unregulated inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The model allows scientists to explore cellular and molecular changes underlying chronic inflammation, identify intervention points...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateJul 22, 2010

Women, but not men, who are exposed to radiation therapy as children much more prone to stillbirths or baby death when attempting to have children

A new study published in The Lancet found that women who underwent radiation therapy as children are more likely to experience stillbirths or baby deaths when attempting to conceive. In contrast, no increased risk was found for men exposed to similar levels of radiation. The authors suggest that uterine damage may be the primary factor...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 22, 2010

Researchers find genetic link to children's emotional problems precipitated by bullying

Researchers have discovered a genetic variation that moderates whether victims of bullying develop emotional problems. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that a specific gene variant affects the severity of emotional distress in bullied children.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2010