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Science News for July 28, 2010


New transplantation criteria for liver cancer patients

Researchers suggest treatments used on liver cancers beyond Milan criteria be applied to all patients with HCC listed for transplantation. Ablation and waiting can control tumors, allowing time to determine tumor biology and reducing recurrence rates.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateJul 28, 2010

Migrating birds can't control themselves

Researchers found that migratory birds become less capable of resisting temptation, pecking at food-giving buttons without learning to stop. The study suggests that temporal fragmentation of sleep may play a role in the loss of behavioral inhibition during migration.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJul 28, 2010

Pinning atoms into order

Researchers at University of Innsbruck create one-dimensional structures in optical lattice and observe 'pinning transition' from superfluid to insulated phase. Strongly interacting atoms align regularly along wire due to repulsive interaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·DateJul 28, 2010

IceCube spies unexplained pattern of cosmic rays

Researchers at IceCube observatory discover unusual pattern in cosmic ray data, shedding new light on interstellar magnetic fields and possible sources of high-energy cosmic rays. The finding provides a significant boost to physics and astronomy studies, ruling out some proposed theories about the source of Northern Hemisphere anisotropy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 28, 2010

Psychologists develop 2 potent new predictors of suicide risk

Two new tests have been developed by Harvard psychologists to predict patients' risk of attempting suicide. The first test measures attention to suicide-related stimuli, while the second assesses implicit mental associations between death/suicide and oneself. These behavioral markers show great promise in identifying high-risk individu...

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateJul 28, 2010

Nanomaterials poised for big impact in construction

A new study by Rice University researchers highlights the vast potential of nanomaterials in the construction industry, from making more durable concrete to self-cleaning windows. The study also identifies potential adverse health and environmental effects, emphasizing the need for responsible lifecycle engineering.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 28, 2010

Study suggests swimmers at sub-tropical beaches show increased risk of illness

Researchers found swimmers were 1.76 times more likely to report a gastrointestinal illness and 4.46 times more likely to report respiratory illnesses. The study recommends taking precautions like avoiding swallowing seawater, showering before entering the ocean, and washing hands with soap.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that transforming growth factor-β1 contributes to kidney disease by inducing fibrosis and nephron degeneration. Meanwhile, a new diagnostic criteria for T-cell lymphoma was discovered using mast cells and Th17 cells. Additionally, a novel peptide ASARM may implicate in impaired dentin mineralization in rickets.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 28, 2010

Quantum fractals at the border of magnetism

Physicists at Rice University report a simple scaling behavior in electronic excitations of a related material, providing direct evidence of large-scale electronic consequences of quantum critical effects. The study reveals that variables from classical physics cannot explain all observed macroscopic properties at quantum critical points.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2010

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honors 11 outstanding scientists

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology honored 11 researchers with various awards for their groundbreaking contributions to the life sciences. Axel T. Brunger, Michael Brown, Joseph Goldstein, Charles E. Chalfant, Job Dekker, Christine Guthrie, Arthur Gutierrez-Hartmann, Yusuf Hannun, and Arthur E. Johnson received...

A man with attitude

Research by Dr. Scott Keiller found that narcissistic men exhibit a strong link to hostility toward heterosexual women, whereas attitudes toward lesbian women are favorable. Men's narcissism was also linked to a softer reaction towards gay men.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 28, 2010

Nanotechnology for water purification

Researchers at D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering have investigated various nanotechnology approaches for water purification, including nanofiltration and zeolite filtration membranes. These methods can effectively remove sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria, and other pathogens from water.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Desalination·DateJul 28, 2010

Morphine blocks tumor growth

Researchers found that chronic morphine use decreases levels of tumor angiogenesis, mediated by suppression of signaling induced by low oxygen concentrations. This effect suggests morphine may inhibit tumor growth and serve as an anti-angiogenic agent in cancer pain management.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 28, 2010