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Science News Archive July 2010 - Page 3


Page 3 of 23

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

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers identify risks of hypertension in young adults

A large-scale study published by BGU researchers found that normal blood pressure at age 17 can predict hypertension in early adulthood, particularly in teenage boys. The study also revealed that estrogen may protect against hypertension in girls, and that monitoring weight and blood pressure is crucial for adolescents and young adults.

CTC screening for colorectal cancer not cost-effective when reimbursed at same rate as colonoscopy

A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that computed tomographic colonography (CTC) screening every five years is not cost-effective if reimbursed at the same rate as colonoscopy. However, CTC would be cost-effective if it enticed 25% more individuals to screen.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 27, 2010

Where do the drugs go?

A new theoretical model accurately predicts the hydration free energy of a wide variety of organic compounds, enabling accurate prediction of compound movement in complex environments. The model has been developed using computational hydration thermodynamics and chemo-informatic techniques, requiring only 10-20 seconds on a PC.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 27, 2010

Sensing wind speed with kites

Scientists at the University of Reading in the UK have created a kite-based system to measure wind speed with high accuracy. By attaching a strain gauge to a kite's tether line, researchers found that the tension in the line is linearly related to wind speed, making it a potential tool for atmospheric research.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 27, 2010

Social relationships are linked to improved survival

A meta-analysis of social relationships and mortality risk found that individuals with adequate social connections have a 50% greater likelihood of survival. The study's results suggest that reducing mortality through enhancing social relationship factors may be a major opportunity to improve both survival and quality of life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 27, 2010

Specific oncogene plays a role in lung squamous cell carcinoma

A study has identified the BRF2 oncogene as specifically associated with lung squamous cell carcinoma, potentially serving as an identification marker and novel therapeutic target. Genetic analysis found frequent activation of BRF2 in pre-invasive stages of the disease, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 27, 2010

Few people are doing it, so why should I? Motivating men to seek cancer screening

A new study published in Psychological Science found that men are less likely to seek cancer screening when presented with misleading information about the prevalence of screening among other men. The researchers suggest that framing health messages to emphasize the benefits of screening rather than relying on relative numbers can be a...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 27, 2010