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Science News for March 11, 2010


Children with chronic respiratory illness are vulnerable to critical H1N1

A new study published in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine found that children with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop severe H1N1 infections. With careful management, pediatric ICUs can meet increased demands during a pandemic. Researchers also modeled PICU surge capacity and found it should be adequate with adaptable planning.

SourceSociety of Critical Care Medicine·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 11, 2010

OHSU team discovers powerful molecule regulator in blood pressure control system

A research team at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered that nitric oxide is a powerful regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule involved in the development and function of the nervous system. This finding could play a significant role in preventing and treating high blood pressure.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateMar 11, 2010

Why female moths are big and beautiful

Researchers found that female moths outgrow their male counterparts by initiating a developmental change later in life, resulting in larger adult moths. This study provides insight into the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in moths, highlighting the importance of early developmental stages in determining adult body size.

Clean sampling from bioreactors

bbi-biotech offers a novel sampling system that extracts sterile samples from bioreactors without dead volume, ensuring representative and contamination-free samples. The bioPROBE MK1 system facilitates at-line analysis and real-time monitoring of process status, enabling immediate regulation and optimization.

Can we detect quantum behavior in viruses?

A German-Spanish research group has developed an experiment to test for quantum properties in objects composed of one billion atoms, including the flu virus. This technique could potentially allow researchers to study life and consciousness in the context of quantum mechanics.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 11, 2010

An end to lice: The effectiveness of a new oral treatment has been demonstrated

A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.

Study: Kidney disease a big risk for younger, low-income minorities

A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 11, 2010

Shari'a as discourse

This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.

Researchers characterize stem cell function

Researchers at Northwestern University characterized a special type of stem cell, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), to see if they can behave as endothelial cells in the body when cultured on a bioengineered surface. The study shows promise for improving surgery success rates for peripheral arterial disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 11, 2010

Who does what on Wikipedia?

A University of Arizona professor and graduate student found that Wikipedia's quality relies heavily on collaboration between contributors. They identified seven roles that contribute to high-quality entries: all-round contributors, starters, content justifiers, and copy editors.

Back to the future for computers: A return to the 1980s?

Emerging optical technologies will enable warehouse-scale computing data centers, allowing users to access their data from anywhere and at any time. Google's Cedric Lam highlights the importance of low-cost, high-bandwidth, and high-density optical fiber interconnects in powering cloud computing.

SourceOptica·DateMar 11, 2010