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Science News for March 19, 2010


Causes found for stiff skin conditions

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome shares genetic similarities with the debilitating condition scleroderma, affecting about one in 5,000 people. The findings suggest a potential treatment strategy involving the protein fibrillin-1 and its role in regulating TGFbeta activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 19, 2010

Designer nanomaterials on-demand

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to design nanocomposites with desired properties, using a mix-and-match approach to combine materials on the nanoscale. This process enables new possibilities for electronic and energy technologies, including improved battery electrodes, photovoltaics, and electronic data storage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 19, 2010

Infection prevention efforts by National Guard Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia recognized with award

The National Guard Health Affairs in Saudi Arabia has been recognized for its efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections, including an 82% reduction in central line associated BSI rates and an 80% reduction in surgical site infection rates. The organization's multidisciplinary team approach has been key to its success.

Rochester-led study leads to recommendation for use of heart failure treatment nationwide

A new therapy reduces mortality and heart failure risk in patients with mild cardiac disease, showing a 34% reduction in death or heart failure risk compared to those receiving only an ICD. The treatment has been approved for use in the US, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans with milder forms of heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 19, 2010

Acne drug prevents HIV breakout

Researchers found that minocycline effectively targets and reduces HIV replication in immune cells, providing an additional layer of defense against the virus. The antibiotic may improve current treatment regimens for HIV-infected patients when used in combination with HAART.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 19, 2010

Silver proves its mettle for nanotech applications

Researchers have developed a method to deterministically position silver nanoparticles onto self-assembling DNA scaffolds, paving the way for new biomedical applications and precise sensing operations. The study demonstrates the viability of using silver instead of gold nanoparticles in DNA-based architectures.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 19, 2010

Estimating ethanol yields from CRP croplands

Agricultural Research Service scientists found that plant species diversity and composition are crucial for potential energy yield per acre from biomass harvested from CRP land. The study suggests that CRP lands in the northeastern US with a high proportion of tall native prairie grasses have the potential to produce over 600 gallons o...