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Science News Archive May 2010 - Page 18


Page 18 of 26

Chemical remains of dinobird found

A 150-million-year-old 'Dinobird' fossil has been found to contain remnants of the animal's original chemistry, including phosphorous and sulfur in its feathers. The discovery could revolutionize the field of palaeontology by providing a new avenue for learning about long-extinct creatures.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

Canadian C-spine rule could help trauma patients, ease overcrowding in emergency departments

A study found that widespread use of the Canadian C-spine rule by triage nurses in emergency departments would alleviate discomfort among trauma patients and streamline patient flow. The rule helps clinicians make diagnostic or therapeutic decisions about cervical spine evaluation, reducing unnecessary immobilization time.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 10, 2010

Fly gut bacteria could control sleeping sickness

A new bacterial species found in the fly that transmits African sleeping sickness has been identified as a potential tool for controlling the disease. The bacterium, named Serratia glossinae, has shown promise in killing the parasite that causes the disease and could lead to new treatment strategies.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateMay 10, 2010

Directing immune traffic -- signposts to the lung

Scientists at the Trudeau Institute have identified two crucial signals that enable virus-fighting T cells to migrate to the lungs, where they can fight future infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines designed to promote respiratory immunity.

SourceTrudeau Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 10, 2010

Dementia takes away the meaning of flavors

Researchers found that patients with semantic dementia have difficulty identifying individual flavours and assessing the appropriateness of particular flavour combinations. This suggests a 'pan-modal' deficiency of knowledge in semantic dementia, affecting not just words but also common experiences like flavours.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateMay 10, 2010

Quantum mechanics reveals new details of deep Earth

Scientists used quantum mechanics to simulate silica behavior under high-temperature and pressure conditions, revealing the mineral's structure changes dramatically with depth. The study suggests the lower mantle may be devoid of silica, except in localized areas where oceanic plates have subducted.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

Animals talk, sing and act like humans?

A study by Northwestern University researchers reveals that children's experience and cultural beliefs significantly influence their reasoning about the natural world. The findings challenge the long-held assumption of a universal human-centered pattern in young children's development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognitive Development·DateMay 10, 2010

Eliminating the source of asthma-causing immune molecules

Researchers at Genentech Inc. developed a way to specifically eliminate IgE-producing B cells, providing a new approach to treating asthma and other allergic diseases. The monoclonal antibody neutralizes the effects of soluble IgE molecules in the blood, reducing their levels and numbers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 10, 2010

Researchers discover metabolic vulnerability in TB and potential drug target

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis relies on gluconeogenic substrates for growth and persistence, with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) playing a pivotal role. This finding could lead to the development of new drug therapies targeting the enzyme, potentially improving treatment outcomes fo...

SourceNewYork-Presbyterian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2010

Research recommends starting cattle on corn, finishing on co-products

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that starting early-weaned cattle on corn and finishing them on a diet high in co-products can achieve high-quality beef while reducing feed costs. Cattle fed these diets showed significant marbling and higher profits compared to traditional finishing methods.

EMBO Gold Medal 2010 recognizes Jason W. Chin

Jason W. Chin receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming the genetic code, allowing molecular biologists to control and elucidate protein functions with unprecedented precision. His research enables the creation of designer amino acids, opening doors to new applications in protein therapeutics and materials.

SourceEMBO·DateMay 10, 2010

Unique close-up of the dynamics of photosynthesis

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have successfully photographed the movement of atoms during photosynthesis, revealing a temporary storage of light energy before chemical bonds form. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar panels by mimicking photosynthesis' sophisticated energy conversion process.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2010

Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions

Warren Piers, a University of Calgary chemist, has developed a faster catalyst for olefin metathesis reactions. This breakthrough enables more efficient production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels while reducing energy costs and waste. The discovery opens up new applications and markets.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 9, 2010

A new method for developing safer drugs

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have created a method to develop safer drugs by simulating metabolism and identifying potentially toxic metabolites. This approach has been successfully applied to the antimalarial drug amodiaquine, which was withdrawn due to liver damage and immune system impairment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateMay 9, 2010

Insulin reduces inflammation caused by obesity

Researchers discovered insulin's properties reduce inflammation in fat tissue, a key factor in developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Identifying the inflammatory molecule IL-6 and protein PKCdelta improved understanding of signalling mechanisms that can lead to medicines to reduce inflammation and related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 9, 2010

Scripps research scientists shed light on potential treatment for Gaucher's disease

A Scripps Research Institute team has discovered a mechanism to enhance the cellular folding and function of mutated lysosomal enzymes, which are linked to Gaucher's disease. The researchers used FDA-approved drugs to increase calcium levels in cells from patients with Gaucher's disease, potentially paving the way for clinical trials.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 9, 2010

Multiple lipomas within jejunal duplication cyst

A rare case report describes a 68-year-old man with abdominal bloating caused by intussusception due to small intestine lipomatous lesions located in a jejunal duplication cyst. Multiple lipomas within jejunal duplication cysts are rare and difficult to diagnose before surgery, emphasizing the need for appropriate examination methods.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 7, 2010

Fatty acid to enhance anticancer drug

Scientists have developed a fatty acid that enhances the delivery of an existing anticancer drug, increasing its effectiveness in treating certain types of blood cancer. By incorporating elaidic acid into azacytidine, researchers were able to improve the bioavailability of the agent and increase therapeutic efficacy.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 7, 2010