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Science News Archive May 2010 - Page 20


Page 20 of 26

Radio tags could save lives after earthquakes

New research suggests that radio frequency identification (RFID) could be used to provide critical information on casualties and losses in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. RFID readers installed at entry and exit points and around critical areas in a building could help rescue personnel locate trapped individuals more precisely.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development·DateMay 6, 2010

Virginia Tech mathematician wins international award

John A. Burns has been awarded the W. T. and Idelia Reid Prize in Mathematics for his fundamental contributions to computational methods and applications in control, design, and optimization of infinite dimensional dynamical systems. He is currently working on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through modeling, s...

Same disease, different stem cell models

A new study compares induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and embryonic stem cells in modeling fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder. The research reveals that the two cell types behave differently in the disease model, with iPS cells not fully replicating the gene silencing process.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

A 'fat forward' research tool

Researchers have developed a microscope-based cell scanner to measure physical parameters in Petri dishes, allowing scientists to investigate fat cells at the cellular level. This tool enables rapid assessment of individual cell changes under experimental conditions, providing clues about treatment toxicity or effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateMay 6, 2010

The biggest winners: Summer campers

A Saint Louis University study shows that a residential summer weight-loss camp improves the health of obese children by reducing their weight, BMI, and blood pressure. The program also boosts their physical fitness and self-esteem, as they connect with peers who share similar struggles.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 6, 2010

Genome breakthrough allows scientists to identify and profile tumor cells from very small samples

Researchers have developed a powerful new technique for analyzing genome data from single tumor cells. The breakthrough allows scientists to study the biology of tumor development and identify dangerous cells in small samples. By profiling individual cells, researchers can understand genetic changes that occur as cancer progresses.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMay 6, 2010

New nerve cells -- even in old age

Researchers discovered that neuronal stem cells exist in the human brain, even in adulthood, and can form new neurons. Physical activity and pathological stimuli like epileptic seizures reactivate dormant stem cells, promoting the formation of new neurons.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

If only a robot could be more like a cockroach

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a direct link between neural activity in an insect's brain and changes in behavior. The findings suggest that cockroaches can control their speed with their brains, which could inspire the development of more adaptive robots for search and rescue and space exploration.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2010

Lessons from the principal's office

Researchers analyzed office referrals across over 1,500 US schools to identify patterns of student discipline for different behaviors. Elementary, middle, and high school students are disciplined differently, with fighting, defiance, and tardiness being common reasons.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateMay 6, 2010

Stem cells: In search of a master controller

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Cambridge have created a computer model that accurately describes the behavior of three regulatory proteins in hematopoietic stem cells. The Scl-Gata2-Fli1 triad is thought to be the master-level regulator for these self-renewing cells, which produce new blood cells.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 6, 2010

Nationwide study: 1 in 4 women show ambivalence toward pregnancy

A nationwide study found that nearly a quarter of women between 25 and 45 consider themselves 'OK either way' when it comes to getting pregnant, contradicting the long-held notion that women are always trying to get or not get pregnant. This ambivalence was linked to higher numbers of ideal children and slightly more religious attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMay 6, 2010

Pluripotent and differentiated human cells reside in decidedly different epigenomic landscapes

Researchers discovered that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and lineage-committed cells have drastically different epigenomic landscapes. The unique epigenome of each cell type directs the cell to interpret its genetic information differently in response to environmental factors, influencing their development and function.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

New atherosclerosis vaccine gives promising results

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a vaccine that can block the immune reaction causing atherosclerosis, reducing disease by 60-70%. The vaccine targets T cells reacting to native LDL particles, reversing previous findings on antioxidants' ineffectiveness against cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

New York City security may be underfunded

A study by Northwestern University suggests that New York City received less Homeland Security funding than optimal in 2009, translating to a potential net increase of $15 million to $92 million. The researchers analyzed budgets for five fiscal years and found Chicago underfunded while Los Angeles overfunded.