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Science News for November 17, 2010


Antihydrogen trapped for first time

Researchers have achieved a significant milestone by trapping 38 antihydrogen atoms for more than one-tenth of a second using the ALPHA experiment. This achievement marks a crucial step towards studying the properties of antihydrogen, which could provide insights into the universe's mysterious lack of antimatter.

Addiction research: Key findings every month

The journal aims to strike a balance between brevity and detail in its new key findings page, which highlights the most significant scientific discoveries published each month. The service provides bite-sized chunks of information on article titles and abstracts, allowing users to scan for new research findings.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 17, 2010

1-touch make-up -- for our cells

Scientists have developed a novel system called MultiLabel to efficiently label mammalian cells with multiple fluorescent markers, allowing for faster disease process analysis. This technique enables precise labeling of cellular components involved in various diseases, facilitating accelerated drug development and screening.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2010

New insight into dementia pathophysiology

A new study has uncovered the role of Sortilin in regulating Progranulin levels in neurons, which may hold promise for treating frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The research found that Sortilin-mediated PGRN endocytosis is a key pathway underlying FTLD-TDP pathophysiology.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

IQ scores fail to predict academic performance in children with autism

A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 17, 2010

Why estrogen makes you smarter

Researchers at Northwestern University have found a way to mimic estrogen's effects on brain cells without increasing cancer risk. By activating an estrogen receptor, they increased the number of connections between brain cells, improving mental performance.

It takes 2: Double detection key for sensing muscle pain

A new study reveals that adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) works in synergy with lactic acid to sense muscle pain. The researchers found that ATP increases the sensitivity of acid sensing channel #3 (ASIC3) on sensory neurons, helping to explain why acid alone is unable to trigger ischemic pain.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateNov 17, 2010

New revelations in ammonia synthesis

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have made breakthroughs in the Haber-Bosch process, aiming to produce fertilizers more efficiently while reducing energy consumption. Their innovative approach uses single-crystal iron samples and ultra-high vacuum conditions to achieve significant improvements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2010

Multidisciplinary approach is key to successful treatment of aggressive prostate cancer

A multidisciplinary clinic approach to treating aggressive prostate cancer has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce distress among patients. The study, conducted over 15 years at the Kimmel Cancer Center, found that a team of specialists working together can provide more effective treatment options and better patient outcomes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateNov 17, 2010

Deactivating nerves in the kidneys reduces high blood pressure in patients not responding to drug treatment (Symplicity HTN-2 trial)

The Symplicity HTN-2 trial shows that deactivating nerves in the kidneys using radiofrequency energy can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a large reduction in systolic blood pressure, and the technique was applied without major complications.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 17, 2010

NIH experts describe influenza vaccines of the future

The article discusses ongoing research to improve influenza vaccines, including the development of novel production technologies and approaches such as recombinant virus proteins and universal flu vaccines. These efforts aim to provide better protection against multiple strains of influenza and novel flu viruses in the future.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 17, 2010

Rett syndrome mobilizes jumping genes in the brain

Researchers found that a mutation in the MeCP2 gene leads to the mobilization of L1 retrotransposons in brain cells, reshuffling their genomes and possibly contributing to the symptoms of Rett syndrome. This discovery sheds light on the complexity of molecular events underlying psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010

Pelletized manure reduces toxic runoff

A recent study by the University of Delaware found that pelletized manure and no-tillage treatments can significantly reduce estrogen concentrations in manure runoff. The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Quality, suggests that measuring all forms of estrogens is crucial to understanding their environmental impact.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 17, 2010

Study: Employers, workers may benefit from employee reference pool

A centralized reference pool could help employers and workers by providing a legal safe harbor for employees and allowing them access to references while also enabling recourse through a neutral third party. This system would promote the flow of accurate information with low transaction costs, making labor markets more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe American Journal of Comparative Law·DateNov 17, 2010

Researchers trap antimatter atoms

A team of researchers from the University of Calgary has successfully trapped atomic antimatter, a significant breakthrough in understanding fundamental physics. The discovery opens up new possibilities for studying antimatter and its properties.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010

Wednesday news tips: Nov. 17, 2010

A new study found that ICD patients often do not receive optimal medical therapy, while a promising anti-arrhythmic agent and mobile phone-based telemonitoring system showed significant improvements in heart rhythm and blood pressure control. The study also revealed no increased risk of cancer associated with statin use.

Being faced with gender stereotypes makes women less likely to take financial risks

A new study published in Psychological Science found that negative gender stereotypes can influence women's financial decision-making, making them more wary of risk. The researchers discovered that when participants were exposed to these stereotypes, women became less likely to take calculated risks and more cautious in their decisions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 17, 2010

Antimatter atoms produced and trapped at CERN

The ALPHA experiment at CERN has successfully produced and trapped atoms of antihydrogen, a significant step forward in understanding the difference between matter and antimatter. This development allows for new ways of making detailed measurements of antihydrogen, which will enable scientists to compare matter and antimatter.

SourceCERN·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010

Scientists identify antivirus system

Researchers have identified a security system in host cells that viruses exploit to replicate, allowing them to evade the immune system. The discovery sheds light on how some viruses add chemical caps to RNA to bypass host cell defenses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2010