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Science News Archive November 2010 - Page 8


Page 8 of 27

Designing more effective anti-HIV antibodies

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that some HIV antibodies target the protein in its final form, making them ineffective. The team proposes designing immunogens to trap the protein in an intermediate state, preventing further structural rearrangements and blocking membrane fusion.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 19, 2010

New microscope reveals ultrastructure of cells

Researchers have developed a new X-ray microscope that delivers immediate 3D images of entire living cells, closing the gap between conventional microscopic techniques. The new method allows for high-resolution imaging without chemical fixation or labelling, enabling detailed study of cellular ultrastructure.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 19, 2010

Professor Zvi Ram presents phase III recurrent glioblastoma survival and quality of life data from the first pivotal study of the NovoTTF-100A at 15th Annual Society for Neuro-Oncology Scientific Meeting

Phase III trial data suggests Tumor Treating Fields (TTF) therapy increases median survival time and improves quality of life scores compared to standard chemotherapy. Younger patients and those with better functional status show an impressive survival advantage.

Planet from another galaxy discovered

Astronomers have discovered a planet from another galaxy orbiting a star that has entered our Milky Way, providing the first confirmed detection of an extragalactic exoplanet. The planet, HIP 13044 b, was detected using high-resolution spectrograph FEROS attached to the MPG/ESO telescope at ESO's La Silla Observatory.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateNov 18, 2010

Redrawing our borders

A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2010

For macaques, male bonding is a political move

Research finds that unrelated male macaques in the wild form close relationships with select males, resembling human friendship. These bonds are linked to future social dominance and successful mating, suggesting a role of politics in shaping male social dynamics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2010

UTHealth discoveries shed more light on deadly thoracic aortic disease

Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 18, 2010

Could Facebook trigger asthma?

Researchers report a case of an 18-year-old man experiencing asthma attacks triggered by logging into Facebook. The doctors suggest hyperventilation due to seeing his girlfriend's profile may have caused these episodes. They propose considering social networks as a potential trigger for exacerbations in depressed asthmatic individuals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 18, 2010

Organ procurement air transportation displays poor safety record

A new report reveals sub-standard transportation practices for donor organs led to fatal air crashes and emphasizes the need for improved safety measures. The study suggests implementing measures like quality aircraft, two-pilot crews, and aviation safety consultants to improve safety in organ procurement travel.

SourceWiley·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateNov 18, 2010