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Science News Archive October 2010 - Page 14


Page 14 of 25

Insight gained into age-related hearing loss

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School studied two closely linked genes that contribute to hearing function in mice, revealing separate maintenance pathways for β-actin and γ-actin proteins. These findings suggest important roles for each protein in maintaining auditory function during aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 14, 2010

Planet hunters no longer blinded by the light

Using new optics technology developed at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, astronomers have obtained images of a planet on a closer orbit around its parent star than any other extrasolar planet previously found. The discovery enables scientists to search for planets closer to the star than has been previously possible.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 14, 2010

Scientists perfect new nanowire technique

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a novel technique to control molecular alignment in discotic liquid crystals, enabling the creation of stable nanowires. These wires could be used in low-cost biosensors for water quality testing and next-generation electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 14, 2010

Perspectives on improving patient care: Genetics, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention

This special issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science investigates the potential of genetics research, personalized medicine, and behavioral intervention to improve patient care. The articles examine the intersection of behavior and genetics, with a focus on tailoring treatments to individual genetic characteristics.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 14, 2010

Is anxiety contagious?

A study by Prof. David Eilam and his team found that group members display the same level of anxiety when exposed to a common threat, regardless of individual differences. This result has implications for helping clinicians better treat victims of trauma or terror, such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateOct 14, 2010

A river ran through it

Rivers and streams face threats from human activities and climate change, altering their natural flow patterns and disrupting food webs. This can lead to the disappearance of large-bodied fish species, making them more vulnerable to droughts and floods.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010

Code RED for biodiversity

The proposed 2020 CBD goals aim to address biodiversity loss through specific, measurable, ambitious, realistic, and time-bound targets. However, experts argue that the targets must consider trade-offs, timing, and complexity to be successful.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010

OCTANE study influences revision of WHO guidelines for treating some HIV-infected women

A new study found that single-dose nevirapine can hamper the drug's effectiveness if used later to treat HIV-infected women. The WHO has revised its guidelines to advise against using nevirapine in combination with other drugs, if treatment begins fewer than 12 months after exposure.

Mysterious pulsar with hidden powers discovered

A team of astrophysicists has observed dramatic flares and bursts of energy from a weakly magnetized, slowly rotating pulsar, challenging the understanding of how these events occur in normal, low-field neutron stars. The discovery indicates that internal magnetic fields may be responsible for powering these phenomena.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2010

Pitt team finds protein that sets the stage for exchanges of DNA code in eggs and sperm

A team led by Judith Yanowitz has discovered a protein that plays a key role in choosing where genetic material gets swapped between maternal and paternal chromosomes during egg and sperm formation. This discovery sheds light on the roots of chromosomal errors and gene diversity, with potential implications for understanding infertility.

A crucial link in immune development and regulation unearthed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a protein called pre-T alpha that guides the correct expression of T cell receptors, enabling the immune system to effectively destroy harmful viruses and bacteria. The finding has significant implications for understanding immune development and potential treatments for childhood leukemia.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2010