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Science News for September 28, 2010


Targeting amyloid to stop HIV

Scientists have created a substance that targets amyloid structures in semen and weakens HIV's ability to infect the body's immune cells. The experimental compound makes it harder for HIV particles to stick to human immune cells, offering a new lead in developing a microbicide to prevent HIV transmission.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 28, 2010

New study reveals that insecticides from genetically modified corn are present in adjacent streams

A new study by University of Notre Dame ecologist Jennifer Tank and colleagues found that streams throughout the Midwest receive transgenic materials from corn crop byproducts six months after harvest. The research detected Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in 13% of stream sites and dissolved in 23% of water samples.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2010

Sodium plays key role in tissue regeneration

Biologists at Tufts University have discovered that sodium plays a key role in initiating a regenerative response after severe injury, enabling the regeneration of injured spinal cord and muscle. A specific drug-based treatment triggers an influx of sodium ions into injured cells, breaking new ground in biomedicine.

The dual nature of dew

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found dew essential for plant growth in semi-arid zones like the Eastern Mediterranean. Dew provides moisture to plant leaves, enabling photosynthesis and growth during early morning hours.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCanadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques·DateSep 28, 2010

How reasonable it is to deceive yourself?

Researchers Prof. Dr. Albert Newen and Christoph Michel propose that self-deception can be a motivating factor in certain situations, while maintaining basic rational evaluation processes intact. However, excessive self-deception can lead to reality distortion and harm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateSep 28, 2010

NIH scientists find more health benefits from starting HIV treatment early

A new study found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after acquiring the virus have stronger immune responses to other pathogens compared to those who start ART later. Early treatment restores resting memory B cells and reduces immature B cells, leading to improved immune system function.

Certain psychiatric disorders linked with risky sexual behavior in teens

Teens with certain psychiatric diagnoses, such as bipolar disorder and externalizing disorders, are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. The study found that those with mania are at an even higher risk for HIV and STIs, having significantly more sexual partners and being four times as likely to have an STI.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateSep 28, 2010

Envious employees can turn hospitality industry hostile

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that front-line hotel employees who are envious of their co-workers' relationships with supervisors are less likely to help or volunteer for additional duties. Envy can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact customer satisfaction, the study suggests.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateSep 28, 2010

UH Manoa professor finds Muslim women who wear headscarves face workplace discrimination in the US

A recent study by Professor Sonia Ghumman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that Muslim women who wear hijabs face significant workplace discrimination in the US. The survey revealed that 22% of respondents were personally denied work due to their attire, highlighting a pervasive issue of religious intolerance.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateSep 28, 2010

Leading practitioners recommend global PTSD treatment guidelines

The study compares and contrasts various global PTSD treatment guidelines, highlighting differences that can lead to confusion. The researchers emphasize the importance of trauma-focused psychological interventions as the most effective treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateSep 28, 2010

How to still kill a resistant parasite

Researchers from the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp successfully restored a sleeping sickness parasite's susceptibility to drugs, potentially alleviating economic losses. The discovery involves combining antibiotics with an existing medicine, ISM, which could lead to more effective treatments for both cattle and humans.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 28, 2010

Pharma must be held more accountable to its human rights responsibilities

The PLoS Medicine Editorial argues that drug companies' human rights responsibilities have not been adequately addressed, despite the need to make medicines available to those in need. The editorial highlights the importance of accountability and calls for an external body to monitor pharmaceutical companies' policies and practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 28, 2010

African-American seniors at twice the risk for mental abuse, 5 times for financial exploitation

A population-based survey by Pitt's UCSUR found that African American seniors are twice as likely to be mentally abused and five times more susceptible to financial exploitation than elders of other races. The study collected data from face-to-face and telephone interviews with senior citizens in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateSep 28, 2010

Individual mutations are very slow to promote tumor growth

Individual cancer-causing mutations have a minor effect on tumor growth, increasing cell division rates and contributing to the accumulation of multiple mutations. The research suggests that significant tumor growth requires the slow accumulation of multiple mutations over years, explaining why many cancer-driving mutations are needed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2010

'Louder at the back, please'

A new study found that playing white noise in class can improve the memory of schoolchildren with difficulties in paying attention. The researchers discovered a significant improvement in performance for inattentive children and a decline in performance for attentive ones as noise levels increased.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateSep 28, 2010

Digging deep for ways to curb ammonia emissions

Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that subsurface injection of liquid manure can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy farms by 65% compared to surface broadcasting or shallow incorporation. This method limits manure nitrogen losses from volatilization, improving air quality and soil health.

Sneaking spies into a cell's nucleus

Researchers have successfully slipped silver nanoparticles cloaked in HIV protein into the nucleus of cells, where they can detect subtle light signals and deliver payloads. This innovation has potential implications for disease treatment and basic scientific research.

SourceDuke University·JournalNanomedicine·DateSep 28, 2010

Striding towards a new dawn for electronics

A team of McGill University researchers has developed a method to study energy transport along individual conductive polymer molecules, enabling the development of new technologies. By visualizing energy transport in various conformations, they aim to improve sensors and hybrid organic-inorganic light harvesting materials for solar cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2010