Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2011 - Page 52


Page 52 of 311

Redefining 'clean'

Researchers have developed a new technique using low-temperature plasmas to deactivate potentially harmful biomolecules, including those that can cause severe medical problems. The study's findings suggest that the effectiveness of this method may depend on the composition of the plasma.

UV light controls antibodies, improves biosensors

Using ultra-short pulses of ultraviolet light, scientists increase the number of right-side-up antibodies in QCM sensors, more than doubling their sensitivity. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for research using this type of sensor.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 31, 2011

Technical aptitude: Do women score lower because they just aren't interested?

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that women's lower scores on technical aptitude tests may be due to biased testing methods rather than a lack of interest. The researcher found that women score lower on technical aptitude at all intelligence levels, while also exhibiting higher levels of general i...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 31, 2011

'Ay, there's the rub'

Researchers have successfully modified polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to make it nearly a million times more wear-resistant. They use atomic force microscopes and nanoparticles to study the effects of friction on wear and develop new materials to eliminate wear.

Putting the body back into the mind of schizophrenia

A study using the rubber hand illusion found that people with schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership. This suggests that movement therapy could be helpful for these individuals, particularly those who experience out-of-body experiences. The findings also support the idea that exercise may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2011

Modern genetics answers age-old question on Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism

Researchers have solved the long-standing mystery of Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism by identifying two different DCXR mutations linked to pentosuria in Ashkenazi Jews. This discovery sheds light on historical and geographical patterns of human genetic mutations, providing a new understanding of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2011

Some answers about orthotics

A recent study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found that over-the-counter orthotics can significantly reduce plantar fascia strain, with an average reduction of 34% in 17 out of 20 subjects. This could lead to improved treatment options for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Foot and Ankle Research·DateOct 31, 2011

DNA find sheds light on the human brain

Researchers identified genes responsible for thousands of tiny changes in brain tissue DNA, finding they were active in areas linked to cell renewal. The study provides new insights into how the brain works and may link retrotransposon activity to brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2011

So many proteins, so much promise

A team at Northwestern University has developed a new method to identify thousands of protein molecules quickly, which could lead to the discovery of biomarkers and early disease detection. The approach, known as top-down proteomics, measures proteins intact instead of breaking them down into smaller parts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2011

Commuting - bad for your health?

Research published in BMC Public Health found that commuting by car or public transport is associated with negative health effects compared to walking or cycling. The study of 21,000 people showed that longer journey times increased the risk of poor health outcomes.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 30, 2011

Researchers identify potential risk factors for severe altitude sickness

A large study found that exercise-related responses, such as oxygen desaturation and heart rate changes, are independent risk factors for severe altitude sickness. Taking acetazolamide can reduce some of these risks, particularly among young adults, women, and those with a history of migraine or previous high-altitude illnesses.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 29, 2011

Mayo Clinic partners with advocacy organizations

The Mayo Clinic has developed a new tool kit, Action Signs, to help identify symptoms of mental health disorders in youth. The toolkit aims to improve diagnosis and care for up to 75% of youth with mental health disorders who are currently not identified or receiving necessary treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 28, 2011

Never too old to donate a kidney?

A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 28, 2011

More power to the cranberry: Study shows juice better than extracts at fighting infections

A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is more effective than proanthocyanidin extracts in preventing biofilm formation, a precursor to urinary tract infections. The study found that cranberry juice completely prevented biofilm formation, while extracts showed limited ability to reduce it.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood Science and Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2011

Spin lasers in the fast lane

Researchers in Bochum developed a new concept for ultrafast semiconductor lasers by leveraging the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons called spin. This innovation enables modulation frequencies above 100 GHz, paving the way for high-speed data transmission and future Internet applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 28, 2011

Measuring the distance of processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new method to measure the distance between stationary and non-stationary processes, enabling more accurate statistical tests. This approach makes it possible to construct better models for predicting extreme events in time series data.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateOct 28, 2011