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Science News for April 14, 2011


People know when first impressions are accurate

Researchers found that people do reasonably well at judging their own first impressions, with accuracy tied to moderate levels of confidence. The study suggests that most people are like most people, and that recognizing this similarity leads to more accurate perceptions.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 14, 2011

New DNA nanoforms take shape

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to construct arbitrary, two and three-dimensional shapes using DNA origami. The new technique allows for the creation of complex curvature in 3D nanostructures, enabling potential applications in ultra-tiny computing components and nanomedical devices.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Hydrocarbons in the deep earth

Researchers used computational simulations to explore hydrocarbon formation from methane under high pressure and temperature conditions. They found that hydrocarbons with multiple carbon atoms can form from methane at temperatures greater than 1,500 K and pressures 50,000 times those at the Earth's surface.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2011

Genes that control 'aging' steroid identified

Researchers have uncovered 8 genes that control the main steroid produced by the adrenal gland, which is believed to play a role in aging and longevity. The study found that these genetic regions are also associated with common age-related diseases, providing the first genetic evidence for the ageing role of the steroid.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 14, 2011

Taking blood from Fukushima radiation workers in order to prepare for future stem cell transplants in case they are accidently exposed to high doses of radiation

Experts recommend collecting peripheral blood stem cells from Fukushima radiation workers to prepare for potential future stem cell transplants. This technique has several advantages over allogeneic transplantation, including reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and immunosuppression.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 14, 2011

Drug potency -- what happens in space?

Pharmaceuticals flown on space missions may have shorter shelf-life due to radiation and vibration, according to a NASA study. The researchers found that exposure to chronic low-dose ionizing radiation and repackaging of solid medications can compromise stability.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe AAPS Journal·DateApr 14, 2011

New spin on graphene

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to interconnect electron spin and charge in graphene, enabling direct manipulation of electric current using microelectronics. This breakthrough has significant implications for spintronics, with potential applications in sensors, memories, and transistors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateApr 14, 2011

Antiplatelets: 1 person, 1 dose?

A new trial shows that standard-dose clopidogrel is as effective as double the dose for preventing cardiovascular events in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Researchers argue that a personalized approach to antiplatelet therapy may be more beneficial, warranting further investigation.

SourceMontreal Heart Institute·JournalJAMA·DateApr 14, 2011

Hopkins team discovers how DNA changes

Researchers identified a step-by-step process involving TET1 and Apobec1 that converts methylated cytosine into hydroxymethylated cytosine, indicating a potential unified mechanism for DNA methylation status change. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases associated with epigenetic abnormality.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 14, 2011

Filtering out pesticides with E. coli

Researchers in China have developed a genetically modified form of E. coli that can extract toxic pesticides like parathion and methyl parathion from the air with high efficiency. The biofilter system has shown average removal efficiencies of up to 95.2% for parathion and 98.6% for methyl parathion.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environment and Pollution·DateApr 14, 2011

Warning to breastfeeding mothers

A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers are perceived as less competent than non-breasting mothers, with biases detected among both men and women. This prejudice may deter some women from breastfeeding, highlighting the need for greater support to overcome negative experiences.

SourceSAGE·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 14, 2011

Women more likely to self-medicate

A research study by the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid found that women are more likely to self-medicate than men in Spain. The study, published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, revealed that 20.17% of Spaniards use medication without a medical prescription, with women accounting for 16.93% of those cases.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateApr 14, 2011