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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 16


Page 16 of 26

The world's smallest wedding rings

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have created two interlocking rings of DNA, measuring 18 nanometers in size, which are suitable as components of molecular machines. The catenan structure is freely pivotable and can be used to arrange and study proteins or other molecules that are too small for direct manipulation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2011

Delhi air quality regulations improve respiratory health

A recent study found that Delhi's radical changes in air quality regulations had a substantial positive effect on the health of city residents. The research used remote sensing imagery to measure the effects of air quality on health, and found that poorer men exhibited significant negative relationships between ambient air and respirat...

SourceBrown University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 11, 2011

The nauseating taste of bitter

A new study from Monell Center reveals that bitter taste can cause people to report nausea and display stomach activity similar to actual nausea. The body anticipates the consequences of food we eat, responding to toxic tastes with a protective mechanism.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2011

Shootingstars provide clues to likely response of plants to global warming

Researchers studied three species of shootingstars to understand their response to global warming. They found that some species migrated while others adapted in place, with rare species exhibiting distinct genetic histories. This study provides valuable clues for predicting how plants will respond to climate change.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Bitterness induces nausea, swallowing not required

A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that the taste of something extremely bitter can cause nausea and stomach churning, regardless of whether it's swallowed. The researchers found that the body anticipates toxins or anti-nutrients and prepares for them by responding with nausea and stomach contractions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2011

Space jets in a bottle

Italian researchers created space-like conditions in a vessel to confirm the behavior of astrophysical jets, which travel at high speeds and stretch across vast distances. The study found that these jets behave according to Newtonian Dynamics, confirming successful 3D simulations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 11, 2011

Finding may end a 30-year scientific debate

Antifreeze proteins have been found to bind to ice crystals through a specific mechanism involving hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. This discovery may lead to the development of stronger, more versatile AFPs with commercial applications in various industries.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Tiny antibody fragments raised in camels find drug targets in human breast cancer cells

Researchers discovered Camel-raised Nanobody agents that target breast cancer cells, offering a new approach to identifying effective treatments for individual patients. The 'Nanobodies' are robust, small, and easy to produce at low cost, making them a promising tool in the fight against breast cancer.

Corticosteroid use during pregnancy not linked to facial clefts in infants

A recent study found no association between corticosteroid use during pregnancy and orofacial clefts in infants. However, dermatological corticosteroids were linked to an increased risk of cleft lip with or without cleft palate. The study's results add to the safety information for corticosteroids commonly used during pregnancy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 11, 2011

Mechanism for esophageal cancer uncovered

Researchers discovered that a tumor suppressor gene, p120, can actually contribute to cancer development when it's absent. In mice models, the loss of p120 led to hyperactivated immune systems and pro-tumor generating cells that promoted cancer growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 11, 2011

How do life-threatening medical conditions in children impact quality of life?

The article explores the complex topic of assessing quality of life in children with life-threatening conditions, highlighting personal essays from patients, parents, and caregivers. The pieces illustrate various challenges and perspectives on disabilities, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in healthcare.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCurrent Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care·DateApr 11, 2011