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Science News Archive April 2011 - Page 6


Page 6 of 26

Rice-born detector finds heaviest antimatter

Physicists at Rice University have detected the heaviest antimatter particle ever observed, antihelium-4, using a time-of-flight detector designed at the institution. The discovery provides new insights into the conditions of the early universe and the existence of antimatter galaxies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateApr 25, 2011

RNA dynamics deconstructed

Researchers at the Broad Institute have developed a method to measure how much messenger RNA is produced and degraded, revealing dynamic changes in RNA levels over time. The technique allows for high-resolution and comprehensive views of the RNA lifecycle, enabling scientists to investigate what happens when something goes wrong in cells.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 24, 2011

IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research releases studies on oral health inequalities in older people

Two studies published in the Journal of Dental Research found significant income-related inequalities in dental service utilization and tooth loss among Europeans aged 50+ and US adults. Income inequality was associated with higher odds of reporting greater tooth loss, highlighting the need to address social determinants of health.

New approach to defeating flu shows promise

Researchers found that pulmonary administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly reduces flu symptoms and prevents death in mice infected with lethal doses of influenza virus. The study suggests a novel method to confer marked resistance to influenza by enhancing innate immune mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 22, 2011

Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math

A study by Lee A. Thompson and colleagues found that genetic influence was greater on reading than math, with shared environment influencing math more so than reading. The researchers analyzed the data from twins to determine the similarities in genetic and environmental influence between ADHD symptoms and academic ability.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 22, 2011

Standing up for athletes at risk

Tel Aviv University's Dr. Sami Viskin has developed a new test to detect 'sudden death syndrome' in young athletes, which can be done at the patient's bedside using an electrocardiogram (ECG). The test detects a measurable difference in heart rate called the QT interval, which can help doctors identify patients at risk for sudden death.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 21, 2011

DFG establishes 4 new research units

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) has approved four new research units focused on novel synthesis methods in chemistry, quantum diamonds, minimally invasive surgical procedures in medicine, and economic mechanisms in firms and markets. The Research Units will receive a total of 10.2 million euros over three years.

Antidepressants may not improve all symptoms of depression, UT Southwestern researchers find

Researchers analyzed data from the largest study on depression treatment, finding that even responders experience residual symptoms like insomnia and decreased concentration. The study suggests a need for more targeted antidepressant therapies to decrease depressive symptoms and understand their association with concentration.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateApr 21, 2011

Giant tortoises show rewilding can work

The introduction of Aldabra tortoises on the island of Mauritius has successfully dispersed ebony seeds, aiding the recovery of a critically endangered tree species. This rewilding experiment demonstrates the potential for restoring extinct interactions in ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 21, 2011

What do you know about that fracture?

A recent study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights the lack of knowledge about osteoporosis among certain patient groups, increasing their risk of fractures. Patients with fragility fractures, male individuals, and those who are unemployed or have limited English proficiency tend to know less about osteoporosis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateApr 21, 2011

A new ending to an old 'tail'

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a new structural beacon, called the C-tail, which is found in half of all telomeres in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) tumors. This unique feature may be a key to understanding cancer cell immortality and developing effective treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 21, 2011

Data miners dig for corrosion resistance

Researchers used data mining to analyze the corrosion-resistant properties of Alloy 22, a key material for nuclear waste containment. They found that the alloy can predict future corrosion patterns under similar environmental conditions.

SourcePenn State·JournalCorrosion Science·DateApr 21, 2011

Early warning system for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new technique that can detect Alzheimer's disease earlier than current methods. This approach uses fluorescence signals to identify clusters of peptide associated with the disease, allowing for potential treatment development and screening patients without needles or wires.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateApr 21, 2011

First articles in new neuroscience journal -- Brain Connectivity -- debut online

The new journal Brain Connectivity debuts with four compelling articles exploring brain connectivity, functional networks, and neurological disorders. Researchers discuss advances in neuroimaging methods, brain activity reconstruction, and white matter studies, shedding light on the organization and development of brain connections.

Wayne State University chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2

Wayne State University students will explore advanced vehicle solutions to minimize petroleum usage and reduce emissions through research collaboration with industry. The university was chosen as Michigan's sole participant in EcoCAR 2, a three-year competition that aims to inspire and educate the next generation of automotive engineers.