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Science News Archive August 2011 - Page 26


Page 26 of 27

1 species of pathogen can produce 2 distinct biofilms

Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 2, 2011

UT professor's pathogen research inspires robotics design for medicine and military

A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

Regrowing blood vessels with a potent molecule

Scientists have developed a method to deliver growth factor to regrow blood vessels, which could lead to revolutionary heart disease treatment. The research, published in PNAS, uses a novel delivery system that increases the activity and stability of growth factor.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2011

What's in a kids meal? Not happy news

A study by UC San Diego researchers found that convenience-driven choices account for 36-51% of a child's daily caloric needs, with meals providing over 50% of recommended sodium intake. The study highlights the need to educate families on making healthier decisions when dining at fast-food restaurants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateAug 2, 2011

TV time: Why children watch multi-screens

A new study examines children's use of multiple screens, finding they often watch TV while interacting with other devices. Children enjoy filling breaks during entertainment with phone calls or texts, and TV is used to provide background entertainment for other activities.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 2, 2011

Parents' conflicts affect adopted infants' sleep

Researchers found that marital conflict in adoptive parents can impact their infant's sleep patterns, which becomes regulated during infancy. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that marital instability may set a child up for problematic sleep patterns.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateAug 2, 2011

Manipulating light at will

Researchers have created a novel metamaterial structure that can 'steer' second-harmonic light, allowing for unprecedented control over light manipulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for all-optical communications and could transform telecommunications technologies.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2011

Lattice of magnetic vortices

Physicists at Hamburg and Kiel University have found a regular lattice of magnetic skyrmions on a surface, consisting of cycloidal vortex spin structures with exceptional stability. The discovery was made using spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2011

Elsevier introduces Genome Viewer

Elsevier's Genome Viewer provides interactive gene sequence information from NCBI's databases, allowing readers to hover over genes for specific details and download complete lists of genes and genomes. The tool enhances the reading experience for both authors and readers, enriching article content and improving presentation.

Ancient glacial melting process similar to existing concerns about Antarctica, Greenland

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small amounts of subsurface warming can trigger a rapid collapse of ice shelves. The research provides historical evidence that warming water by 3-4 degrees was enough to cause mass discharges of icebergs into the North Atlantic Ocean.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2011

Using math to fight cancer

Scientists from the University of Miami and Germany have created a model to predict cancer tumor growth and progression, which could lead to highly individualized treatment strategies. The model analyzes images of tumor sections and predicts the most likely course of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 1, 2011

Study finds conformity does not equal cooperation

A study by academics at UEA found that people who do not conform are most likely to work together for the public good, while conforming to social norms can actually make people less likely to co-operate. Non-conformists were more willing to invest in a joint project when praised for their investment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateAug 1, 2011