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Science News Archive December 2011 - Page 11


Page 11 of 23

Inspired by insect cuticle, Wyss Institute develops material that's tough and strong

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a new material called Shrilk that replicates the exceptional strength and versatility of insect cuticle. With its unique mechanical and chemical properties, Shrilk could be used to replace plastics in consumer products, suture wounds, and serve as scaffolding for tissue regeneration.

Largest ever gas mix caught in ultra-freeze trap

Researchers created a record-breaking gas mixture of Lithium 6 and Potassium 40 using an ultra-freeze trap, increasing the number of atoms under study to a few billion. This breakthrough will aid in simulating subatomic-scale phenomena and understanding quantum mechanical effects in neutron stars.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 13, 2011

In third-degree burn treatment, hydrogel helps grow new, scar-free skin

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a hydrogel treatment that promotes new blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration, yielding scar-free skin in mouse tissue tests. The treatment has the potential to greatly improve healing for injured soldiers, home fire victims, and others with third-degree burns.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011

Sugar pump in plants identified

Researchers have discovered a protein family known as SWEET that plays a crucial role in transporting sucrose from leaves to other parts of the plant. The discovery could lead to increased crop yields and improved protection against pests, potentially even shedding light on human diseases like diabetes and obesity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2011

Life after cigarettes

Smokers who quit successfully experience noticeable improvements in quality of life, including higher scores on overall well-being and positive emotions. After three years, quitters also report fewer stressors and increased satisfaction with their lives.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 13, 2011

Mothers' weight before and during pregnancy affects baby's weight

A new study found that both pre-pregnant weight and weight gain during pregnancy are important predictors of babies' birthweight. Women with higher education levels had the highest offspring birthweight, highlighting the importance of a healthy weight before conception and moderate weight gain during pregnancy.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateDec 13, 2011

JDRF-funded study seeks to reduce cardiovascular risk

The REMOVAL study aims to test whether metformin can prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in people with type 1 diabetes. The five-year trial will follow 500 patients and examine the effects of metformin on blood glucose control, treatment satisfaction, and other complications.

SourceJDRF·DateDec 13, 2011

Visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo

A new substance, F-ara-Edu, labels DNA with little to no impact on genome function, allowing for the visualization of DNA synthesis in vivo. This approach enables the identification of virus infection and cancerous growth sites due to abundant DNA replication in these tissues.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2011