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Science News for January 23, 2011


Unexpected find opens up new front in effort to stop HIV

Scientists have discovered that HIV uses the molecule rNTP to replicate inside macrophages, allowing it to evade the immune system. By targeting this molecule, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to stop the virus in its hiding spot within the human immune system.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 23, 2011
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Fighting the fight for healthy teeth

New research reveals that odontoblast cells in teeth orchestrate an immune response to protect against bacteria-induced decay. The cells produce proteins that down-regulate inflammation, protecting the underlying pulp from damage.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Immunology·DateJan 23, 2011

Curved carbon for electronics of the future

Scientists from University of Copenhagen reveal curved carbon's potential for unprecedented control over electron spin, paving the way for new applications in spin-based nanoelectronics. The discovery opens up possibilities for controlling and manipulating the spin of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 23, 2011

Nailing down a crucial plant signaling system

Researchers fill in a missing gap in the mechanism of how brassinosteroids cause plant genes to be expressed, with implications for agricultural science and evolutionary research. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is identified as the key component of the signaling pathway.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2011

Faster development might have its costs

Research on fire salamander larvae reveals that accelerated development comes with a higher risk of mortality, highlighting the need for further study on human development and its relationship with environmental challenges. The study found that larvae that developed more quickly suffered greater rates of mortality.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2011

Researchers find smoking gun of world's biggest extinction

Researchers found layers of coal ash in rocks from the extinction boundary that provide direct proof of massive volcanic eruptions and burning coal. This discovery supports models for significant greenhouse gas generation during the late Permian extinction.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 23, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Uncovering the trail behind growing too old, too soon

Scientists have created the world's first human cell model of progeria, a rare genetic disease causing severe premature ageing in children. The model reveals defects in mesenchymal stem cells and vascular smooth muscle cells that exacerbate symptoms of ageing.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 23, 2011

Climate change threatens many tree species, say Hebrew U. researchers

Researchers at Hebrew U. warn that climate change may cause many tree species with wind-dispersed seeds to become extinct due to reduced wind speed and increased seed production. This could lead to a slower spread of trees than expected, making them vulnerable to extinction.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 23, 2011

Culprit found for increased stroke injury with diabetes

Joslin Diabetes Center researchers discovered that plasma kallikrein interferes with brain clotting, leading to increased bleeding during strokes. Normalizing blood glucose levels may block this effect and reduce brain hemorrhage.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 23, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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