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Science News for July 14, 2011


Editing the genome

Researchers developed genome-scale editing tools, replacing instances of a stop codon in E. coli with another, creating novel cell strains with increased functionality and safety. The new method, CAGE, surpasses current methods by two orders of magnitude.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJul 14, 2011

Study finds that it is the number of sexual partners, rather than whether they are concurrent, that increases risk of HIV transmission in a typical high prevalence African population

A new study published in The Lancet found that the number of sexual partners, rather than concurrent partnerships, is strongly predictive of HIV transmission in women. Researchers analyzed data from over 87,000 individuals in South Africa and found that men with multiple lifetime partners were more likely to transmit HIV.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2011

Weight-loss surgery cost-effective for all obese

A new study found that bariatric surgery is a cost-effective treatment option for all obese patients, with significant savings in medical costs over lifetime. The analysis suggests that the procedure should be universally available to all obese people, making it a good value and a potential game-changer in obesity treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMaturitas·DateJul 14, 2011

The secret to successful aging

New research explains how positivity bias in the brain contributes to successful aging, with increased engagement in positive emotions leading to greater emotional stability. The study suggests that focusing on the positive can help individuals age successfully.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 14, 2011

Your brain on androids

A team of researchers led by Ayse Pinar Saygin found that the human brain responds with a mismatch in perception when an android's appearance and motion are at odds. This phenomenon, known as the 'uncanny valley,' occurs when an artificial agent becomes too human-like, causing discomfort and unease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 14, 2011

A new gene identified for restless legs syndrome

Researchers have identified a new genetic risk factor for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs. The discovery provides new avenues for understanding the disease and developing effective treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 14, 2011

IRCM researchers uncover a new piece of the puzzle in the development of our nervous system

Researchers at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) have made a breakthrough in understanding how neurons connect and communicate. Drs. Artur Kania and Tzu-Jen Kao discovered that axon guidance is modulated by ligands present within the same neuron, leading to increased diversity of neuronal connections.

Swarms of locusts use social networking to communicate

Researchers used network science to study swarming behavior in locusts, finding that social interactions play a crucial role in coordinating movements. The study suggests that animals may be creating equivalent social networks to humans, with locusts convincing others to move in the same direction.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 14, 2011

Cancer gene therapy from camels

Scientists have successfully used camel blood-derived nanobodies to target and kill cancer cells expressing specific markers. The approach involves attaching the nanobodies to nanoparticles that deliver a killer gene, preventing non-specific cell killing and improving safety.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJul 14, 2011

Study challenges baby formula claim

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that using hypoallergenic baby formula does not decrease the risk of allergies in high-risk infants. The trial involved 620 infants and assessed whether hypoallergenic formula could prevent childhood eczema, asthma, or hay fever up to seven years of age.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 14, 2011

'Amplified' nanotubes may power the future

Rice University scientists have developed a cable made of metallic nanotubes that can carry electricity with minimal loss. The 'amplified' nanotubes are created by chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and fine-tuning the temperature and environment for amplification.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 14, 2011

A manganite changes its stripes

A team of researchers has uncovered a startling new feature of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide, which can change its stripes from fluctuating to static and back. At the right temperature, it switches from a metallic state to an insulator, exhibiting colossal conductivity changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2011

Print your own teeth

Researchers have developed a method to create perfect-fit prosthetic dentistry using 3D printing technology. The approach combines medical imaging with computer-aided design to produce complex shapes like teeth and crowns. This technique has the potential to reduce production time and improve fit, making dental care more efficient.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Rapid Manufacturing·DateJul 14, 2011

Ready, go!

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011

The first studies utilizing the Collaborative Cross mice are published in Genome Research

The Collaborative Cross mouse strains have been used to map causative loci for complex traits like body weight and white head-spotting, showcasing the power of ancestry-based approaches. The studies also revealed the scope of phenotypic variation present in the CC lines, providing insights into breeding effects on genetic structure.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 14, 2011

When the brain remembers but the patient doesn't

A study published in Cortex demonstrates that the unconscious brain continues to process information even when the conscious brain is incapacitated. The researchers found that a patient with prosopagnosia, or face blindness, showed brain activity responding to familiar faces despite not being able to recognize them.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateJul 14, 2011

Environmental factors predict underserved children's physical activity, Wayne State research finds

A study by Jeffrey Martin found that social and environmental factors like classmate support and confidence play a crucial role in determining physical activity levels among underserved children. The study also revealed that girls are less likely to engage in physical activity than boys, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport·DateJul 14, 2011

Genome blueprint for horse and human vaccines

Researchers have identified genetic similarities between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi, two bacteria that cause potentially fatal infections in humans and horses. The study suggests a shared strategy for causing disease and offers hope for developing novel vaccines for both species.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJul 14, 2011