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Science News Archive March 2011 - Page 12


Page 12 of 28

Scientists find candidate for new TB vaccine

Researchers identified a protein called EspC that triggers a stronger immune response in people infected with TB bacteria, making it a promising new vaccine candidate. The protein could also be used to improve diagnosis of TB and underpin next-generation diagnostic blood tests.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2011

Can biochar help suppress greenhouse gases?

A new study found that biochar can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from intensive grazing systems. The research, conducted in New Zealand, showed a 70% decrease in nitrous oxide fluxes when biochar was added to the soil. This effect was attributed to reduced ammonia formation and its adsorption onto biochar.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMar 18, 2011

Is space like a chessboard?

Physicists at UCLA found that dividing space into discrete locations like a chessboard explains how point-like electrons manage to carry their intrinsic angular momentum. This concept, inspired by graphene's electronic properties, proposes that space at very small distances is segmented, rather than smooth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2011

Electronic medical records improve quality of care in resource-limited countries

A new study conducted in Eldoret, Kenya found that computer-generated reminders about overdue tests yielded a nearly 50% increase in the appropriate ordering of CD4 blood tests. This improvement in quality of care was made possible through the implementation of just-in-time clinician support within electronic medical records.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMar 18, 2011

Multiple sclerosis: Risk factors in children

A study published in Neurology has found that children with a specific gene variation are at higher risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. The research identifies the HLA-DRB1 allele as a key factor in pediatric-onset MS, which can provide insights into disease causes and potentially lead to earlier diagnoses and new therapies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeurology·DateMar 18, 2011

An icy gaze into the Big Bang

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have successfully produced controlled strong interactions between two fermionic elements, exhibiting analogies to the Big Bang's primordial substance. The experiment opens new avenues for investigating cosmic phenomena and novel states of matter in solid-state physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 18, 2011

Enhancing the magnetism

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have enhanced spontaneous magnetization in special versions of bismuth ferrite, creating a stable nanoscale mixture of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases. This allows for electric control of magnetization at room temperature, opening the door to spintronic devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2011

Self-administered light therapy may improve cognitive function after traumatic brain injury

A new study found that daily application of light therapy via LEDs on the forehead and scalp improved cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment led to substantial improvements in memory, inhibition, and attention, enabling one patient to return to full-time work.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPhotomedicine and Laser Surgery·DateMar 17, 2011

Study provides new tool to monitor coral reef 'vital signs'

A new study provides a new tool to monitor coral reef vital signs, allowing scientists to assess the impacts of climate change and other threats on coral reef health. By measuring biological productivity, researchers can better understand the balance between coral production and consumption rates.

Human prejudice has ancient evolutionary roots

A new study led by Yale researchers found that monkeys treat individuals from outside their groups with suspicion, similar to human behavior. The findings suggest that the roots of human intergroup conflict may be evolutionarily quite ancient, dating back at least 25 million years.

SourceYale University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 17, 2011

Neuropsychological treatment reduces after-effects in patients with acquired brain injury

Researchers at the University of Granada have found that early neuropsychological rehabilitation significantly reduces cognitive, emotional, and behavioral after-effects in patients with acquired brain injury. The study proves that treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills simultaneously improves patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalArchives of Clinical Neuropsychology·DateMar 17, 2011

Upgrading the vanadium redox battery

Researchers have improved the performance of vanadium redox batteries by modifying their electrolyte solution, increasing energy storage capacity by 70 percent. The upgraded battery can now operate in a wider temperature range and reduce cooling costs, making it more suitable for grid reliability and renewable power sources.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 17, 2011