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Science News Archive May 2011 - Page 7


Page 7 of 28

The healing power of hydrogen peroxide

Researchers found that hydrogen peroxide released by damaged skin cells coordinates regeneration of sensory fibers, promoting wound healing and restoring touch sensation. The study demonstrates the healing power of hydrogen peroxide in zebrafish larvae.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 24, 2011

Comparable effectiveness shown for 2 common sudden deafness treatments

A large clinical trial has shown that direct injection of steroids into the middle ear is equally effective as oral steroids in restoring hearing levels in patients with sudden deafness. The study results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have implications for treatment options and cost-effectiveness.

MIT: Teaching algae to make fuel

Researchers have developed a method to boost algal hydrogen production by 400% using bioengineered proteins, demonstrating the competition between sugar and hydrogen production in algae. This discovery paves the way for large-scale hydrogen fuel manufacturing using water and sunlight.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2011

Nearby supernova factory ramps up

Astronomers have discovered a local supernova factory in the Carina Nebula, which may help understand how young stars release newly-forged elements into their surroundings. The Chandra X-ray Observatory detected over 14,000 stars, six possible neutron stars, and a new population of young massive stars.

SourceChandra X-ray Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMay 24, 2011

Springer launches new open access journal with Korean research society

The new journal will be fully sponsored by the Korea-based Future Technology Research Association International (FTRA) and cover multifaceted aspects of human-centric computing technology and information sciences. All research results will be freely available online under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman-centric Computing and Information Sciences·DateMay 24, 2011

Break up of New Orleans households after Katrina

A recent study reveals that households in New Orleans broke up more than double the national rate following Hurricane Katrina. The study found that extended-family households were especially vulnerable to breakups due to their composition and response to economic need.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 23, 2011

The Four Loko effect

A study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that Four Loko's unique flavor profile may contribute to its high intoxication rate, rather than caffeine. The 'Four-Loko effect' highlights how unusual flavors can heighten the effects of alcohol, making it more potent.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMay 23, 2011

Universe's not-so-missing mass

A 22-year-old undergraduate student has made a groundbreaking discovery of the Universe's 'missing mass' by detecting filaments in X-ray data. This finding is significant as it proves the prediction that the mass should be low in density but high in temperature, providing valuable insights into large-scale cosmic structures.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2011

'Young, disadvantaged men'

A recent SAGE publication examines how poverty and lack of education affect young, disadvantaged dads, with 68-75% being fathers by age 30. The issue explores solutions to reconnect disconnected dads to their children, improving child and family economic and emotional well-being.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateMay 23, 2011

Replacing the blue bloods

Researchers have discovered liquid crystals that can detect low concentrations of bacterial endotoxin with high sensitivity. This breakthrough has the potential to replace the current LAL assay using horseshoe crab blood, reducing costs and variability associated with the test.

Tort reform reduces lawsuit risk; establishes framework for quality improvements

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that comprehensive tort reform in Texas resulted in an 80% decrease in surgical malpractice lawsuits and a significant reduction in associated costs. The study, which spanned 18 years, showed that the prevalence of lawsuits dropped from 40/100,000 operations to ...

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 23, 2011

Particle trap paves way for personalized medicine

Researchers have successfully isolated individual charged particles like DNA molecules using a method called Paul trapping, which could lead to personalized diagnosis and treatment. The device is small, inexpensive, and can be used on a single chip, allowing for rapid testing of patient samples in offices.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2011

New Stanford device could reduce surgical scarring

Researchers at Stanford University developed a special wound dressing that significantly reduced scar tissue caused by incisions in animal tests and early clinical trials. The novel 'stress-shielding device' provides uniform compression across the wound, reducing scarring and potentially making surgical revisions more appealing.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateMay 23, 2011

New genetic testing technology for IVF embryos

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new technique to detect both genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos. This method allows for the simultaneous detection of single-gene mutations and aneuploidy, enabling couples to choose healthy embryos for implantation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMay 23, 2011

JCI table of contents: May 23, 2011

Researchers identified a new probiotic bacteria-derived soluble protein that can protect intestinal cells from inflammation and injury in mice models of colitis. The protein's delivery to the colon provided therapeutic protection against ulcerative intestinal inflammatory disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 23, 2011

Penn research overturns theory on how children learn their first words

A team of Penn psychologists overturned the long-standing associative word learning theory, finding that children learn their first words through moments of insight rather than gradual exposure. Experiments involving short video segments showed that repeated exposure did not improve accuracy, and early informative vignettes were crucia...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2011