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Science News Archive November 2011 - Page 21


Page 21 of 28

Psychologists chase down sleep demons

Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.

SourcePenn State·JournalSleep Medicine Reviews·DateNov 8, 2011

Possible treatment target found for main cause of severe liver disease in kids

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2011

A new role is hatched for female fruit flies

A team of NYU biologists uncovered a previously unknown role for female reproductive tract cells in fruit flies, which affects sperm movement and fertility. The discovery may provide insights into manipulating reproductive behavior in other insects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Bisexual women, more likely than bisexual men, to be depressed and abuse alcohol, new study finds

A recent study by George Mason University researcher Lisa Lindley found that bisexual women are at a higher risk of depression, stress, and alcohol abuse compared to their male counterparts. The research also showed that bisexual girls were more likely to be high-risk for these health issues during their teenage years.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2011

Molecular corkscrew

Researchers have discovered that the protein p97/VCP aids DNA repair by unwinding proteins at damaged sites. This mechanism holds potential for improving radio- and chemotherapy effects on cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

A list of the planthoppers of Iran

A comprehensive list of 235 planthoppers from Iran has been compiled, featuring new species names and taxonomic data. The study aims to improve pest control management and encourage further research on this important group of insects.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateNov 8, 2011

Using Viagra to combat malignant melanoma

Researchers have found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can neutralize chronic inflammation caused by malignant melanoma, allowing tumor-specific T cells to function properly. This study suggests that Viagra may improve treatment results for people with melanoma by boosting antitumor immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011

Shoe strings and egg openers

Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2011

Promoting corporate sustainability on the web

A new study found that top US companies promote sustainability on their websites to attract and retain profitable customers. The researchers assessed the environmental efforts of 500 leading companies and discovered a significant increase in sustainability programs across industries since 2008.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Environmental Issues·DateNov 8, 2011

Clean indoor air laws encourage bans on smoking at home

New studies found that clean indoor air laws are associated with increased voluntary smokefree policies in the home, particularly in households with smokers and children. The laws have a significant impact on protecting kids from secondhand smoke exposure, with children up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 8, 2011

1 neuron, 2 neurotransmitters and different effects on behavior

Researchers discovered that eliminating acetylcholine secretion boosted dopamine actions, potentially improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The study used genetically modified mice to investigate the role of neurotransmitters in the striatum, a region affected by the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Survey identifies sea turtle 'hitchhikers'

A recent survey of Pacific sea turtles has identified 16 species of epibionts, including crabs and barnacles, that live on their shells. These organisms can cause drag and transmit disease, highlighting the importance of considering their impact on turtle health and ecology.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History·DateNov 8, 2011

Fundamental discovery casts enzymes in new light

Researchers have made a fundamental discovery about enzymes, revealing that flexibility is an essential feature of enzyme function. This finding has significant implications for improving the efficiency of enzymatic processes and developing new treatments for diseases such as AIDS.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 8, 2011

Galaxy DNA-analysis software is now available 'in the cloud'

The Galaxy platform is now available as a cloud computing resource, providing researchers with access to powerful computing power and vast data storage capacity. This development enables scientists to perform large-scale DNA analyses without investing in expensive computer infrastructure.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 8, 2011

For new microscope images, less is more

Scientists have developed a microscope that utilizes compression sensing to gather molecular vibration information with increased resolution and reduced time. The new method has been applied to sum frequency generation microscopes, resulting in images with 16 times more pixel density than traditional scanning techniques.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2011