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Science News for October 9, 2011


Progress in quantum computing, qubit by qubit

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the rate of photon emission from luminescent imperfections in diamond, a crucial step towards developing scalable quantum networks. The breakthrough uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to emit red photons at room temperature.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 9, 2011

If you don't snooze, do you lose?

A University of Wisconsin-Madison study suggests that short-term sleep restriction in adolescent mice prevented balanced growth and depletion of brain synapses, which may have lasting consequences for the wiring of the brain. The study's findings could be relevant to mental illnesses like schizophrenia that often start during adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2011

Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests

A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2011

Over past decade antiretroviral therapy has tripled the proportion of adults in western Europe achieving undetectable levels of HIV after failing all 3 original drug classes

Over the past decade, antiretroviral therapy has effectively managed HIV in adults with virological failure to all three original drug classes. Since 2000, nearly one in five patients achieved undetectable viral loads after treatment failure, increasing to nearly three in five by 2009.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 9, 2011

Study shows how bookmarking genes pre-cell division hastens their subsequent reactivation

A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered that bookmarking genes before cell division accelerates their reactivation afterwards. By analyzing the kinetics of gene activation, researchers found that a histone molecule undergoes chemical modification and is preserved during mitosis, allowing for rapid reactivation.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 9, 2011