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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 18


Page 18 of 28

Emulating -- and surpassing -- nature

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to build crystalline materials from nanoparticles and DNA, allowing for the creation of new materials with predictable physical properties. The design rules enable controlled crystallization, resulting in a variety of structures with unique properties.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2011

Controlling cell death prevents skin inflammation

A new study published in Immunity reveals that preventing necroptosis in keratinocytes is crucial for preventing skin inflammation. The research found that sensitization of keratinocytes to RIP3-mediated cell death triggers skin inflammation, which could be linked to various chronic or acute skin conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 13, 2011

Breast tenderness in women getting combo hormone therapy associated with increase in breast density

Post-menopausal women experiencing new onset breast tenderness after starting combination hormone therapy may have an increased risk of breast cancer compared to those without breast tenderness. Higher breast density is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, with extremely dense breasts posing a four to six times higher risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 13, 2011

Brain scans reveal drugs' effects on attention

Researchers developed a brain scan method to quickly test whether drugs increase dopamine levels, alleviating attention deficits in mice with neurofibromatosis type 1. The technique may lead to matching specific treatments to patients with NF1 and attention deficit disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateOct 13, 2011

Hospital superbug debugged

A global team of scientists has identified a natural mutation in Clostridium difficile that causes the bacterium to produce hypervirulent strains resistant to antibiotics, leading to severe bowel infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 13, 2011

Taking steps to prevent 'going postal'

A new study proposes using a theory called awareness development to assess employees' responses to situations and help HR departments craft effective workplace violence policies. Most organizations fall into the intellectualization stage, indicating limited awareness of workplace violence issues.

SourceSAGE·JournalAdvances in Developing Human Resources·DateOct 13, 2011

Regaining trust after a transgression

A recent study by researchers at USC and other universities found that substantive efforts to repair trust, such as apologies and commitments to reform, are critical in regaining trust. The study showed that nothing beats showing true contrition in winning back trust.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateOct 13, 2011

Twitter data used to track vaccination rates and attitudes

A Penn State University study analyzed tweets about the H1N1 vaccine to track vaccination rates and attitudes. The research found patterns that correlate vaccination rates with geographic location and sentiment trends over time. This analysis could be used strategically to develop targeted public health initiatives.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 13, 2011

A new scheme for photonic quantum computing

A new scheme, 'coherent photon conversion', offers a method for coherent conversion between different photon states using a strong laser field. This approach promises to solve open challenges in optical quantum computation and lead to the development of a nonlinear optical quantum computer.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2011

Penn team links schizophrenia genetics to disruption in how brain processes sound

A Penn team has identified a key connection between genetic risk factors for schizophrenia and altered sound processing in the brain. By studying mice with a mutated dysbindin gene, they found reduced activity in specific nerve cells that control fast brain activity, leading to symptoms of schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2011

Talk to the virtual hands

Researchers found that successful communication in virtual environments requires nonverbal feedback from listening partners, with dynamic avatars improving performance. The study's findings have implications for fields like medical training, urban planning, entertainment, and telecommunication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 12, 2011

Cold War's nuclear wastes pose challenges to science, engineering, society

Recent efforts by the US Department of Energy have analyzed remediation technology projects, technical reviews, and communication models to address nuclear waste management. The development of new tools and approaches is crucial to ensure continued safe and secure storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level wastes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalTechnology & Innovation·DateOct 12, 2011

Focus on fats

A massive research project, LIPID MAPS, has identified the complete complement of lipids within cells and gained insight into their role in cellular functions. The new knowledge may have significant implications for understanding diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 12, 2011

Certain mouth bacteria signal pancreatic cancer

A study published in Gut found that specific types of mouth bacteria are associated with pancreatic cancer. The researchers identified two key species - Neisseria elongata and Streptococcus mitis - which were significantly less present in cancer patients' mouths, while Granulicatella adjacens levels were higher.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateOct 12, 2011