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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 4


Page 4 of 28

Rice's Barron wins World Technology Award for Materials

Andrew Barron, Rice University's Charles W. Duncan, Jr. -- Welch Chair of Chemistry, is honored with the prestigious World Technology Award for Materials for his groundbreaking nanotechnology research in energy and health. His work has led to projects involving down-hole sensors, carbon dioxide mitigation, and cancer treatment.

Scientists make strides toward drug therapy for inherited kidney disease

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a potential treatment for autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), an inherited kidney disease affecting millions worldwide. The drug Leflunomide inhibits the STAT6 signaling pathway, which is activated in kidney cysts and leads to excessive cell growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2011

Childhood diet lower in fat and higher in fiber may lower risk for chronic disease in adulthood

A recent study found that a childhood dietary intervention resulted in significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels and systolic blood pressure in young adulthood. The study suggests that reducing fat and increasing fiber intake during childhood may have long-term benefits for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2011

Seaweed records show impact of ocean warming

A recent study on Australian herbarium records found that up to 25% of temperate seaweed species may be headed to extinction due to ocean warming. The research reveals significant changes in seaweed communities over the past 50 years, with many species retreating south towards the Australian south coast.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 27, 2011

Researchers use new approach to overcome key hurdle for next-generation superconductors

North Carolina State University researchers introduce a computational approach to improve the utility of superconductive materials. By interacting with industry, they've identified ways to optimize YBCO conductors, reducing quench risk and increasing performance. This breakthrough could accelerate the use of YBCO in emerging technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateOct 27, 2011

Hard times during adolescence point to health problems later in life

A study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that experiencing social stressors during adolescence and young adulthood can lead to increased disease risk factors in middle age. The researchers analyzed data from 822 participants and discovered a significant link between early adversity and allostatic load, a measure of phys...

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 27, 2011

Curiosity doesn't kill the student

A new study published in Perspectives in Psychological Science reveals that curiosity plays a significant role in academic success, with personality traits like curiosity being as important as intelligence. Conscientiousness is also found to be a key factor, suggesting that teaching methods can inspire curiosity and motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateOct 27, 2011

A*STAR scientists first to identify stem cell key to lung regeneration

Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore and Institute of Molecular Biology identify distal airway stem cells as the key to forming new alveoli, paving the way for novel therapies for respiratory diseases. The discovery provides insight into genes and secreted factors that can be used to enhance lung regeneration.

Georgetown researchers examine 21-year series of nipple sparing mastectomy cases and find no cancers

A new study by Georgetown researchers found that nipple sparing mastectomy is a safe and effective option for women with breast cancer. The procedure, which removes breast tissue while keeping the skin and nipple intact, showed no signs of cancer recurrence or development in 162 patients over 21 years.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateOct 27, 2011

Nobel Laureate Bruce Beutler on molecular sensors as a trigger for autoimmune disease

A novel molecular mechanism discovered by Bruce Beutler and colleagues suggests that the body's molecular sensors may trigger autoimmune disease. The researchers' findings have important implications for understanding the initiation of both protective and inflammatory immune responses, as well as autoimmune diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 27, 2011

From genomic data to new cancer drug

Researchers have identified a new potential cancer drug targeting EPHA7, a tumor suppressor protein associated with follicular lymphoma. The discovery demonstrates the power of functional genomics in translating genetic insights into therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 27, 2011