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Science News Archive October 2011 - Page 9


Page 9 of 28

Clues revealed to cause of deadly kidney disease in newborns

Researchers found that small vesicles called exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) are involved in transporting signals through urine and interacting with primary cilia in the kidneys. This discovery may help understand how gene mutations cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition that often leads to kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 24, 2011

Foley catheter as successful as widely used hormone-like gel for inducing labor but with fewer side effects

A new trial suggests that a Foley catheter is as successful in inducing labor as the widely used hormone-like gel prostaglandin E2, but with lower rates of infection and complications. The study found similar vaginal delivery rates and reduced risks of caesarean section, operative deliveries for fetal distress, and neonatal admissions.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 24, 2011

Cooperative communications when collaborators are not synchronized

Cooperative communications technology allows multiple single-antenna terminals to share their antennas, creating a virtual antenna array. This enables the exploitation of spatial resource in traditional MIMO techniques without requiring multiple antennas. Distributed space-time coding (DSTC) has emerged as an efficient technique for pr...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateOct 23, 2011

Survey finds public support for geoengineering research

A new survey reveals that 72% of respondents approve research into climate-manipulating technique, with broad public awareness and surprisingly diverse political views. The study suggests that dialogue surrounding SRM needs to be broadened to include ideas of risk, values, and trade-offs.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 23, 2011

Smaller 2 cm excision margin for melanomas thicker than 2 mm results in similar levels of recurrence and death as larger 4 cm margin

A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a 2cm excision margin for skin melanomas thicker than 2mm is safe and effective, with similar levels of recurrence and death compared to a larger 4cm margin. This finding challenges current recommendations and may lead to changes in treatment guidelines.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 23, 2011

Manchester's 'first step' to perfect drug combinations

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a computer program that can rapidly identify ideal drug combinations to prevent inflammation and combat severe diseases. By analyzing billions of potential combinations, they hope to create tailored therapies for conditions such as stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 23, 2011

Step closer to cure for autoimmune disease

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have identified a key gene that regulates the immune system, providing vital clues to reversing autoimmune diseases. The discovery is part of a $2 million grant to investigate new therapies for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 23, 2011

What you want vs. how you get it

A neuroeconomics study from McGill University shows that the brain employs two separate regions and processes in valuing 'stimuli' (goods) versus 'actions'. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, provide new insights into frontal lobe damage and its effects on decision making.

Fluoride shuttle increases storage capacity

Researchers at KIT develop a new concept for rechargeable batteries based on fluoride shuttles, increasing storage capacity by several factors. The fluoride-ion battery offers improved safety properties without lithium, with potential applications in mobile devices.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2011

Elaborate plumage due to testosterone?

Researchers found a strong relationship between testosterone levels and the size/intensity of the black throat patch in female barred buttonquails. High testosterone levels correlate with more intense plumage coloration and better body condition, suggesting a reversed hormone dependency in sex role behaviors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateOct 21, 2011

NIPPV linked to increased hospital mortality rates in small group of patients

A small group of COPD patients who started with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) had significantly higher mortality rates when transitioned to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). NIPPV use increased nationwide, but this trend was associated with a higher risk of death in patients requiring subsequent IMV treatment.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 21, 2011

Plants feel the force

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified seven genes encoding mechanosensitive channels in Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant related to mustard and cabbage. These channels are believed to play a crucial role in plant movement and response to physical stimuli.

European studies on risks of hepatocellular carcinoma

Research from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study found that 47.6% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases were associated with smoking, while chronic hepatitis B and C infection was the strongest risk factor. The study also highlights the importance of quitting smoking to reduce liver cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 21, 2011