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Science News for September 20, 2011


Vacuum-like device makes cellular exploration easier

A team of researchers at McGill University developed a new device that can float over cell surfaces without touching them, allowing for the study of cellular processes such as cancer cell formation and neuron alignment. The device uses quadrupoles to create force fields and deliver molecules selectively to cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2011

Possible new blood test to diagnose heart attacks

Researchers have discovered a potential new biomarker for heart attacks, cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), which is released into the blood following a heart attack. Elevated levels of cMyBP-C may help diagnose heart attacks more accurately, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateSep 20, 2011

UNC scientist proves potential of new nanoparticle design for cancer therapy

A new type of nanoparticle has been developed to deliver chemotherapy drugs more effectively, with a high drug loading capacity and controlled release. The nanoparticle demonstrated significant growth inhibition of pancreatic tumors, showing up to three times higher therapeutic efficacy than traditional chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 20, 2011

Catching molecular motion at just the right time

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to account for missing thermodynamic and molecular parameters in molecular dynamic simulations. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of material behavior under various conditions, reducing the need for trial-and-error experimentation. By refocusing inform...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 20, 2011

Power corrupts, especially when it lacks status

A study by USC, Stanford, and Kellogg School researchers found that individuals with power but low status are more likely to engage in demeaning activities. The study's results support the idea that a combination of power and lack of respect can be toxic, as seen in incidents like Abu Ghraib torture and the Stanford Prison Experiment.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 20, 2011

Candid discussion regarding sexuality can improve quality of life for prostate cancer survivors

A recent study published in JAMA found that discussing sexuality with doctors can improve quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. Researchers used phone interviews and questionnaires to measure quality of life in over 2,900 men before and after treatment, including surgery, radiation, or brachytherapy. The study revealed that me...

Epigenetic changes don't last

Scientists discovered that epigenetic modifications in plants, such as DNA methylation, are unstable and often disappear after a few generations. These changes can occur frequently but usually do not contribute significantly to long-term evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2011

If insurance companies pay out too often, farmers will be threatened with ruin in the long term

A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEcological Economics·DateSep 20, 2011

Living alone is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related deaths

A Finnish study published in PLoS Medicine found that people living alone are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of increased alcohol availability, leading to a substantially increased risk of alcohol-related mortality. The study analyzed data from over 80% of Finland's population between 2000 and 2007 and discovered a greater incr...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Early HIV treatment cost-effective in resource-limited settings

A cost-effectiveness study found that early antiretroviral treatment (ART) is cost-effective in resource-poor settings like Haiti. The study supports the implementation of the new WHO guidelines for early ART initiation, which recommend treatment for all HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts below 350 cells/mm3.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 20, 2011

Rude employee behavior quietly sabotages the bottom line

A study by Boston College researchers found that one-third of consumers experience rude treatment from employees once a month. This behavior leads to negative reactions, decreased customer loyalty, and lost profits. Training programs promoting employee civility can help prevent such incidents.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateSep 20, 2011

Stem cells, potential source of cancer-fighting T cells

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found a way to generate antigen-specific T cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which could lead to a simpler and more efficient method for using the body's immune system to fight cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, used iPS cells from mice converted into immune ce...

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 20, 2011