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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 120


Page 120 of 333

What's best for very low birth weight babies

A new study found that VLBW infants fed more than 75% human milk grew slower than those fed less than 75%. Fortifying human milk with protein and calories can help improve growth rates. The research suggests that a balanced approach is necessary to provide the benefits of human milk without sacrificing growth.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateAug 16, 2012

Nature: Electronic read-out of quantum bits

Scientists have developed a molecular spin-transistor that can read out the quantum state of an atom, paving the way for more stable and controlled quantum computing. The device, which uses electrodes to detect changes in the atomic spin, can maintain stability for up to 20 seconds.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2012

Turmeric spices up virus study

Researchers at George Mason University discovered that curcumin from turmeric can stop the Rift Valley Fever virus from multiplying in infected cells. The study suggests that curcumin-based pharmaceuticals could be used to treat devastating viruses like HIV.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 16, 2012

Tibetan Plateau may be older than previously thought

Researchers suggest that the Tibetan Plateau's growth of high topography began around 30 million years ago, contrary to previously held beliefs. This new finding was made possible by analyzing samples from the eastern edge of the plateau using various geological methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 16, 2012

Soft robots, in color

Researchers have created a system inspired by nature that allows soft robots to change their appearance, including camouflage against backgrounds or displaying bold colors. This technology could be used in various applications such as search and rescue operations, medical surgeries, and even signaling robots' position.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2012

Finally, the promise of male birth control in a pill

Researchers have discovered a compound that reversibly infertile men without affecting their sex drive, using the small molecule to target fertility proteins. The new form of birth control works by reducing sperm count and motility, making it an effective and novel strategy for male contraception.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 16, 2012

Triage for plants: NYBG scientists develop and test rapid species conservation assessment technique

The NYBG has developed a streamlined method for evaluating the conservation status of large numbers of plant species using Geographic Information Systems technology. This approach identifies which plant species are widespread in a region and those with restricted ranges, making them more susceptible to extinction.

SourceThe New York Botanical Garden·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 16, 2012

Why are elderly duped? UI researchers explain why

Researchers identify ventromedial prefrontal cortex as key area controlling belief and doubt, explaining why elderly are more prone to scams. Damage to this region, particularly after age 60, can lead to increased credulity and decreased ability to distinguish misleading information.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 16, 2012

Brain scans don't lie about age

Researchers used MRI to scan brains of 885 people and identified 231 biomarkers that capture age differences well, surpassing previous biological measures. The findings suggest a 'developmental clock' in the brain, tightly controlling certain anatomical aspects of development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 16, 2012

Secrets of 'SuperAger' brains

Researchers identified a group of elderly people with exceptional memories and brains that resemble those of middle-aged individuals. Their cortex thickness and attention region were found to be thicker than normal aging peers, suggesting a greater number of neurons and potentially improved cognitive abilities.

Common parasite may trigger suicide attempts

A study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals infected with the T. gondii parasite are seven times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers also discovered that the parasite can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to changes in brain chemistry and potentially contributing to depression.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 16, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers validate molecular signature to predict radiation therapy benefit

Researchers have validated a radiosensitivity molecular signature that can predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer. The technology, called RSI, identifies radiosensitivity and radioresistance, opening the door to biologically guided radiation therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 16, 2012

A male contraceptive pill in the making?

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Baylor College of Medicine developed a small molecule compound, JQ1, that generates reversible birth control in male mice by disrupting spermatogenesis. The study showed a decrease in sperm count and quality without affecting testosterone production or offspring health.

Psychopaths get a break from biology

A University of Utah study found that judges consider a psychopath's biology when sentencing. If given biological explanations for the disorder, they reduce the sentence by about a year on average. However, this doesn't necessarily mean judges let defendants off easy, but rather show major changes in their reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2012