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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 154


Page 154 of 333

Tiny bubbles snap carbon nanotubes like twigs

Researchers at Rice University detail the exact mechanism of how carbon nanotubes bend and break when subjected to ultrasonic vibrations in a liquid. The study reveals that long and short nanotubes behave differently, with shorter tubes stretching and longer ones bending before snapping.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

A roll of the dice

Researchers from the University of Calgary found that even with complete information, predicting certain experiment outcomes in quantum physics can't be done perfectly beforehand. Quantum theory appears to be close to optimal in terms of its predictive power, according to a new study.

Taking a bird's eye view could cut wildlife collisions with aircraft

A US Department of Agriculture study found that using lights on aircraft makes them more visible to birds, reducing the risk of collisions. Researchers tested Canada geese's response to radio-controlled model aircraft with different lighting conditions, finding that geese respond more quickly to aircraft with lights on.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 9, 2012

University of Miami-led study finds winds played important role in keeping oil away from S. Fla.

A University of Miami-led study found that wind-induced surface drift significantly influenced the displacement of oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon spill. The simulation results correctly predicted the final destination of the oil along the Northern Gulf coastline, matching observations.

Marcellus brine migration likely natural, not man-made

A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

Technique spots disease using immune cell DNA

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a way to determine unique leukocyte mixes from blood samples using DNA methylation. The technique can distinguish between various types of cancer and non-cancer conditions, offering a powerful tool for medical research and clinical diagnosis.

Vertebroplasty reportedly provides better pain relief and function

A study analyzing published data found that vertebroplasty provides better pain relief and function for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures compared to nonoperative treatments. Vertebral stabilization technique also offers benefits over other treatments despite conflicting results to date.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 9, 2012

Canada's Bill C-31 to change immigration act could severely affect mental health of refugees

Bill C-31 could have serious negative impacts on the mental health of refugees, with proposals to separate children from their parents and delay family reunification. Detention reviews will not occur for six months after initial two-week review, potentially exacerbating depression and anxiety in vulnerable individuals.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 9, 2012

Generic drugs key to US overseas HIV relief

A new article by Brown University researchers reveals that adopting generic drugs was crucial to the success of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPfAR). The program has reduced its annual per person spending on antiretroviral medicines to $300, and now provides treatment to nearly 2 out of 3 individuals in need.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 9, 2012

What happens when we sunburn

A new study reveals how sunburn occurs when UV radiation damages RNA in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to healing and potentially even cancer. The discovery may lead to the development of treatments that block this process without exposing patients to harmful UV light.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 8, 2012

Belching black hole proves a biggie

Astronomers have confirmed the first known 'middleweight' black hole, HLX-1, using observations with CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array. The black hole is estimated to be around 20,000 to 90,000 times the mass of the Sun and lies in a galaxy called ESO 243-49.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2012

Recovery from pediatric brain injury a lifelong process, experts say

Children's recovery from pediatric brain injury extends beyond medical care to involve the entire circle of family, friends, and healthcare providers. Recent research highlights the importance of 'family-centered' approaches and innovative interventions to promote self-worth, education as rehabilitation, and community reintegration.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateJul 8, 2012

Overweight? There's a vaccine for that

Researchers developed two somatostatin vaccinations that reduce body weight and increase energy expenditure in diet-induced obese male mice. The vaccines induce antibodies to somatostatin, effectively removing inhibition on growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Animal Science and Biotechnology·DateJul 8, 2012

Urinary tract infections steal from hosts' defense arsenals

Researchers discovered that E. coli uses yersiniabactin to steal copper from host cells, allowing the bacteria to grow and reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments for serious urinary tract infections. By blocking this thievery with a drug, patients' chances of fighting off infections may significantly improve.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJul 8, 2012

Microscope probe-sharpening technique improves resolution, durability

A new microscope probe-sharpening technique has been developed to improve imaging resolution and durability for researchers studying tiny structures. The technique, described in Nature Communications, uses a matching voltage to deflect ions and sharpens the probe around the tip, preserving the point and increasing stability.

Concordia welcomes 4 new Vanier scholars

Four Concordia PhD candidates have secured Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships to conduct groundbreaking research in various fields. Brigitte Desharnais will investigate metabolizing enzymes in the liver to determine drug-related deaths, while Matthew Keough will study stress and alcohol use in young adults.

BWH researchers discover new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes severe lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The vaccine is based on a new mechanism of immunity mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has been shown to protect mice from lethal pneumonia.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012