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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 155


Page 155 of 333

Stop and go

A new protein called Lem4 has been discovered to direct a crucial step in cell division by preventing the addition of phosphate tags to BAF while promoting their removal. This process is essential for cellular growth and division, and its regulation may be key to understanding various cellular processes.

Keeping the flu away

EP67, a powerful synthetic protein, is able to activate the innate immune system within two hours of administration, preventing flu symptoms. The study found that EP67 functions similarly across different flu strains, offering a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 6, 2012

Prevention is better than cure for killer cardiovascular disease

The new 2012 Joint European Societies' Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice focus on lifestyle changes, public health initiatives, and individual preventive measures to address the growing burden of CVD. Experts stress the need for a co-ordinated society-wide effort to reduce mortality.

SourceSAGE·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 6, 2012

Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron

Researchers developed a new method called inverse Partial Fluorescence Yield (iPFY) that allows them to examine the structure of metal ions-complexes in solution without sample damage. The study found that iron ions interact strongly with water, contradicting previous thoughts.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 6, 2012

Heat, rainfall affect pathogenic mosquito abundance in catch basins

Researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that low rainfall and high temperatures increase the numbers of larvae in storm water catch basins. The study, published in Journal of Medical Entomology, highlights the importance of monitoring mosquito populations in these areas to track West Nile Virus disease cases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJul 6, 2012

UCLA researcher discovers epigenetic links in cell-fate decisions of adult stem cells

Researchers found two key epigenetic regulating genes that govern cell-fate determination of human bone marrow stem cells. The discovery may allow stem cells to differentiate specifically into bone cells while inhibiting fat cell differentiation, paving the way for therapies in regenerative medicine and osteoporosis treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 6, 2012

UC Davis study finds that above-normal weight alone does not increase the short-term risk of death

A new UC Davis study found that being overweight or obese alone is not linked to an increased risk of death in the short-term. However, severely obese individuals with diabetes or hypertension do face a higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the importance of weight loss and managing co-occurring health conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012

Diabetes drug makes brain cells grow

A diabetes drug called metformin has been found to promote the growth of new brain cells and enhance spatial memory formation. The study's lead author suggests that the widely used medication may also offer cognitive benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease, independent of its effects on blood sugar control.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 5, 2012

Daily deal industry shows no evidence of slowing down

A new study by Utpal Dholakia at Rice University found that daily deals are becoming increasingly successful for businesses, with three-quarters reporting profits after seven or more deals. The study also reveals that newer and smaller businesses tend to perform better in the long term, with sustainability rates of up to 40%.

Most accurate robotic legs mimic human walking gait

Researchers have developed a robotic set of legs that models human walking in a biologically accurate manner, allowing for insights into the processes underlying walking in humans. The robot's neural architecture and sensory feedback pathways mimic those found in humans, enabling it to walk without balance.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 5, 2012

The challenges and rewards of Paralympic medicine

The Lancet article highlights the complex mix of medical issues among Paralympic athletes, including injuries from prosthetic technologies and performance enhancement practices. The authors emphasize the need for increased awareness, training, and research to address these challenges and ensure proper healthcare provision.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 5, 2012

When to rein in the stock market

A new MSU study suggests that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should intervene in the stock market only when external financial disruptions make it difficult for large shareholders to fend off speculators. The study finds that such interventions are rare and should be temporary.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateJul 5, 2012