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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 10


Page 10 of 29

Palms reveal the significance of climate change for tropical biodiversity

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that climate change over millions of years shapes the composition of species assemblages in the tropics. The study reveals distinct differences in palm species diversity between South America and Africa, with South America boasting higher biodiversity due to its relatively stable climate.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2012

Making human textiles: Research team ups the ante with development of blood vessels woven from donor cells

A research team has developed a new technique for creating human textiles by weaving donor cells into blood vessels, promising to reduce production costs. The technology uses a combination of cultured cells and medical-textile-making techniques to create strong, biocompatible fibers that can be woven into various structures.

Fish larvae find the reef by orienting: The earlier the better

A team of female scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science have developed a sophisticated numerical model to study fish larvae's navigation skills. The model uses reliable larval swimming speeds and vertical migration to create realistic scenarios that can be studied in detail.

Letting go can boost quality of life

A study by Concordia University found that breast cancer survivors who can redefined their goals show an overall improvement in well-being. The researchers measured the capacity to adjust goals and found a positive association with more physical activity, emotional well-being, and fewer physical symptoms.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateApr 23, 2012

Quantum physics mimics spooky action into the past

Physicists have demonstrated that quantum particles can be in an entangled state even after measurement, which was previously thought to be an objective fact. The team realized a 'delayed-choice entanglement swapping' experiment, where Victor's choice affected Alice's and Bob's photons after they had been measured.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 23, 2012

Pain relief with PAP injections may last 100 times longer than a traditional acupuncture treatment

Scientists at UNC have developed a new method for delivering long-lasting pain relief through PAPuncture, which mimics the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture. The treatment has been shown to provide up to six-day pain relief in animal models and may be applicable to any area where regional anesthesia is performed.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalMolecular Pain·DateApr 23, 2012

Keeping older drivers on the road

Researchers at Newcastle University are using a mobile laboratory car called DriveLAB to develop new technologies to support older drivers. The team is investigating in-vehicle systems that can help keep people driving safely into their 70s, 80s, and beyond.

New yeast prion helps cells survive

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute discovered a yeast prion called Mod5 that confers survival advantages by granting cellular resistance to antifungal agents. The study reveals the active role of prion conversion in cellular fitness adaptation, providing new insights into the broader function of prions in living organisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2012

Unusual protein helps regulate key cell communication pathway

A new research at Washington University School of Medicine has shown how an unusual protein plays a key role in temporarily blocking the movement of ions through channels after a cell fires off an electrical signal. The researchers found that this protein nestles into a receptor inside the channel in a highly specific way, closing it a...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2012

Range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests needed to differentiate concurrent brain diseases

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has demonstrated that a range of diagnostic spinal fluid tests are needed to differentiate between brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. The studies found that biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, including tau and amy...