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Science News for August 31, 2012


Immune system protein could explain pancreatitis

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests that the immune system protein NFATc3 plays a significant role in the development of acute pancreatitis. The researchers found links between NFAT and trypsinogen activation, neutrophil recruitment, and tissue damage in mice.

SourceLund University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 31, 2012

Glass shape influences how quickly we drink alcohol

Researchers at University of Bristol found that participants drank more slowly from curved 'beer flute' glasses than straight-sided glass containing lager, suggesting curved glasses compromise ability to gauge liquid levels and pace drinking. This could have positive impact on reducing intoxication and excessive drinking.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2012

AGU journal highlights -- 31 August 2012

Scientists study Mercury's surface chemistry and geological history, finding distinctive mineral patterns dominated by magnesium and sulfur. Meanwhile, researchers in Bermuda investigate the origin of red soils, discovering that African dust may be a key factor in their formation.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 31, 2012

Cleveland Clinic researchers investigating potential drug for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute and Anesthesiology Institute have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The compound MDA7 has been shown to induce beneficial immune responses that limit the development of the disease, restoring cognition, memory, and synaptic plasticity in animal models.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateAug 31, 2012

Danish scientists solve old blood mystery

Researchers at Aarhus University have solved the long-standing puzzle of haemoglobin structure using high-resolution three-dimensional mapping. This discovery provides essential information on how haptoglobin captures and neutralizes toxic haemoglobin, which can cause kidney damage in diseases like malaria.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2012

Traumatic childhood may increase the risk of drug addiction

Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that a traumatic upbringing during childhood is linked to impulsive and compulsive personality traits, increasing the risk of drug dependence. The study examined 50 adults with cocaine dependence and their biological siblings, finding a direct relationship between traumatic childhoods ...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2012